Pack well. (There’s a packing list linked below.)

Embrace the weirdness. Camp exists within capitalist America, which makes us feel like—as adults—we’re no longer allowed to make fools of ourselves, play with abandon, make new and unexpected friends, find love offline, or spend hours and hours producing absolutely nothing of commercial value. Camp, therefore, can be jarring! You might want a name tag. You might want to take home an object to prove you created worthwhile product while away. You might crave your routine. You might get itchy or scared by the novelty of it all. Try to roll with that weirdness, because that’s when the magic happens. We’re all going through it together, so refill your water canteen and do your best. Revolutionary praxis (be it play or self-defense) will always feel awkward. Lean into it.

Embrace the vibe, too. This is old school Camp, and we love it when Campers take that seriously. We’re adding some inspiration below, for your delight and amusement.

Give everyone a shot. We’re a pretty diverse and totally queer/neuro-spicy farm, and we attract some amazing folks who are down with that. Odds are: Nobody at Camp is a dick, and anyone could be your new BFF. But you’ve got to get past the weirdness (See: Above) and give ‘em a shot. We’ve created space for introverts (Find: The Quiet Station) and social butterflies (Speed dating, a volleyball court, and a games table) in the hopes that everyone can get their emotional batteries charged and their hearts tended to. Take care of each other, and honor those fucking pronouns. <3

Try not to skip sessions. We’ve designed a schedule that gives everyone something they really wanted, and also pushes everyone into a bit of discomfort. This is intentional! So many alumni have made new connections, started new hobbies, or felt refreshing affirmation where there was once just… anxiety. We can’t knock it out of the park for every Camper at every Summer Camp—but damn. Our formula has a pretty great record. So stay the course, bud!

Be safe, but stay involved. Lots of folks need extra rest, shade, water breaks, etc. You are welcome (and so very encouraged) to take care of your bodies in the ways only you will know how. But try to jump right back in when you can, or find ways to stay in the fun—even if it means talking with other Campers about your needs. (Pro tip: Zipping yourself up in your tent only seems like a good idea until you’re sweating through your binder, getting a little bored, and feeling like you don’t know if it’s too late to rejoin the Radical Reading Book Swap. 1/10 do not recommend, fam.)

Let us tell you how to help. We know it can be hard watching new friends work hard all day when you’re just running around like a daisy-chain-wearing, sugared-up, high-on-life hooligan. But staff, educators, chefs, medics, and volunteers all get different trainings, different risk assessments, different schedules, and different protocols. When you wander our way and ask to help us cook food or set up for a visiting artist, you put us in the awkward position of having to tell you to “go on, now, and git!” Bummer. So instead: Consult your schedule, go have a blast, and let us know how much you care by sending us a sweet postcard when you get home. (Seriously. Please send us some love after Camp. We live for that shit and keep it forever.) If you really, truly, deeply want to help us—here’s the deal: Help us raise funds for next year. The better supported we are, the more staff we can bring on, the more equitably we can pay, the more Campers we can award scholarships to, and the more breaks we can all take. Historically, it’s the alumni who do that. In a few days: That’s YOU.