The Countdown Begins

While most students and parents have been counting down the days to summer vacation, marching band families have a different countdown happening. One week until mini-camp! Those “Last day of school” photos will quickly be replaced with “first day of mini-camp” photos - and for the class of 2027 parents - your “last, first day of mini camp” kicks off a season of “last” memories. 
In the remaining  week before mini camp, it's important to start gathering the items needed for all the band camps throughout the summer. 
Here’s a list of must haves - with links for EXAMPLES of the different items:

1. Insulated ½ Gallon water jug - solo cups or silicone mold for freezing large ice cubes! 
2. A good pair of athletic shoes (running shoes preferred) - NO CROCS - even in sport mode! 
3. Sunscreen - I get lotion for their face, and spray for their body 
4. Chapstick - I try to get the kind with SPF
5. Sunglasses 
6. Hat - similar to the ones linked here. A baseball cap doesn't protect the back of your neck from the sun - but can work in a pinch!
7. Hand sanitizer - a small container that can clip to your backpack or belt loop.
8. Mechanical pencils - there aren't pencil sharpeners on the practice field! 
9. Sturdy 3-ring binder
10.  20 clear plastic page protectors for music (Color Guard does not need these)
11.  12-pack of 12” balloons (Winds only - preferably Jenison green) - Hard to find a 12 pack online. Check dollar tree for a smaller pack - or team up with friends in your section and split the cost! 
12. “Dot Book” (spiral bound 3x5” cards) - by Pre-Camp (Front Ensemble does not need these) - I bought the six pack freshman year and they lasted all four years! 
13. Long Shoelace to attach your dot book around your waist OR a belt bag (the better choice for guard 
14.  Men's Khaki shorts or Women's Khaki Shorts for band camp community performance August 8 (Solid black athletic shorts for Color Guard)

These were not on the slide show at the parent meeting but are items that I have found to be extremely useful in having a successful camp experience. 

1. healthy and quickly consumable snacks -not dairy, nuts, or chocolate! (curdles, allergies, and it melts!)
2. Additional hydration enhancers like gatorade or liquid IV.
3. Blister bandaids, bandaids, or a little first aid kit
4. Blister Prevention
5. anti-chafing cream 
6. spray on deodorant - sticks melt in the heat! Spray on is also easy to share if your friend forgets!
7. extra hair ties 
8. cooling towels - soak in ice water and stay cooler quickly
9. an extra pair of socks - sweat, rips, and turf can be tough on a sock.
10. a spare tshirt - sweat happens!
11. a supportive sports bra
12. a towel - for stretching or wiping sweat

Mini-Camp runs Monday June 8 & Tuesday, June 9 from 9am - 4pm. Lunch will be provided by Feed the Band.
A few other reminders:

• establish a good sleep routine.
• maintain healthy eating habits.
• HYDRATE! Start now!
• Practice good hygiene. 
• start conditioning your body for the season - walk, jog, cardio - exercise!

If you have any  questions - please reach out!!
Kate Cummings-Ackerman
Connor's Mom - Baritone - 2024
Hannah's Mom - Color Guard 2026
Gracelyn’s Mom - Color Guard 2029
Wyatt’s Mom - #1 Little Pesky Band Brother 2035