Facilities and amenities vary tremendously, so heed the camp s list of suggested things to bring. If you play other instruments, bring them along too, no matter what the program. A mandolin or bass is almost always a welcome addition to a song circle with a dozen guitars strumming away. Check with the program directors before packing your Strat, however. A good tape recorder is a handy tool in most music classes, and class tapes can help you remember lessons later in the year.
Some workshops even offer the opportunity to make priceless recordings of living masters.
When something is happening before your eyes, ears, and fingers, there is no substitute for paying attention. The first day of camp typically involves choosing your curriculum for the week. The instructors will demonstrate their subject matter and flash their chops a bit, and you will probably have an opportunity to chat with them about the course material, difficulty level, and so forth. Keep an open mind when picking classes. Schedule conflicts, changes in workshop topics, and last-minute shifts in faculty might present opportunities to learn something completely new and unexpected.