#4n6

If you're new to competing in forensics, figuring out what to bring can be weird. So because my team is always prepared for anything, here's my suggestions for what you might want to bring to your competitions:

SEWING KIT (there's always that one person who's suit or skirt falls apart)

Bandaids and basic medical stuff (there's always the person that gets hurt, too)

Anything you might need for a round (make sure you have your black book[s], laptop, boards, ext.)

Chargers and a power bank (do NOT assume that your devices will last the entire day, it's better to have them on you and not need them than to need them and not have them. Outlets might not be available so make sure you have a power bank)

WATER (yes you will definitely need it, don't you dare argue)

Money (make sure you eat and drink water if you didn't bring anything yourself)

Medicine (if you have prescription meds for whatever need, make sure you don't forget them and take them when you need to. My coach has us fill out papers if we need medicines at the beginning of the year and has us notify her before we take them, follow whatever rules your school/coach has for medical needs)

Lactose medicine (if you're like me and can't eat dairy without disaster, make sure you bring whatever form of lactose medicine you take. I try to avoid dairy entirely at comps, but there might not be an option so I bring it every time)

Something to keep you entertained (you might not get much down time between rounds depending on what you do, but bring something like books or your switch if you get bored and don't want to use up your phone battery)

Stim / anxiety toys (I have horrible anxiety and I get overstimulated easily. Comps can be loud, extremely busy, and generally too much, so make sure you have something to help)

Headphones (also for if you get overstimulated)

Notebooks, pencils, and highlighters (I did extemp a lot last year, and these are amazing for figuring out your speech. If you do extemp, I advise to write your points down, writing helps you memorize more than typing does)

Makeup (if you wear makeup, you might want to bring it in case it gets messed up throughout the day)