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How do I prepare? What do I bring to camp?
This is probably one of the most-asked questions we get, and it can depend year-to-year based on when camp is. Typically, though, we're talking about summer in Maryland. We're not THAT far away from civilization, but it's never fun to shop last minute for the things you need.
Of course, many of you fly in from all over the United States, or even abroad, so packing everything may not be an option, and we totally get that, so having the list beforehand will help when going shopping in the towns surrounding camp.
Here's a list of everything you'll need to be fully prepared.
For Your Cabin Bedroom | For Your Tent | For the Bathroom | For Your Body | For Fun
The beds at Ramblewood are Tempurpedic Twin XL sized. Get yourself some bed sheets that will fit accordingly. Bonus points for nerdy sheets - and yes, this is the perfect opportunity to buy them for yourself!
It's HOT in Maryland (and you'll notice this is a theme here), so as far as blankets are concerned, you may be able to get away from just a top sheet. However, if you're someone that needs a blanket to sleep, consider something lightweight.
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 like I said...I'm picky.
Thankfully, the beds are no longer covered in plastic but bamboo covers to keep out the critters, but with the sounds of other people in your cabin, you may want to consider investing in some earplugs.
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.
For whatever electronic devices you intend on bringing to camp, make sure you bring the chargers for those devices along with!
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.
For those of you with sleep apnea, this should go without saying, but bring your CPAP machine along. You'll be able to get distilled water from a nearby pharmacy.
Insert Maryland summer comment here. Bring a fan. Bring a few fans. You'll learn who your cabin mates are ahead of time, so you can always coordinate to get something larger. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable while you sleep.
Do you really want your suitcase or travel bag to smell like mildew, sweat, and general grossness? Bring an extra bag for your soiled, wet, dirty clothes. You'll thank me when you unpack afterward.
One of the pre-camp activities I'd recommend is to work with your cabinmates on a theme and decorate accordingly. This is a great opportunity to make your cabin feel a little more like home...or Themyscria, a library, a witch's cabin...the world's your oyster.
I mean, isn't this obvious?
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.
I can personally vouch for this - in the summer, when it rains, it pours, and nothing is worse than getting rain in your tent.
If you're sensitive to light or sound, consider getting yourself some earplugs or a sleep mask.
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.
A towel is the most massively useful thing that a camper can have. (We even have a towel for sale with this saying on it.) Bring at least two, one for the shower and one for after the pool. And maybe a face/bathroom towel...so three...
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.
I hope you considered bringing this.
Sure, the showers are clean, but you're sharing them with others. Those Crocs that you have make perfect shower shoes.
Check the weather in Darlington, MD, a week before coming to camp so that you know what to bring with you in terms of clothes. Everything should be breathable and comfortable.
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! Do not get complacent in the war against the evil day moon!!
People have brought neck fans, belt fans...you name it. Any way you can try to keep cool, we definitely recommend.
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! Keep in mind that, again, it's summer in Maryland (I'm not kidding), so a full suit of armor is probably not recommended.
The pool can be your best friend, and between Mermaiding and Pool Quadball, you can suit up in style.
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.
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.
Here's the inevitable...you are going to sweat. A lot. Make sure you have at least one, if not SEVERAL water bottles 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. #HydrateorDiedrate (PS...we totally sell the BEST WATER BOTTLE you'll ever have in your life.)
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.
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).
An absolute must. Sunburns are not fun, and can lead to some nasty surprises. Nothing ruins an experience of a lifetime quite like getting a nasty sunburn. Ensure you bring a healthy amount of sunscreen with you to protect your skin from the harsh rays. (I tend to keep a small bottle of aloe vera handy, just in case.)
Mud daubers are our friends, but there's been less of them lately, which means there's more mosquitoes, so ensure you're putting some bug spray on. Picaridin-based bug sprays won't make you feel greasy like regular ones do.
You will inevitably need to go somewhere at night when it is dark out. Finding your way there and back is a lot easier with a flashlight.
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.
Keep your hands clean and germ-free in this time of health uncertainty! #HygieneOrDiegiene
You may laugh, but if sitting on metal chairs doesn't sound super comfortable to you, consider bringing a seat cushion. Your posterior will thank you.
If you're taking a chainmaille class and already have pliers, bring them.
Most people will bring alcoholic beverages of some sort, as this is a 21+ camp.
There's going to be several times during camp where you just want to relax in a pool. BYO Floatie if you should choose. Also, include a monofin if you're picky and are taking mermaiding classes.
Shortly before the start of camp, if you've chosen to be in a cabin, you'll be assigned your cabin and will have the opportunity to talk with your other cabinmates. You can figure out a group theme, who's bringing what, and so on.
We can't tell you how many times campers have been left unaware of their schedules, and cell service is not exactly consistent on site. We can certainly look them up for you, but if you print your schedule ahead of time, you'll certainly be ahead of the game!
Tabletop.Events even has a handy My Schedule feature; once your schedule is all done, feel free to even take a screenshot of that, or download your schedule into an .ics file for your phone's calendar.
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 YEARS ago!)
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.
We'll have up-to-date information about ENC 2025 on our Discord or 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 2025-specific list.