So, you want to know how to prepare for camp?

This is probably one of the most-asked questions we get – and it can change from year to year, depending on when camp is during the summer. We’re not THAT far away from civilization, but it’s never fun to last-minute shop for the things you need.

Many of you fly in from all over the US, and some of you fly in from abroad, so packing everything may not be an option, and we totally get that. There are towns surrounding the camp that will allow you to pick up what you need, but it’s important to know what you’re going to need beforehand.

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to be fully prepared!

THINGS TO PACK

FOR THE BUNK

  • Bed Sheets: the beds at Ramblewood are Tempur-pedic Twin XL sized, in varying firmness. Get yourself some bed sheets that will fit. Bonus points for superhero sheets – and yes, this is the perfect opportunity to buy them for yourself!
  • Blankets: for the first time in forever (no, I’m not singing anything from Frozen, leave me alone), we need to consider that it’s going to be cool/cold at night, as we are going in October. Bring yourself some blankets along with those bedsheets!
  • Pillows (and pillowcases): I don’t know about you, but I am picky when it comes to my pillows. Bring as many or as little as you want. I usually bring around four, but I’m also insane.
  • Earplugs: the beds are ALSO covered in plastic to keep out critters. Between that and the sounds of other people in your cabin, you may want to consider investing in some earplugs.
  • Sleep Mask: if you’re a sensitive sleeper when it comes to light, consider getting yourself a sleep mask. If a fellow camper needs to turn on a light for some reason, you’ll still be in total darkness.
  • Chargers: for whatever electronic devices you intend on bringing to camp (I imagine you’re bringing at least a cell phone) – make sure you bring the chargers for those devices along with you!
  • Surge Protector/Extension Cord: Some cabins may have more outlets than others. To be on the safe side, if you’re going to need more than one plug, consider bringing a surge-safe power strip along for the ride, plus an extension cord to allow for more flexibility in where you put things.
  • CPAP Machine: for those of you with sleep apnea, there are plenty of outlets for you to bring your CPAP machine along. You’ll have a much better sleep with it than without it! Pharmacies are not that far away from camp, and you’ll be able to grab distilled water from them.
  • Fan or AC: Ah, Maryland in summer. You are welcome to bring a fan or stand-alone AC unit. You’ll know who your cabin mates are ahead of time, so you can coordinate. Window box fans are great, and there’s definitely enough room to have a swivel fan. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable while you sleep.
  • Plastic/Trash Bag: Do you really want your suitcase or travel bag to smell like mildew and grossness? Bring an extra bag for your soiled, wet, gross clothes. You’ll thank us when you unpack afterward.
  • Things to Decorate With: One of the pre-camp bonding activities we recommend is to work with your bunkmates on a theme for your cabin – and decorate appropriately. This is a great opportunity to make your cabin feel a little more like home, or Hufflepuff House, or a library, or Themyscria.

FOR THE TENT

  • Tent: this should be obvious. The kind of tent is up to you – we’ve seen small personal tents and tents that have had their own closets.
  • Sleeping bag or air mattress: you’ll need SOMETHING to fall asleep on/in at night. If you bring an air mattress, we recommend one that has an attached inflator, and obviously, bring sheets/pillows/blankets as well.
  • Sunshade or tarp: Nothing is more frustrating than getting heat or rain in your tent.
  • Headlamps or flashlights: You will inevitably need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Finding your way there and back is a lot easier with a headlamp or flashlight.
  • Earplugs and Sleep Mask: if you’re sensitive to light or sound, consider getting yourself some earplugs or a sleep mask.
  • Chargers: for whatever electronic devices you intend on bringing to camp – make sure you bring the chargers for those devices along with! There will be a bunk or two specifically reserved for Shantytowners if the site is completely rained out, and you’ll be able to charge your stuff in there. If you want to be really prepared, consider even bringing a solar-powered charger.

FOR THE BATHROOM

  • Towels: it has been said many times before (heck, we even have a towel with this saying on it for sale!) that a towel is the most massively useful thing that a camper can have. Bring at least two – one for after the shower and one for after the pool (if you end up using the pool in October). Maybe even a small third one for washing your hands.
  • Shower Caddy: I know, this sounds like you’re in a dorm room, but nothing is worse than leaving your soap/shampoo in a shower stall and another camper’s in there. If you have a shower caddy to put all that stuff in, you’ll never have this issue.
  • Soap/Shampoo: You’re going to need stuff to wash with, so yeah. Bring that.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: I hope you considered bringing this.
  • Shower Shoes: Sure, the showers are clean, but you’re sharing them with others. Those Crocs that you have make perfect shower shoes.

