Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:33:35 -0500WeeblySun, 28 Jun 2026 00:08:02 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/lvw-celebration-tour-2026-info
In a few days, we embark on the trip of a lifetime, or at least one that will not be replicated for any of us again. We are looking forward to everything that is ahead - marching, memories, and more. But in order for that to run smoothly, there are things that need to be done before we get there. 

Here’s the plan…

LVW CELEBRATION TOUR 2026 ITINERARY

Please use this as a reference for where we will be and what we will be doing. Note that is not the be all, end all, and there may be things that change. 

Below are the important times you need to know to start the tour.

Meeting/Departure Times (We must leave on time, please do not be late)

• 7:00 AM (Departs 7:30 AM) – Meet at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton
• 9:00 AM (Departs at 9:20 AM)– Meet at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson
• 10:00 AM (Departs 10:15 AM) – Meet at Watertown Plank Park & Ride,  10600 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
• 11:00 AM (Departs 11:15 AM) -- Meet at Kwik Trip, 10215 120th St., Pleasant Prairie, WI

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Below is the list of important things to bring along on the trip to make it an enjoyable and successful experience.

LVW CELEBRATION TOUR 2026 PACKING LIST
If you have any questions, now is the time to ask! When in doubt, label it. (Seriously.) Only bring what is necessary. If it’s extraneous enough that it doesn’t need a label and you won’t care if it ends up in the garbage, don’t bring it. Because… Space is limited! You get one suitcase and one carry-on (labeled, obviously). Use them wisely.
We will have a few opportunities for free time where money may be helpful. Please plan accordingly.  If meal time falls during free time, we will provide the students with either a meal or money for a meal. 
Don’t forget to fill out the Traverse City Return Plans. We should be good to go, but it’s nice to know what everyone’s plans are. 
Again, if you have any questions, please reach out and ask. We are looking forward to a great weekend in a couple of days, and we are looking forward to a great tour. 
Until next time, God be with you!
Elisabeth Wagner
​(and the LVW Leadership & Tour Planning Team)

]]>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:03:38 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/lvw-camp-3-friends-family-day-kenosha-paradeThank you for a TREMENDOUS weekend! Highlights from these three days together include:

• Less rain!
• Delicious food
• Neighborhood circuits 
• An evening in the pit of despair - er, watching Princess Bride
• Working on and performing our BIG piece for the season: New World

​We cannot adequately express how proud we are of the students for the hard work, determination, and dedication they put in during our time together this weekend. They rose to the challenge and gave an outstanding performance (several, actually) during the Chilton parade. This is hands-down the staff’s biggest highlight of the weekend, and we are so excited to see what is to come.
Speaking of what’s to come… Here is the information for the upcoming weekend. 

NOTE: An email with information for the trip out east will be coming in the next few days.

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LVW CAMP #3
Our next camp begins on Friday, June 26 at 10:00am. This weekend we are camping out at KML in Jackson, WI. The routine looks oddly familiar…

• Friday - 10:00am - 9:00pm
• Saturday - 8:30am - 9:00pm with a performance in the middle for Friends & Family Day
• Sunday - 8:00am - after Kenosha parade

If your child is going to miss part of camp, please fill out this form.
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TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
FVL - If you have not yet done so, please fill out this form to ride the bus to KML. There’s been a slight change in plans for departure.

• 7:45am - arrive at FVL (please be on time!)
• 8:00am - depart for KML
• 9:30ish - arrive at KML

If you are not riding the bus, please mark “NO” on the form and give a brief description of your plans in the bottom question. Parents of students planning to travel to or from KML by a way other than the bus should send an email to Mr. Kramer or Mrs. Wagner with that information. Thanks! There will also be a bus returning to FVL after the Kenosha parade!

Transportation for other students: you'll coordinate with your travel agent/director to get to KML and back that weekend.

