Packing Aid: List each piece of your costume and props separately on paper. Then when you are packing your things to take to the site, you will have an exact list and won't miss that special little something that you really needed for a bit. "Make a list. Check it twice."

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Health Issues:

First Aid Kit w/ antibiotic ointment, Band-aids, eye drops, Tums & aspirin/Tylenol/Motrin.

Sunscreen - water proof/ sweet proof

Drinking water.

Bug Spray.

On the back of your picture ID secure a post it note with a listing of your allergies (to medications) and emergency contact info. It helps the SS in emergencies. Make sure that this can be removed at a later date (should not be permanent, medications change).

Prescription Medicines you are taking in their original bottles (in case of an emergency, someone might need to know what you are taking). Make some provision to keep them dry. Also list these on the back of your ID with their name and dosage.

Contact Lenses and all their paraphernalia .

Moleskin (found in pharmaceutical areas) to cover blisters on the feet. They don't wear off like band aids and they protect the owies too!.

Ricola cough drops or lemon water for your voice.

Muscle ointment such as tiger balm or Ben Gay.

Anti-bacterial waterless hand cleaner, use anything scented - flying insects, especially the bees, love that.

Grooming:

Baby wipes... shower in a box.

Ye old kleenex- for your bum should the biffy be out

Shampoo, soap, towels, etc.

Liquid soap is a lot cleaner to wash with than bars of soap.

Shower shoes(flip-flops), nothing worse then getting the dreaded ick from the floor of the showers and flip-flops are a great deal cleaner than the floor.

Lots of quarters for the showers. .

Small spray bottle and a comb or brush are invaluable time savers for those mornings.

Costuming & Clothing:

Something quick to slip on your feet/body and a flashlight for those middle of the night privy runs.

A Rubbermaid or other largish plastic bin with a locking lid is extraordinarily helpful for keeping costumes dry and relatively dirt free. It's handy to put your *travel alarm clock*, Kleenex, flip-flops and flashlight on top of the lid in readiness for the middle of the night privy runs.

Sewing kit.

Extra sox.

Jacket or cloak.

Layered clothing for after hours.

Something to wipe off your slippers/shoes/boots or whatever so you don't soil the floor of your tent (or at least to limit the tracking in of dirt and mud).

Plastic bag to put your wet clothes in so they don't soggy up your dry ones.

Nothing is worse than putting a cold (sometimes wet) costume on in the morning. If you don't have a spare. Place your dry costume (or wet one in a garbage bag) inside your sleeping bag when you go to sleep. Your body heat will keep it at a moderate temp so it will be somewhat warm in the morning. This only works if you are in the sleeping bag too.

Bobby pins. Maybe everyone else has discovered this trick, too, but if you're lacing your bodice with ribbon, using a bobby pin makes it vastly easier (You poke the round end through the hole, poke the ribbon through the round end, and pull it through. I just about did a happy dance when I figured that out.).

For Those in Tent City:

Old box spring and/or mattress, Styrofoam. This helps not only with muscle comfort, but also shields against the ground sucking out your body heat. We also have our floor covered with an old carpet for the same reason. (And it WILL get cold at night).

Tarps to cover your tent. It helps prevent sun rotting and of course, shields you more against wind and rain.

Extra blankets for the cold nights. (Or a special "snuggle bunny"!) <grin>.

Ear-plugs (although noisy folk ought to be dealt with by a curt and simple comment).