Cougar Marching Band Camp 2026 FAQ
when and where is band camp?
August 9-15, 2026 at Camp Tamarack in Ortonville, MI.
What should we pack?
REQUIRED:
Summer Band Uniform (band polo, khaki shorts, band hat, white shoes, white socks)
(Any polo shirts that have not been picked up will be handed out at the merchandise table at Camp Check-In.)
RECOMMENDED:
Pillow, sleeping bag and/or sheets, blanket
Medicine - in original packaging and in a plastic baggie
Soap/Toiletries - especially deodorant
Brush/hair care
Shower shoes
Sunscreen, bug spray
Comfortable shoes - at least 2 pairs
Raincoat/poncho
Pajamas
Undergarments
Shorts
Sweatshirts, light jacket
Jeans/pants
Shirts (plus two extra)
Section Shirt (if your section has one)
Bath towel
Flashlight
Sunglasses
Hat
Braces/splints/wraps (as needed for personal use)
OPTIONAL:
Swimsuit, beach towel
Cooling/snap cloth
Playing cards/books
Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
Over the door hook to hang on bunk for wet towel
how do we get to camp?
Camp check-in will be on Sunday, August 9th at the Auditorium Wing at Stoney Creek High School, according to the schedule below. Parents/Guardians must accompany your student through Camp Check-In. Once students have completed check in, parents are welcomed but not required to stay to see the bus off.
IMPORTANT: EAT A GOOD LUNCH BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Juniors - 12:00pm (noon)
Sophomores - 12:12pm
Freshman - 12:30pm
Seniors - 12:45am
Students will be riding busses provided by the district to and from camp. Luggage will be loaded in U-Hauls and transported to camp at the same time.
how do instruments/Guard equipment get to camp?
Instruments/guard equipment will be loaded into a trailer on Saturday, August 8th by the Auditorium Wing. If your instrument is not packed in the Instrument Trailer Saturday Morning, it will be sitting on your lap for the entire trip to camp.
To allow instrument packing to run more smoothly, please follow the following schedule for drop-off. You must stay until your instrument if loaded on the trailer. As soon as equipment and instruments are loaded we will lock the trailer. Please do not delay.
10:00am Drum Majors, Front Ensemble & Percussion
10:15am Low Brass & Mellophones
10:30am Saxophones & Trumpets
10:45am Clarinets & Flutes
11:00am Color Guard
11:15am Chaperones load the rest of items into the trailer
WHat if my child has dietary restrictions?
Even though you already entered your child’s dietary restrictions and allergies in band registration documentation, Camp Tamarack wants you to give this information directly to them as well. A link to a form will be added her and sent out when it is available.
When do the students return from camp?
Camp ends on Saturday, August 15th. The final performance for the parents on the last day of camp will be held back at Stoney Creek. The students will be bussed back from camp. (No need to drive to camp to pick up your child,)
The Cougar Marching Band will be performing at the Blue & Gold football game on Saturday August 15th. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend to see the results of the week of hard work!
8:30am - Busses arrive from Camp at Stoney Creek
9:00 to 10:00am - Band practices on Stoney Creek stadium field
10:00am - Band plays the National Anthem to kick off Stoney Creek’s Blue and Gold games
10:10 to 10:50am - Band plays pep tunes during Freshman/JV Football Scrimmage
10:50 to 11:10am - Band premiers its Halftime Show
11:10 to 12:30pm - Band plays pep tunes until at least halftime of the Varsity Scrimmage