PARKING - all LVW people need to park in the KML upper lot (west lot, up behind KML by the new fieldhouse and soccer fields. There is a softball tournament this weekend, and they are parking in the PAC and lower student lots.
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THINGS YOU NEED FOR CAMP 
Sustenance (bring a lunch for Friday!), sleeping stuff (still gonna do that), self-care stuff (we still need to shower, smell good, not get sunburned, and wear clothes), and street stuff (all the things to look good for a performance)

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FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY - Saturday, June 27
We are ready to put on a show for all of our fans! Here is the schedule of events:

• 12:00pm - meal for friends and family (the LVW members will go through the line prior to this time to ease the burden on seating and to give them adequate time to mingle with you and then get into uniform)
  
  More details about the meal (including a small cost) are found in the form. If you are NOT planning to eat the meal, you do NOT have to fill out the form. LVW students also do NOT have to fill it out. Questions can be directed to lvwfood@gmail.com.
• 1:30pm - pre-performance warmup - you are welcome to come and watch!
• 2:00ish - Performance Time! The band will show you what they’ve been working on for the past several weeks.

PARKING - all LVW people need to park in the KML upper lot (west lot, up behind KML by the new fieldhouse and soccer fields. There is a softball tournament this weekend, and they are parking in the PAC and lower student lots.
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KENOSHA CIVIC VETERANS PARADE - JUNE 28
The band is marching in Kenosha on Sunday! We are #91 of 111 units in the parade (#1 in Division 5). The entire lineup and parade maps can be found here. We also ask that you review our Parade Etiquette before heading to the parade to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The parade begins at 1:00. Here is the anticipated timeline.

• 12:00pm - band arrives at parade lineup
• 1:00pm - parade begins
• 3:00ish - parade ends
• 3:30 - depart for KML
• 5:00 - arrive at KML; unload; change out of uniform; final instructions; say goodbye; bus heads back to Appleton

If you are going to be picked up following the parade, and are not returning on the bus to KML, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1. Parents must be there when the band is ready to leave. If a parent is not there when the band is ready to leave, the student will ride back with the group to KML.
2. Parents must check students out with the attendance chaperone from the student’s bus. 

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VIDEO FOOTAGE NEEDED!
If anyone has some outstanding video footage from the past couple of performances, we’d appreciate you sending it to us! WFRV-5 from Green Bay contacted us Monday morning after hearing we’re marching in Philly. While they can’t come and film us (since we will no longer be rehearsing in their viewing area), they did invite us to send us some video that they can potentially use for a short shout-out on the news.

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Again, thank you for reading this week’s edition of LVW News & Bullet Points. If you have any questions, as always, please let us know. We are happy to help!
​
Thank you for your encouragement, support, and enthusiasm so far this season. Stay safe, keep practicing (students), and we’ll see you soon!

]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:24:43 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/lvw-camp-2-chilton-parade-information-and-moreWe made it through our first week!

We had a wildly spectacular first week of the season brought to us by the letters A and F for adaptability and flexibility. As far as we know, we didn’t lose anything or anyone. Maybe a lone sock or some shampoo, but... Highlights included:

• playing our chorale as the district convention attendees left to go home on Wednesday (what else do you do when it's raining?)
• Using the upstairs hallway for eating and color guard rehearsal (rain...)
• working corners in the gym (raining...)
• wandering like Moses and the Israelites from the main building to the field house and back, trying to find a place to rehearse visuals during the rain on Thursday evening
• Watching old DCI shows, corner videos, and more while waiting for the rain to stop (it didn’t)
• the little girls' reaction to our pedal tone exercise during warmup in Brillion (not raining!)
• The shorter Flag Day parade route (brilliant sunshine, a tad windy, no rain!)

It was great! And now we have several matters of business to address, so buckle up, grab a snack and a comfy chair, and read carefully. It's a long one! We’re going to move in chronological order…

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CAMP #2 & CHILTON PARADE – Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21
Our second camp begins at FVL this coming Friday at 10:00am. Here’s the general schedule. If your child is going to miss part of camp, please fill out this form.