FOR YOUR BODY

  • Clothes: It’s summer in Maryland. It can be sunny all the time, or it can downpour. Plan accordingly. Check the weather in Darlington, MD, a week before coming to camp, so you know what to bring with you in terms of clothes. You should consider bringing long-sleeved shirts since it gets cool at night. I wear lots of leggings to camp, a) because they’re breathable and lightweight, and b) because I will get a sunburn in about 5 minutes. Also, bring some fun masks. (More on that below.)
  • Hats and Sunglasses: That sun is a cruel mistress. Protect your eyes and head from the evil day moon by grabbing your favorite hat/baseball cap, and some sunnies for extra ‘tude!
  • Masks: We don’t know what life-with-Covid will look like by August. Bring a mask anyway.
  • Garb: Camp is the perfect opportunity to wear your pirate best or a unicorn onesie. At my work, our dress code is “Dress for Your Day,” and if your day consists of being in a large-scale battle in a forest, you want to look the part! Leave your real weapons at home, though; those aren’t allowed.
  • Bathing Suits: The pool will be open from sunrise until late evening. Mermaid swimming lessons and Pool Qudditch are totally going to be a thing this time, so suit up in style. (We provide monofins, but if you are “mermaiding”, you might consider bringing the bathing suit/tail part.)
  • Closed-Toe Shoes and Socks: Many activities at camp require closed-toe shoes, and it’s not as much fun hiking up and down hills with flip-flops on. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots, bring several pairs of socks, and they will be your saviors.
  • Casual Shoes or Flip-Flops: I know I just said flip-flops were going to be a pain, but casual athletic shoes won’t be. Plus, if you’re just hanging out in the game room or with your camp friends, flip-flops are good. Just don’t expect to be able to throw axes in flip-flops.
  • Water Bottles: It’s always good to have a water bottle on hand. The cafeteria has ice, water, juice, etc. For you to fill up your bottle with throughout the day, there will be several water stations throughout camp during the day to ensure you keep hydrated. #HailHydrate (PS…we totally sell the BEST WATER BOTTLE you’ll ever have in your life.)
  • Closed Containers: Two important rules about liquids: 1) you cannot have open containers in the game room, and 2) you cannot have glass containers outside your cabin. Therefore, for those bringing alcohol (and yes, you totally can), make sure you also bring with you containers with lids. Spare water bottles work well for this purpose, but you may also consider coffee cups with lids. Solo cups are good for carrying around alcohol, but they are not game room suitable.
  • Snacks: Throughout the day, you may find your hunger levels going up. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered, but consider bringing some snacks along with you for those in-between times. Consider bringing food with you that will give you energy and aren’t a total mess (I find beef jerky to be a perfect thing to bring with me for this reason, but nothing that leaves a residue).
  • Sunscreen: THIS IS A MUST! Sunburns are NOT fun and can lead to some nasty surprises! Ensure you bring a healthy amount of sunscreen with you to protect your skin from the harsh rays.
  • Bug Spray: Ramblewood is pretty free of mosquitoes, which is surprising until you learn that mosquitos are delicious to mud daubers. Mud daubers are not very threatening and would prefer you leave them alone, but it doesn’t hurt to put some bug spray on, especially when the bugs come out to play at night.
  • Medication: In addition to any meds you typically take, make sure you also bring along some painkillers for those aches and pains you will undoubtedly get. Aloe for those sunburns you might get, and calamine for insect bites will help, too.
  • Anti-Bacterial: Keep your hands clean and germ-free in this time of health uncertainty! #HailHygiene
  • Protective Cup: If you’re taking sword activities and you need some added…protection.
  • Alcohol: most people will bring alcoholic beverages of some sort, as this is a 21+ camp.

A note about Alcohol: Glass bottles are not allowed outside of the cabins – so the aforementioned separate containers are super important for travel-ability. Also, please make sure you drink responsibly. No one wants you to get sick.

THINGS TO DO

Pay by Badge

The info desk and game room will have awesome swag for sale, and there may be paid events you might want to partake in. There’s an ATM on Ramblewood premises, and we can theoretically take credit cards (if the camp’s Wi-Fi holds up). However, save yourself from having to carry around money by setting up Pay by Badge. By setting up a credit card ahead of time on your account, camp staff will only need your badge/badge number and your zip/postal code.

SWAPS

Many campers participate in SWAPS – little trinkets to exchange with others – as a way to connect. Many people start creating their SWAPS for next year as soon as camp is over. Think of things that you can put a key-ring on. SWAPS can be given away at any time throughout camp, so you may even decide to carry them with you throughout the day. (I still have little health and mana bottles from three years ago!)

Transportation to/from Camp

Figuring out how to get to camp is often the most tiring thing about coming in the first place. Obviously, book your plane tickets ahead of time if you’re flying in, and if you’re driving in, look up the directions ahead of time. Carpooling is always fun – check our Facebook group for individuals looking to +1 – and it’s a perfect opportunity for some carpool karaoke!!

More information on transportation to/from camp can be found on our website.

Stay Informed

We’ll have up-to-date information about ENC 2021 on our Facebook group. That way, you’ll be the first to know updates, and you’ll be able to meet your fellow campers well beforehand. If you’re not signed up for our general mailing list, please do so on our website. Purchasing a ticket automatically enrolls you into an ENC 2022-specific list.

REGISTER

Here is a really good thread about what to bring. By campers, for campers.