17 Essentials You Need THON Weekend | The Odyssey Online
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17 Essentials You Need THON Weekend

Keep your drawstring bag locked and loaded!

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17 Essentials You Need THON Weekend

With just days to go until the biggest weekend of the year at Penn State, you're probably getting bombarded with tips and tricks on how to make the most of THON. Even if you're not dancing, chances are you'll be spending upwards of 30 hours in the Bryce Jordan Center supporting your org or getting caught up in the excitement. (It's hard not to!) Unfortunately, staying on your feet for most of the weekend can definitely cause some discomfort and crankiness. To ease some of the "blahs" during the weekend, keep your drawstring bag well stocked with these items.


1. Baby Powder


Yes it's very messy, and if you're not standing next to someone in your org, you may get some side-eye, but your feet will thank you. This is the same stuff dancers use to alleviate some of their aches and pains. Sprinkle some on the ground and walk in it barefoot and apply liberally to your toes. It'll freshen up your stinky feet and make you feel cool, light, and clean. You can even rub it on your underarms, back of your knees, chest and basically any other body part you feel needs some TLC --tender loving cleaning. It also doubles as dry shampoo so your hair can stay photo ready, even without a ponytail.

2. Travel Toothbrush And Toothpaste

If you're planning on spending even more than 10 hours in the BJC, take along a mini toothbrush to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white. Frankly, you're going to be eating and drinking lots of food for energy, probably more than you should. Don't let your bad breath make anyone to want punch you during the final few hours of THON weekend. Plus, when you're feeling strained and need a burst of energy, a strong minty toothpaste will leave you feeling clean and powered up.

3. Baby Wipes

Swipe these over your skin when an actual shower is over ten hours away. These will help get rid of gross, old, leftover deodorant from your last application. In a pinch you can also use them to take off make up before you reapply.

4. Two Different Types Of Deodorant

It sounds like weird advice, but trust me. You'll thank me later. Switching deodorants, like going from a gel to a solid, will help fend off more B.O. and keep your underarms from feeling too globby after your tenth application of the weekend. Your org will also thank you for being mindful of your smell this weekend.

5. Tennis Ball

If you haven't heard this veteran THON advice before, you must be a freshman. Just kidding. Seriously though, it's been around a long time for a reason. Tennis balls are great for rubbing the ball of your foot or rubbing over tense shoulders. (Highly recommend TWO different tennis balls here...)

6. Multiple Pairs of Socks/Bras/Undies/Shoes/etc.

No matter how much you think you don't sweat, you do. Ideally, try changing your undergarments every 8-10 hours to keep things fresh and clean. You'll be amazed at how grateful you will be for a change of shoes and socks by Sunday morning. It will relieve the tension caused by your shoes molding to the same parts of your foot and make you feel like a new person. Another tip: ditch any shoes or clothing that is ill-fitting. Converse's may look cute, but they have literally no support.

And, if you happen to fall into the category of bra-wearers, try to mix up your bras so you don't constantly wear the same style. 46 hours of your highly supportive t-back sports bras sound like a good idea, but they're not. Because they're supportive, bras have a tendency to dig into your back and force your shoulders to hold more tension, giving you back pain. If you can skip your bra or wear a comfy bralette for a few hours, do it.

7. A Book

Being up in the stands for 46 hours can sometimes be harder than being on the floor since you can't move around or get absorbed in the moment as easily. I don't recommend ditching your org, but if you need a few minutes to grab some air or personal space, a book is a great way to take 15 minutes for yourself. Try an easy read from your favorite author, and prop yourself up on a wall for a little bit before going back inside.

8. Headphones

Everyone loves their THON org for life, but being next to your BFF for over 40 hours can sometimes steer you towards insanity. Keep a good pair of headphones on you during the weekend so you can zone out, listen to your favorite music and tune out someone who may be getting on your nerves. In addition, if the DJ happens to playing a song you absolutely hate, you can switch it to some Drake to have you feelin' Charged Up.