• Friday - 10:00am - 9:00pm
• Saturday - 9:00am - 9:00pm
• Sunday - 8:00am - after Chilton parade

THINGS YOU NEED FOR CAMP

• Sustenance - bring a lunch for Friday!
• Sleeping stuff - some of you kept this at FVL, but just in case, you still need a pillow, air mattress/cot, bedding, pajamas, and things you need to get a good night’s sleep
• Self-care stuff - things to get clean and smell good and a towel to get dry… and clothes. Don’t forget those. 
• Street stuff - longer black socks, marching shoes, black compression shirt, gloves, instrument/flag, music, etc. Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, water jug, and something to mark the parking lot for drill are also highly recommended.
• Saturday Church stuff - we’ll be worshipping at Mount Olive on Saturday evening. Please bring some nice clothes to wear to church.

TRANSPORTATION: It sounds like the KML, WLHS, and SLHS people are all set for the bus, but just in case, check out this form. MLHS students should check with Miss Scharf.


CHILTON FATHER’S DAY PARADE
This parade is on Sunday, June 21 in Chilton. It begins at 11:00am. LVW will be busing the band to Chilton on Sunday for the parade.  

The route begins at the corner of Madison and Chestnut St, and then proceeds north on Madison, west on Main, north on State, east on School, south on Madison, and east on Main where it will end near Adams Street.  There are a lot of corners in the middle of the parade, since it goes around a block in the downtown area. This parade is known for its generous handouts. If you’re coming to watch, bring a couple of kids with a bag or two. You might gather enough to save on Halloween candy. Just make sure to eat the cheese sticks. Those most likely won’t be good in October.


RETURN AND PICKUP PROCEDURES
The buses will be returning to FVL following the parade by approximately 2:00 - 2:30pm.  FVL parents may pick up your child at FVL when the buses return.

All of our non-FVL students are either riding with parents or will ride home with others from their area.  For all other schools, check with your transportation coordinator for arrival times following the parade. There is NO KML BUS following the Chilton parade.  

If you are going to be picked up following the parade, and are not returning on the bus or with your school’s transportation, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1. Students may be picked up at St. Martin Lutheran Church (717 Memorial Drive, Chilton, WI 53014) where we are changing out of uniform and eating lunch. 
   • Parents must be there when the band is ready to leave. 
   • If a parent is not there when the band is ready to leave, the student will ride back with the group to their return school location. We leave no one behind – EVER!
   • Parents must check students out with the attendance chaperone from the student’s bus. 
2. Students may not ride home with anyone other than their parents UNLESS they have a written permission signed by their parents that is put into our hands OR  an email or text to Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Hohenstein, or Miss Scharf with that information.  

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LVW CAMP #3 - START DATE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 26
More detailed information will come out next week regarding camp #3 and the Kenosha parade, BUT we do need to clarify that the camp will begin on FRIDAY, JUNE 26 and not on Thursday as indicated on the list of events on the website. The Google calendar is correct. We apologize for the confusion!

Transportation for FVL students:  we will have a bus down to KML on Friday morning. Please fill out the form to indicate your travel plans. Parents of students planning to travel to KML by a way other than the bus should send an email to Mr. Kramer or Mrs. Wagner with that information.

Transportation for other students: you'll coordinate with your travel agent/director to get to KML and back that weekend.
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FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY - Saturday, June 27
This year we are providing all of the food for the meal (you just get to come!) BUT we are asking that each person pay $5 to help cover the cost of the food. More details about the meal are found in the form which we need everyone to fill out ASAP so we can order the food (by the end of the week would be great). If you are NOT planning to eat the meal, you do NOT have to fill out the form. LVW students also do NOT have to fill it out. The event starts at noon.

Questions can be directed to lvwfood@gmail.com.

LVW Friends & Family Meal Form - due FRIDAY, JUNE 19

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CELEBRATION TOUR UPDATE
We are knee-deep in plans for the upcoming tour and will share them as soon as they are finalized. Until then, we have some updates.

1. We no longer need to stay overnight at Shoreland on June 30. We will begin our adventure bright and early on July 1. We are working through the exact start location(s) in an effort to help families and students not have to travel great distances and figure out parking and such to get started.  Expect this information to be announced in a separate email in the coming days. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
2. The Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia will be streamed. This means family and friends back home and around the country should be able to watch! Again, we’ll send information when we know more. 
3. Return trip from Traverse City - we are also working to get one bus to go north and one to go south in an effort to get students home as soon as possible. It would be extremely helpful if you could fill out the form for your student to let us know your plans. (We apologize for another form! It really does help us plan and organize - promise!)

