Ok, I'm at camp. Now what?

Packing is the easy part They'll give you a checklist for that What about all the pesky little things you'll Pace once you get to summer camp? Mo, we're not talking about mosquitoes.

So you're going to overnight camp. Great! Stoked, right? But — and this is so natural, nature girl — you also have anxiety. Instead of developing a nervous rash, read on.…

"Yikes! I have no friends here"

Camp is pretty much guaranteed to foster deep (and lasting) friendships. Why? Because all you campers are in the same canoe. For the most part, your fellow campers are also flying solo. Therefore, just about everybody is looking to buddy up. And whether you're at gymnastics camp or basketball camp or rock climbing or whatever, they are too! See the beauty of" it? You instantly have common interests. Even if you're at a general activities camp, you'll be registering for workshops. That means you're bound to meet buds who are also into ceramics or organics or . So no more worrying about whether or not you'll make friends, deal?

"ThiS is so like a marathon sleepover"

And that's a problem why? Well, if you stay up all night gabbing, you may have trouble rolling out of bed in the a.m. And some camps make you get out of the sack at the butt-crack of dawn. When you get to camp, you'll be assigned to a bunk, which is usually a simple wood cabin — uh, shake the dreams of plasma TV and a hot tub! — with only bare necessities such as bedding and, er, that's it. (Even bathroom facilities are often in a separate structure.) You'll share bunk space with roughly a dozen other girls and a couple college-age camp counselors. That turns bunk time into bonding time. It is here that you will really get to know your bunkmates and counselors, dish about camp cuties, and plot out pranks to pull on rival bunks. Slumber party!

'Whaddaya mean I can't use my cell?"

Some gals were born to be in the wild. Others, well, aren't so fond of parting ways with the conveniences of home (read: civilization). If you're more of a mall maven than a granola girl, learn to appreciate the change of scenery. It's important to hilly embrace your new surroundings — that means letting go of the familiar. We doubt anyone's going to freak if you bring your blow-dryer, but camp offers a chance to take a mini-break from the same ol' routine.

As for staying connected to fam and friends back home? Every camp has rules regarding visits, phone calls and Internet use, but we recommend you send old-school, lined notebook-paper letters from camp. Why? People will respond with care packages. So write home often.

"Whoa! The lake is crawling with boys"

Here's a little secret: Lots of girls have had their first kiss at summer camp. Camp offers so many setups for flirting, dancing, star-gazing and hand-holding. Picture this: You and a poppin'-fresh hottie you haven't known since pre-K huddled by the campfire on a moonlit night. Even if you go to an all-girls facility, you'll likely meet up at mixers with guys from a nearby camp. If you do make a crush connection, keep in mind that this is just a summer thing. Sure, you can agree to keep in touch. But odds are the crush will be seasonal, and that's what makes it extra special, Just keep it light, and enjoy your time together. Yes, it's short. But it's still sweet.

"I have my period and, you want me to swim how many laps?"

You'll probably have to deal with a cluster of minor annoyances during your camp stay — that dreaded time of the month, food that makes your school cafeteria seem like a five-star restaurant, a bunkmate's snoring. When it comes to body issues, just keep in mind that as uncomfortable as it seems, every girl has been there — and that includes female counselors. If you don't feel well enough to freestyle, say so. No, it's not the same as curling up with a heating pad at home. But you're going to camp to embark on an adventure. Remember that as you plunge your fork into the greenish goop on your plate. And bury your head under your pillow when King Kong snores.

"Hey, I didn't sign up POP drama camp"

With so many different personalities in the mix, drama is bound to flare up like a tiki torch. Try not to be drawn into It. Be friendly to everyone but, when conflicts heat up, focus your attention on, say, your archery skills. Also, strike the artful balance of sticking with girls you've befriended but without being cliquey. Keep in mind that learning to deal with roommates will come in handy later in life, like in college when you'll live in a dorm room the size of a shoebox.

"I swear, my counselor hates me"

Maybe she's a stickler when it comes to lights-out or takes her bad moods out on you. It's tough, but know your counselor is human. Perhaps she takes her job super seriously, or it could be she misses her boyfriend back home. Simply try to steer clear of an icky counselor…but really warm up to that awesome one who can make a good summer great. Imagine having a big sister to confide in and get advice from — but she never teases, ices you out or tells your mom.

"Kumba-yeah, right. I'm a true talent"

Back in the day, a Miss America contestant dazzled judges with how well she could pack a suitcase. Your talent show act doesn't have to be this lame, and it doesn't need to involve sing-alongs or dorky hand-clapping. But hear this: You're not competing for n record deal. So be silly, even ridiculous. Do impersonations of counselors, or burp the alphabet in unison with your gal pal. The more fun you have with it, the more run the audience has watching it.

"This is a nightmare. I wanna go Home"

So maybe you're saying to yourself, "Sounds awesome, but what if I get homesick?" We're not gonna lie. Homesickness is a common ailment. Usually, though, it doesn't last long. One veteran camper we know told us that when she was homesick, her counselor suggested she make a list of all the things she liked about camp. And guess what — it helped. Truth is, when it's time to go home, you'll be bawling about having to leave your bunkmates. Heck, by the time you get back to your crib, you might feel campsick!

"Whoa! The lake is crawling with boys"

By Simone Ellin and Amelia Mularz, Girls' Life