9. A Squirt Bottle

This might be the weirdest and most awkward item on this list, but I guarantee it will totally change your THON game. Similar to how squirt gun fights are popular on the floor and with the kids, a squirt bottle is really just the more industrial version. Take along a mini one and fill it with water (bonus if you add in some tea tree oil) to spray on your face if you need to cool down.

10. A Portable Charger

Bring your own, and don't let other people borrow it. THON is all about giving back and bringing out our inner better selves, but it's okay to be selfish when it comes to your Mophie. Even if you don't plan on spending a long time in the BJC, you're still probably going to deal with having your phone die. Bring your own charger so you can discretely charge and don't let any other people hog (and waste) your power.

11. A Disposable Camera

Anytime you feel like your section's morale is getting low, bring out a disposable camera and have people take pictures. It'll get everyone laughing and distract them from being uncomfortable. Plus, you'll capture all of your THON memories on something other than your iPhone.

12. Balloons

Grab a pack of balloons and blow them up randomly throughout the weekend to bump them around your section. Unlike a beach ball which you'll inevitably end up losing, balloons are easier to pack in a bag and will last longer for the duration of the weekend.

13. Bubbles

Feel like a little kid again by bringing blowing bubbles for your section. They are a welcomed distraction during late hours and can help you perk up when you feel like you've been zoned out. They are especially handy if your THON child or children happen to be in your section at the time.

14. Whiteboard And Markers

Make sure your section invests in a portable but large enough whiteboard so you can "talk" to your dancers from the stands. It's a fun way to interact with your dancers if you don't have a floor pass, or your dancer is trying to be phone free. You can also write instructions to the rest of your section during THON weekend, in case the mood strikes for a chant or a cheer.

15. Pre-wrap

Remember the styrofoam-y, bendable stuff you put on before medical tape? Definitely get some for THON weekend. You can make armbands, hairbands, hair ties or even just wrap your feet or ankles with it. It's super versatile and will be good to have on hand during the long weekend. Personally, I like to use it to keep flyaway hair at bay when it's hour 20 of being in a ponytail.

16. Mints, Not Gum

Chances are when you're getting bored or feeling zoned out you'll want something to gnaw on. Instead of reaching for gum which will tire out your jaw, suck on something like a Lifesaver instead. Something minty will help perk you up and won't overwork your mouth.

17. Journal & Pen

Fill up a blank journal with your thoughts during THON weekend so you can remember the experience and keep busy during an off hour. If journaling isn't really your thing, pass a blank notebook around your section and have each member write down their favorite memories, why they THON or even just mark their name. You can save it for your THON org or give it to your THON families to read through.

And lastly... just a few things you shouldn't bring:

5 Hour Energy Shots for every five hours of THON - You will never want to THON again if you do this to yourself. Plus, it's super dangerous for your heart. If you absolutely need caffeine, sneak in one or two energy drinks and save them until Sunday morning.

Glitter - Yes, it makes for cute photos and seems like it would be a perfect idea to help celebrate THON weekend, but it's not. It's super messy and can be annoying to the cleaning staff or even just the person standing next to you. And if it explodes in your bag, you'll be looking like a disco ball the entire weekend. .

Anything you wouldn't want stolen or lost - Over the course of THON weekend, your section shifts, people move, and sometimes you don't know where your belongings end up. Don't bring anything you mind losing. Even if you have brand new THON Gear, like a sweatshirt, save it for after THON so you don't risk someone accidentally taking it. And mark your name on everything.

Your entire make up bag - THON is not about looking fleek for the entire weekend. If you feel fine going make up free for the entire weekend, do it. But if the thought of skipping mascara scares you, go ahead and bring your essentials. Skip your foundation and settle for a tinted setting powder instead that will mask shine and even you out along with concealer and some bronzer. Do whatever works best for you, but keep in mind that chances are anything you put on your face will be there for 20 plus hours. Let your skin breathe at some point in the weekend, especially since you won't be catching much beauty sleep.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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