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. There is a lot of information, especially if you are new. We try to be clear in what is needed, expected, or anticipated to happen, but it doesn’t always come across that way. We appreciate your assistance in helping us grow and improve! It is never an inconvenience for us when you ask questions and then remember another question and then another one... We want to help you be informed and comfortable with what's happening.

We are so excited for this season! It’s off to a great start with a bunch of great kids - and I’m not just saying that! You have some pretty awesome kids who worked really hard last week and showed that they are ready to have an outstanding season. It’s going to be amazing!
We are going to end there. I’m sure there’s something I forgot. Expect more emails in the coming days and weeks as we nail down details for the stuff that is to come and as I remember the things I forgot to tell you. Until then, God be with you!
​
Elisabeth Wagner
(& the other people who work hard to make all of this possible)


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P.S. Don't forget to check out the ways you can assist with donations and volunteering. Your help is appreciated!

P.P.S. Please share this with your kids! I don't have all of their email addresses, so I can't directly contact all of them. If you want to share their email address with me, I'd be happy to add them to the list. This info (minus phone numbers) will also be on the website.]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:09:03 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/pre-camp-forms-to-complete-other-informationWe are just a few days away from the start of band camp! Please review the posted May 21 for important information regarding band camp. 

• We need EVERY MEMBER of the group that will be walking down the street (band members, chaperones, staff, etc.) to fill out a release form and bring it to Band Camp #1. Please note that if a student is under 18, the form must also be signed by a parent or guardian.
• We also need EVERY MEMBER of the group who will be with the group on July 4 to fill out a Glenside meal form by June 13.
• We will be signing up for buses and hotel rooms during band camp. We realize that some members are new and may not have an idea of whom to ask or what to do. We'll assist! We can also switch at a later time, if necessary. 
• The Brillion parade is in the dark, so you are free to bring glow things to add to your marching ensemble. Glow sticks are great; just make sure that whatever you use, it's not adding sticky adhesive that may stick to uniforms or instruments and harm them. 
• This is a friendly reminder to work on memorizing music, conditioning, and hydrating. Temperatures next week look to be HOT (80 and above) and we spend a lot of time outside on the black parking lot. We also have some major days of marching coming up, so being in good physical shape to do all the stuff (in the heat!) is important. 
• One last thing - below is a list of our working staff for the summer so that you know who is working with the students this year. 

We are looking forward to next week and can't wait to get this show on the road. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Parents & guardians, please share this with your child so they do all the things they need to do. 

Vanguardians, enjoy your last weekend of sleeping in for a while! :)]]>Thu, 21 May 2026 17:45:31 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/lvw-band-camp-1-informationFor many of us, it’s the final week of school, which means that summer is literally right around the corner (something we are going to work on mastering in our marching this season)! Please read the following information regarding our first band camp and performance weekend.
​
Band camp runs from 4:00pm on Tuesday, June 9 until Saturday, June 13 following the Appleton Flag Day parade (start time of 2:00pm).


Camp Schedule
Tues, June 9:       4:00 - 9:00 PM
Wed, June 10:  8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thurs, June 11: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri, June 12 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Brillion Electric Parade begins at 8:30 PM 
Sat, June 13: 8:30 - 11:00 AM; Appleton Flag Day Parade begins at 2:00 PM 

Camp Transportation
The WELS Northern Wisconsin District Convention will be in progress on Tuesday, June 9 when we all arrive. We have NO IDEA what parking will be like. Those students who are planning to drive and park at FVL should use the east lot (by the ball fields) as much as possible.


We will be running a bus from KML to Appleton.

