7 Tips for Surviving Band Camp

What items should you bring with you?

1. Water, water, water! Did we mention water? Hot summer days and the demanding physical activities required for band camps make staying hydrated one of the most essential things a student should focus on. Dehydration is the leading contributor to heat exhaustion. You may be dehydrated before you even realize it! The CDC recommends drinking 8oz of water every 15-20 minutes when working in the heat.
2. Comfortable Athletic Shoes. No matter what section you are in, your feet will get a workout every day during band camp. Poor shoe choice is one of the leading causes of injury during marching season, so choosing the best athletic shoe for you is important. And NO FLIP FLOPS!
3. Sunscreen. Use it. Use it well. Use it often. You may also want a hat to protect your face against the sun.
4. Your Instrument. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised.
5. Pencils. Students are typically asked to mark their music and drill books. It is important to keep a writing utensil ready, preferably one with an eraser.
6. Instrument “Extras”. This will depend on your instrument, but extra reeds, valve oil, and even a small instrument repair kit are all essential for long performance days. Remember, marching band means extra wear and tear on your instrument.
7. Snacks. Snacks that provide carbohydrates and electrolytes are the way to go for those long band camp days. You must stay energized on the field and in indoor rehearsal spaces. Remember to rinse your mouth before playing your instrument again!

How to prepare before camp?

1. Get Acclimated to Outdoor Weather. If you are not used to being outside during high temperatures, a 4–8-hour day outside could lead to health issues. We recommend a heat acclimatization process over 1-2 weeks. During this time, you will increase the amount of time and work you do outside day by day. This could include walking, running, or any other cardiovascular workout in the heat. Now is also an excellent time to get accustomed to holding your instrument in a play position for extended periods of time.
2. Eat Before, During, and After Camp. Marching Band is physically demanding, especially during long band camps. You want to keep it healthy and nutrient-rich, high in protein, and light on the stomach. Stay away from overly sugary snacks and fried foods. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and granola are all excellent choices.
3. Get the Right Clothes. Make sure the clothes you have for camp will work. You want to be comfortable and not restricted. Clothing that is breathable, lightweight, and designed for working out is essential to a successful band camp.
4. Learn How to Stretch! Most camps have a daily warm-up routine that includes stretching, but you could get injured if you are not used to that type of workout or routine. Take a few days before the start of camp to learn a daily stretching routine to gain proper form so you can negate injury.
5. Early is on Time, On Time is Late. This is the mantra for all band camp students. Get to camp at least 5-10 minutes early. You must be on your dot or in your section the moment camp starts. Gather your items, organize anything you need to get started, apply sunscreen, and drink water BEFORE your scheduled time to begin.

In Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is to listen to your director. The advice above is a great starting point for knowing what to expect, but remember that each camp is different, and your directors and assistant directors will have their own expectations. Showing up with a good attitude is half the battle, and the other half is the work you put in. Good luck to all the students and staff heading off to their camps, whether it is your first, fourth, or twentieth!

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