Summer has arrived, and camp is officially in session for demigods across the globe. But if you’re reading this from the comfort of your own home and wondering why you have yet to receive a formal invitation to Camp Half-Blood, don’t fret! Many new campers arrive late. As long as you’re hallucinating strange visions of winged horses and possess at least one absent parental figure you know next to nothing about, there’s hope for you yet!

Unfortunately, most of the new arrivals end up at Half-Blood with nothing more than the clothes off their back, a head full of questions, and rapid onset trauma from their first monster attack.

If you somehow manage to survive your first encounter with a Fury or the Minotaur and you make it past the Half-Blood’s barriers, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re more prepared than the typical newbie. First impressions are important, after all. Especially when dealing with the kids of the people who invented the very concept of “judgment.”

This is why we have devised the ultimate Camp Half-Blood packing list for newcomers. You may not be able to take all of it with you, but collecting the items will at least give you something to do while you’re waiting for the Gray Sisters Taxi to arrive.

-One Clean Shirt

-This is just for the first day. You don’t want to stand out too much, do you? You’ll be provided with enough official orange CBH T-shirts when you arrive to last you the entire summer.

-Toiletries

Don’t forget antiperspirant, which you’ll be grateful for after hours of battle-training.

-Candy and Snacks

Nothing strawberry-flavored. You’ll get enough of that fruit in time.

-Knee Pads, Shin Guards, Helmet, Bungee Cord, Etc.

You’ll thank us later.

-Running Shoes

The fastest pair you can find. Cleats might come in handy for battle. Leave the winged hightops at home.

– Reflective Sunglasses

To keep glare out of your eyes . . . and to stay one step ahead of the gorgons.

-Musical Instrument

For the nightly singalongs. Your choice, but please, no more acoustic guitars. And keep your playing soft when Apollo is performing.

-Sunscreen

Armor over sunburned skin is not a good look—or feel.

-Book of Greek Myths for Beginners

You’re going to want to brush up on these to get a leg up on the daily classes. At least before you enter any waterbed outlets you come across this summer.

-Nose Clip

Not for wearing while swimming in the lake (unless you want to look like a dork), but very useful for the inevitable toilet dunking sessions conducted by the campers in Ares’ Cabin.

-Baseball Cap

Be sure to put your name inside it, especially if it has magical powers. You don’t want it ending up in the wrong hands.

-Sleeping Bag

For when your bunkmates dare you to spend a night sleeping in the forest. Please note, you are under absolutely no obligation to follow through on this dare . . . if you’re a baby.

-A Binder Filled with Printed-Out Memes You Want to Show Your New Friends

We know it’s old school, but no phones are allowed. For your own safety.

-A 24-Can Case of Diet Coke

We can’t guarantee that this will help Mr. D remember your name, but it will at least help you get on his good side.

All the above may seem like a lot, but bear in mind that some new campers don’t actually spend that much time at Camp Half-Blood before they’re sent off on their first quest. So don’t sweat it if you forget a few things before embarking to Long Island.

Most campers leave Half-Blood with much more than what they bring, e.g. new friends, new powers, new near-death experiences, new prophecies that will keep them up at night for months to come, and most important of all: a new relationship with their godly parent.

Don’t expect them to pay for any of this stuff, though.