• This bus is provided for WLHS, KML, ILHS, SLHS, and LPS students and staff.
• SHORELAND STUDENTS - this is new for you! If you would like to ride the KML bus to FVL, you can meet at KML and follow the directions below.
• The bus will depart from KML, Door 13, at 2:00 PM. Please arrive by 1:45 to get loaded onto the bus. PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM with your transportation intentions before June 1. We really don’t want you to miss the boat - er, bus - to camp. Thank you!
• TIMELINE
  • 1:45 PM - Arrive at KML to load luggage and students
  • 2:00 PM - Depart for FVL
  • 3:45 PM - Arrive at FVL, unload

What to bring with you to band camp
Click above to find the list of what you need to bring.

LVW staff and members should bring a bag supper for Tuesday, June 9.
Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, leftovers, lots of fresh fruit/vegetables, as well as something to drink (something with electrolytes and no caffeine or bubbles is a great choice!). Because the WELS Northern Wisconsin District Convention is also occurring on Tuesday and Wednesday at FVL, we cannot guarantee access to microwaves. Probably, but again, not guaranteed. All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp.

Please review the following codes before coming to camp.
Dress Code
Code of Conduct


Student Check-out Procedures Following Parade on Saturday
Students may leave with parents on Saturday afternoon. All students will be returning to FVL following the parade. All students will be expected to assist with clean-up and attend final announcements before leaving. Students leaving with parents will need to check out with their director or another designated LVW director if their school director is not present.

Since LVW will be staying at FVL for the weekend camp beginning on Friday, June 19, LVW members can leave sleeping items and other items at FVL.  But not instruments and dirty towels. Those need to go home with you.


A couple of random notes... 
You can still order VIBES ear plugs - the deadline is May 28. Students will receive their season t-shirt at camp. Any LVW merch orders placed with the intent to be picked up at FVL should also be available by Saturday, June 13. Need to print music? Go here. As stated above, we have NO IDEA exactly what sharing space with the Convention attendees will look like. Expect a bit of chaos and uncertainty. Be ready to embrace flexibility and adaptability. It'll be great.


If you made it this far...
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!!! If you have ANY questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. This is our team's first go-around at getting this information to you, and we want to make sure we are communicating everything needed.

Have a fantastic, blessed weekend!
The LVW Executive Team]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:17:21 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/lvw-merchandise-store-now-openLooking to spruce up your wardrobe, now that spring has sprung? Thinking ahead to the road trip in July and wondering how to show your support for LVW?

Check out the LVW Store! The online store has lots of items, including shirts, jackets, shorts, sweats, caps, backpacks, and more!  The 2026 season t-shirts are also available for friends and families to purchase. Note that current LVW members do NOT need to order a season shirt; those are included in your 2026 season fees.

The LVW Store will close at midnight on Monday, May 10.  

Items will be available to pick up at Band Camp in June at Fox Valley Lutheran HS.  Those who are unable to pick up items in person will have the option to have items shipped directly to their home.  This mail-to-home option also makes it so much easier for distant friends, family members, relatives, and  alumni to purchase items.  

Most items come in a variety of color options.  We are also offering "Tall Men" sizes.  Check out the LVW Store to see all of the clothing and accessory options as well as the color options for each item.
​
If you have questions about the items or the sale in general, contact Master Printwear at 262-677-0450 or support@masterprintwear.com. ]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/april-12-rehearsal-other-remindersAs the spring weather swings back and forth with the decisiveness of a toddler, it can only mean one thing: marching season is close! Here are some reminders...

​The updated season calendar is here! Please check out the calendar and add it to your own. It has the updated parades, times, and more. Thanks to all who reached out with the concern about an extremely late April rehearsal. While a 6pm rehearsal is intriguing, it is ​still a school night. We won't be the reason you stay up late. We got the settings and time zone changed, so hopefully we're good to go. 

We have rehearsal on Sunday, April 12 from 1:00-5:00pm at FVL. This is a full rehearsal for all. Please RSVP here.

You will need your instrument (or flag), music (can be found in the Member Student section of the website, click on "more" at the top right), and footwear appropriate for marching. This means that there is a front and a full back on the shoe. Crocs don't count. Slides don't count. Clogs? Not the backless kind. Don't even think about flip flops.

Those travelling from the far corners of the kingdom should check with their director to verify departure times, snacks for the road, and such. 

