Posted by Riley Ellingson on May 29 2015

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Banjos, bass, lazers, and a whole lot of smiles filled Chilicothe, Illinois this Memorial day weekend for the 15th annual Summer Camp Music Festival. The festival brings out an amazing variety of people, art, and of course that magical music thing that brings us all together. When taking on a camping festival like Summer Camp there are a few things you should know and prepare yourself accordingly. We hit the camping grounds and talked to some some fellow "Scampers" to breakdown what you best not forget at home and how to have the most enjoyable festival experience you can!

Nate and Emma [Minneapolis, MN]

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget?

"You better bring an open mind homie! You have to keep your ears open for new music and explore new things! I would also highly recommend investing in a canopy for your group."

What do you like better about a camping festival?

"Even when there's no music being played just hanging at the campsite - it's always a great time! Like a huge sleepover with old friends and the new ones that you make while here!"

Any tips on making it through the weekend in top form?

"Canopy, canopy, canopy! Trust. You will wish you had one if you don't."

Who are you guys most excited to see perform?

"The Tribe!! (STS9) We've also heard great things about Horseshoes and Hand Grenades as well so we're excited to see what they're about. Also cannot wait to get the funk down with GRiZ!!"

What would be the perfect midnight snack or meal for after a day full of jamming?

"A bacon double cheese!" - Nate "A huge salad with extra radishes!"- Emma

Lucas [Atlanta, GA]

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget?

"Extra cash and some chapstick! You don't wanna be that guy trying to bum some chapstick from people!"

What do you like better about a camping festival?

"Its like being on vacation for me, just being away from the real world is such a nice break from reality."

Any tips on making it through the weekend in top form?

"Bring some clothes that can get dirty! And don't let bad weather ruin your time! If it rains, you go hard in the rain, if its cold put on some extra layers but do not let it kill your vibe!"

Who are you most excited to see perform?

"Umphreys!!!! And my boy Nahko always spreading good vibes, peace, and love!"

What would be the perfect midnight snack or meal for after a day full of jamming?

"Philly Cheese Steak! ...But I might regret that later!"

Lauren [Brookfield, WI]

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget? Or is there anything that you may have forgot to bring that you wish you had?

"Aloe!!! Sunscreen is obvious but I wish I packed some aloe cuz sunscreen won't help you when it's too late!"

What do you like better about a camping festival?

"Meeting new people, having neighbors and having a non stop party with them, I just love that it never ends!"

Any tips on making it through the weekend in top form?

"Water, and a good attitude! Make sure to have some time to rest when you can and build up your dancing energy."

Who are you most excited to see perform?

"Big G, and GRiZ! Love me some good Sax!"

What would be the perfect midnight snack or meal for after a day full of jamming?

"Breakfast….Pancakes...yes defs pancakes."

Kevin [Ann Arbor, MI]

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget?

"Gotta have some shade! Get a canopy of some sort to keep cool with the crew! Also I wish I had a headlamp, finding stuff at night especially in your tent can be quite the pain!"

What do you like better about a camping festival?

"The continuation of fun and intimacy of all of the fellow campers! Its like living in a different world with new people for a few days!"

Any tips on making it through the weekend in top form?

"Stay hydrated and go at your own pace! Gotta pace yourself and enjoy every moment!"

Who are you most excited to see perform?

"Can't wait to see A-trak throwdown also I'm from Michigan so you know I'm siked to see Griz! I've also never seen Widespread Panic and I'm excited to see what all of these older guys are tellin me about."

What would be the perfect midnight snack or meal for after a day full of jamming?

"Breakfast Pizza with sausage, butter sauce, and BACON!"

Garret [a.k.a ARTIFAKTS]

Laying down a set of his own during Thursday nights pre party, we had a second to catch up with Artifakts! Huge S/O to Garret for jammin with us during a killer set by Manic Focus & Break Science!

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget?

"Ear plugs! It's never quiet around here and you'll want to have em!"

Who are you most excited to see perform?

"Steve Miller Band! That's Classic!"

Jon a.k.a. Jimsy [Chicago, IL]

What's one festival essential you'd tell a first timer not to forget?

"Something to cover my face from the dust! It's can get so dusty out here and it can get hard breathing all of that in. Also, do not bring valuables! A phone is okay but I see people out here with laptops and what not and that's just asking for trouble."

What do you like better about a camping festival?

"You're practically living with an entirely new group of people! It's like a big out-door college dorm but way better."

Any tips on making it through the weekend in top form?

"Eat as much as you can and sleep as much as you can! Also check out some music you haven't heard before!"

Who are you most excited to see perform?

"GRiZ for sure but, all of my friends are really into the jam band stuff and I am yet to experience it live so I am pumped to see what its all about."

What would be the perfect midnight snack or meal for after a day full of jamming?

"Roast Beef Gardener!!"

Summer Camp was rockin! From GRiZ's rain fueled get down to Big Gigantic's homie filled superjam - The folks behind the festival know how to put things together and make it just right!

Our good friend Collin Taylor at Live Edit Labs took some really slick shots over the weekend. Check out our favorite in the gallery below and make sure you show him some love on your socials! #SLSL

**Editor's Note: We're having trouble with the gallery. Bear with us. Click twice on the right arrow and you should be good.**