Get Ready for Media Now!

The countdown is officially on! We are just three weeks away from heading back to Drake University for Media Now 2026, and the excitement is through the roof. Before you start tossing things into your suitcase, our Camp Director, Kate Manfull, has a few critical updates to make sure you hit the ground running.

Quick Links

• Class Look Up — Confirm your class.

• Bus Look Up — Check to confirm your seat on the bus. 

• Camp Details & What to Bring — The master checklist.

• Talent Show Sign-Up — Show us what you’ve got!

All campers need to join our communication channel. Text @medianow25 to 81010 to sign up for Remind updates.

Packing Lists: What to Bring

Standard Dorm Essentials

Make sure you have these basics ready for your stay in the dorms:

• Bedding: Twin XL sheets, a blanket, and your favorite pillow.
• Tech gear: Laptop, camera (if available), cell phone, and all charging cables.
• Comfort: Casual clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and headphones.
• Personal Care: Towels and personal toiletries.
• Health: Any necessary daily medicines/prescriptions.

The “Mess-tastic” Packing List

Mess-tastic is our legendary, high-energy icebreaker where things get beautifully chaotic, and everyone gets covered in mess! You highly encourage campers to pack separate gear for this:

• Clothes that can get permanently stained/dirty.
• Flip-flops, slides, or dark socks (anything you can easily hose down).
• An extra towel.
• A plastic garbage bag to seal up your messy gear for the trip home.

Transportation & Check-In Details

Taking the St. Louis Bus?

For campers riding the official bus from St. Louis to Des Moines, here is your schedule for Tuesday, July 7:

• Location: Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters, MO (Meet at the Macy’s Entrance).
• 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Load In
• 8:20 a.m. | Departure (Sharp!)

Don’t worry about getting hungry on the road. We will stop for lunch on the way up to camp, and we will also grab dinner on the way back home!

Note: Double-check the Bus Look Up link. If your name isn’t on that list, you do not have a reserved seat on the bus!

Driving or Getting Dropped Off?

If you are making your own way to camp, check-in runs from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Carpenter Hall (2900 Forest Avenue).

• Follow the signage for drop-off and temporary parking lanes.
• Driving yourself? You will need to turn your car keys in at your designated parking spot in order to receive your parking pass.

Parents & Guests: Join Us for the Final Showcase!

Mark your calendars! The Awards & Camper Showcase will take place on Friday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m. in Meredith Hall. This is the ultimate celebration of the week. Parents and guests are warmly invited to see a selection of projects from across our 12 classes and celebrate our in-class award winners.

• Parking: Guests can park in the Olmsted parking lot off of University Avenue.
• Timing: The showcase will wrap up by noon. Campers will be released immediately after to head back to the dorms, pack up, and check out.

(Keep a close eye on your room keys, crew! There is a $50 charge for any lost or unreturned dorm keys.)

We cannot wait to see the incredible stories, designs, and videos you all create this year. If you or your parents have any questions at all while preparing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Get packing, and we’ll see you at Drake University on July 7!