First time Camp Tips (ROTW)

[Dougtron 3030]

Attending my first camp this coming week, River of the West mandolin camp with Brian Oberlin, Don Steirnberg, Carlo Aonzo, and Jordan Ramsey.

Excited to up my mandolin skills, any tips of what I shouldn't forget to bring?

[UsuallyPickin]

Take a digital recorder, extra strings, picks, batteries and a travel mug / water bottle. Have fun .... R/

[Luna Pick]

Dorm arrangements there are somewhat communal, so consider taking ear plugs for sleeping. Relax and absorb, don't try to take in too much.

[Dick Dery]

Take a digital recorder, extra strings, picks, batteries and a travel mug / water bottle. Have fun .... R/

Also:
A video or still camera.
Snacks.
I'd suggest leaving the laptop at home. While it can be useful for storing files, it can also be a very powerful distraction.
Play what you can, don't worry about what you can't.

Pictures and information about Menucha:

https://menucha.org/photo-gallery

See you Thursday!

[Dougtron 3030]

Thanks for the tips! Should be fun and I might even learn something...

[Northwest Steve]

I attended ROW last year and it was my first camp. I agree with the ear plugs. If you want a beer or glass of wine you should bring them. There was lots of food and it was very good. There is market up the road if you need. It is a wonderful venue and great atmosphere. There are some walking trails on the grounds, it is great to get out and take a walk at lunch or after dinner. The one think I would do more of is jump into jams. The ladies upstairs in the big room jam and sing a lot, great place to hangout. It will be all mandolin all the time, almost overload but in a good way. Have fun....

[tiltman]

Cool! Thanks for the info. I'm going to ROTW for the first time as well.

See you Thursday,

Kirk Miller
Portland, OR

[Bill McCall]

I'd print out all of the materials, and bind them for ease of access. Bring your music stand. Writing utensils.
A warm shirt, light jacket for the Friday night outdoor jam.
Beer, wine, or liquor if you want them, its a fair ways to town.
Cash for cds and the espresso bar.
a flashlight for walking around at night.
A rain jacket/hat, umbrella. it is the Northwest and you'll have short walks from building to building.
Everything everybody else mentioned.

have a great time.

[Paul Kotapish]

I find a good pair of eyeshades helps, too. If you are up late playing tunes, you don't necessarily want to rise when dawn breaks. The artificial darkness also helps when dorm mates bumble in later or head to the head in the middle of the night.

Seems like the other essentials are covered above, but did anyone mention a comfortable folding chair? That can make life more pleasant at many camps.

I don't know the details of how ROTW runs, but at other camps I like to bring some snacks and booze to share so that I can help host sessions at happy hour or after hours.

[Dougtron 3030]

Good tips, certainly added some items to my packing list!

Going to the concert Wednesday, then out to the camp. Look forward to meeting folks.