KML kids: The bus will depart at 11am from Door 13 at KMLHS. We'll leave FVL at 5pm with a quick stop at Kwik Trip on our way back to KML. Everyone who plans to ride or not ride the bus from KML/WLHS/LPS/Homeschool Area of WLHS and KML, needs to fill out the form yes/no and add phone number. THANK YOU!


While the students rehearse that afternoon, we are looking for volunteers to help freshen up the creases in the uniforms.  Ironing skills are appreciated but not required. Some volunteers are needed to rehang and rack the uniforms after pressing. Consider helping with this project, especially if you are looking for something to do between dropping your student off and taking her/him back home. Meet other parents. Have fun. There will be snacks. Reach out to us if you have questions, and we'll point you to Chuck Adrian for the answers. You can also use the RSVP link to let us know if you're planning to come or not. Thanks!

If you have not yet ordered marching shoes or shirts, please do so by May 1. Now is a great time to try on the old marching shoes! If your bibs had to be lengthened in January, chances are good that you're going to need a bigger shoe, too. Also remember that they will need to last for the whole season. If the condition of the sole is questionable and it appears that they may need a hug of electrical tape, it's time to get some new ones. We have a limited number of gently used shoes in random sizes. If you are interested in checking them out, we'll have them available on April 12.

Many of you know that we are holding a CFS mattress fundraiser on April 11 from 10:00-4:30 at FVL. Please share this with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, dog walkers, baristas, and everyone you know! More information will be in an email, but long story short - the more mattresses sold, the more money we get to help reduce our costs. Don't live in the Appleton area? No problem! CFS holds events all over the state. More info will be in the email. 

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. If you need assistance with anything, please let us know by sending an email: lutheranvanguardofwisconsin@gmail.com. God be with you as we ponder his journey to the cross and celebrate his glorious victory over death for us! We'll see you soon!]]>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:07:35 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/january-preview-camp-remindersThree more sleeps until Preview Camp! Here are a few reminders about the coming weekend:

RSVP if you have not already done so and plan to come! Do this ASAP so that we can be as prepared as possible to accommodate everyone.

Camp starts at 1:00pm on Saturday in the FVL auditorium. Those of you traveling from afar like the Magi - be sure to check out the travel times and information provided by your director.  You will need to check in when you arrive; that will happen in the Commons. We will also have signs and/or people directing you to where to put your belongings when you arrive. 

Things to pack:

• YOUR OWN SUPPER for Saturday. Something in a bag is great. Like a sandwich and veggies. And leftover Christmas cookies.
• TWIN AIR MATTRESS/SLEEPING MAT, PILLOW, AND BEDDING. We do not have a lot of wiggle room in the sleeping quarters, so please don't bring your queen-sized double-high mattress. It does get cold, however, so bring/wear something warm. Emotional support stuffed animals are also allowed.
• TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS - anything you'll need for taking a shower, brushing teeth, making yourself presentable to be around people, etc. This includes a TOWEL that you will definitely NOT forget to take home on Sunday.
• CHURCH-APPROPRIATE CLOTHES - we are attending church at Mount Olive on Saturday evening. Dressing nicely is encouraged. It doesn't have to be fancy, just nice for Jesus.
• INSTRUMENT - if you are planning to use one of the marching brass instruments (baritone, mellophone, contra), please let us know via email (lutheranvanguardofwisconsin@gmail.com) or this form. Trombone/euphonium players - for those of you who haven't played a marching baritone before, you can bring your regular instrument to use and ease into using the marching one. Those of you who have played the marching one before - if you have practice marching gloves, you may want to bring those to help keep the instruments free from tarnish and wear. Woodwind players - make sure to bring extra reeds and such as needed!
• COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND SHOES - we will be working on marching. Shoes without backs (crocs, clogs, etc.) are NOT acceptable for marching. Athletic shoes with good support are DEFINITELY recommended! Also remember that while it is the end of Christmas break, school dress code is in effect!
• WATER BOTTLE - to stay hydrated and healthy. Let's share memories, not germs.
  

