Camp and College: Preparing you for life

I worked and volunteered at BSA camps for five summers before I moved away for college. As we all know college is for learning new things and preparing you to be a success in your field of choice. Like camp you meet lots of new people and get to experience lots of new things. I have noticed, however, that there have been many things that I learned at camp that have transitioned over to "the real world" and I would like to share some of them with you.

1. How to pack for a couple weeks

I had never moved or needed to pack for more than a couple days before I worked at scout camp. I learned that short long totes with wheels and handles are your friend. Not only do they fit under your cot at camp (or bed boosted by cinder blocs in college)  and provide easy access to clean clothing or whatever you put in them, they are easy to transport. You don't need a million shoes, accessories, or memorabilia from home. You just need clean clothes that can mix and match so you have different outfits. Being clean is the number one thing. After clothing necessities you should pack your toiletries. If you are a girl find new ways to keep things like ponytail holders together. I keep them on a climbers carbiner so they don't sink to the bottom of the tote like keys in a purse. 

2. Public laundry rooms or laundromats really do eat socks

I always thought this was a lie till I worked at camp. Our washer would literally eat socks when it drained the water. I still am not sure how but after the drain clogged we took the pipe apart and found half a dozen scout socks. Speaking of scout socks- boil them and disinfect them after camp. They always smell and get nasty. Anti fungal powder during camp helps keep moisture out and even if you don't have a fungus is always a good precaution. 

3. How to live with roommates

I grew up with 3 siblings so I never thought it would be a problem having roommates. Well being in the same room with 6-9 other girls changed that thought. Sometimes you have to say no to staying up till one in the morning every night. Its hard but totally worth it most nights. When sharing one shower and one mirror to get ready things can be hectic, but are doable if you agree to shower at different times like splitting between nights and mornings. Bring your own mirror if you need to. Some people snore and talk in their sleep so get headphones and listen to music. 

4. Food

Now at camp you have lovely cooks who most of the time cook lovely food. At the camps I worked at we were welcome to the leftovers on the weekends. There are many ways to improve cheap food or leftovers. We got thrifty! For example: 

- mac and cheese on nacho chips with extra cheese melted on top

-mac and cheese with hot dog slices and ketchup

-Doritos taco flavored chips make the best nachos

- Top Ramen noodles cooked then drained, add veggies, add leftover orange chicken sauce 

- Ramen noodles cooked and drained with left over spaghetti sauce

- Left over spaghetti sauce + hamburger + bread = meatball sandwiches

- waffles+chili+lettuce+ salsa+ tomatoes = navajo tacos

- chicken and waffle sandwiches

-bbq chicken pizza

-etc,... there are so many more