If you have any questions or concerns before Saturday, please feel free to reach out to us via email. We look forward to seeing you soon! Happy New Year!]]>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:46:52 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/transportation-for-2026-preview-campThe KML Bus for LVW PREVIEW CAMP will be leaving at 10:30am on January 3, 2026--and we will make a quick stop at the Kwik Trip in Fond du Lac if there are WLA students to pickup. Please arrive between 10:20-10:25am to load.
 
There is a return bus departing from FVL on January 4 at 4pm. Again, we will stop at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip as needed!
 
Please sign up to ride the bus here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18aMW0SES-0PJpxL5UuZGFnzEhuyv8v2m0Xv1wjpk-Aw/edit?usp=sharing

​All other schools - please talk to your school's director to see if there are carpooling options available.]]>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:02:53 GMThttps://www.lutheranvanguard.org/directors-updates/january-camp-rsvpThe 2026 season officially begins with our preview and rehearsal camp at Fox Valley Lutheran High School on January 3-4. We will kick things off in the FVL auditorium at 1pm and will wrap up the weekend at 4pm on Sunday. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the camp.

If you are sure you will be marching with LVW this summer, go ahead and REGISTER for the season (this is not the same as the RSVP for the January camp - they are two different forms). We actually have quite a few members already registered!

This January camp will serve as a great introduction to what LVW can be, so if you're not quite sure about committing for the season, come to the camp and experience the fellowship, friendship, and excitement of LVW!

*IMPORTANT: Please fill out this RSVP form for the camp, even if you are unable to attend January 3-4 but intend to participate in 2026. This form is intended for all new and returning LVW members, staff/directors, and parent volunteers. It will help get an accurate head count for things like meal planning, music, equipment, and so on.

Parents and guardians - if you would like to volunteer for the camp, we will have a sign-up coming for that soon. We will have spots for kitchen help, overnight chaperones, uniform fitting/measuring, and possibly a few other tasks.

When you arrive at FVL
There will be signs and volunteers directing you to where to take your overnight gear, suitcases, instruments, and so on. There will be lots of activity at FVL that weekend and we want to make sure you know where things go. Students will be sleeping in music rooms and gyms. It can get chilly at night at FVL, so please bring warm sleeping bags and/or blankets!

Meals
For Saturday supper, pack a BAG SUPPER. Saturday evening snack as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch will be provided by LVW.

Worship Service
We will be attending worship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton on Saturday evening. We will provide time to change into suitable clothes for this service. The service begins at 5:30 PM.

What to Bring
You will need to pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, overnight gear (Sleeping bag/blanket/pillow/air mattress/etc.), personal items (towel, soap/shampoo, deodorant, etc). We will be sleeping overnight at FVL.

For marching rehearsals, you will need to have comfortable shorts or sweats. Please don’t wear “jeans” for marching/visual rehearsals. You will also need a pair of CLEAN tennis shoes for use on the gym floor.

Don’t forget your instrument! If you will be using an LVW instrument (mellophone, baritone, tuba), you will need to bring your own mouthpiece. Reed players, please make sure you have a few working reeds for the weekend.

You will be given your music and other LVW equipment on Saturday at the start of camp.

Check back to the LVW Website occasionally. There may be more updates before the Camp.

Please tell your friends about this post, especially if they may be new to LVW.  We want excellent attendance at this camp!

For Returning and New Members
There is preparatory work that you can do to ensure the 2026 season kicks off strong. Please continue to ready your bodies by exercising, stretching, and finding ways to make your muscles stronger. Even a 1-pound flute gets heavy after holding it up for several minutes (with excellent posture). 

Practice your instrument. Make sure your skills are at the top of their game because you will be challenged by our staff and our music as we push toward excellence.

Know someone who might be interested? Invite them to join you, at least for this first camp. After all, marching band is way better with a friend (not that you won't have 100 or more new friends from around the state within a few months...)

And remember the more important preparation we're all enjoying this season, the advent of the baby Jesus, God's gracious gift to us and the fulfillment of his ancient promises. Say a prayer of thanks for the undeserved physical and spiritual blessings we receive every day and ask God to help you find ways to use those blessings to his glory.  

The LVW Staff can't wait to see you in January!
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