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Ad Camp: A Guide to Your Toolkit
By Ad Campers
- 10.03.25
- 5 Min Read
I know camping in the 21st century has become less of a wilderness adventure and more of an all-inclusive glamping experience. But imagine for a second you are out in the wild with nothing but a few supplies and the knowledge in your brain. With only these tools, you must navigate the wilderness, create shelter, and find food to sustain yourself. Obviously, an internship isn’t quite as intense, but much like camping, starting a new internship can be overwhelming. However, when you know how to use your tools, it becomes more than a fight for survival, it becomes a valuable and fun experience.
compass
One of the most important tools to navigate the internship wilderness is a compass — something, or rather someone, that points you in the right direction. At Lawrence & Schiller the coaches are your compass. They are mentors with valuable experience and knowledge to lead you through your internship. They direct you through challenges and help develop your knowledge and problem-solving skills.
map
Another valuable tool when traversing the rugged outdoors is a map. However, a map is only useful if you know how to read it. Likewise, the programs and software you use can be very helpful to navigate daily tasks and questions, so take the time to learn how to use them. They are great tools for organization, task and time management, and pointing you in the right direction when questions arise. A lot of information can be found in programs like Monday.com, which houses client information, project objectives, and allows you to create fully customizable to do lists so you can stay organized. Excel is another program that is great for organizing information and offers a lot of tools to maximize efficiency. There is a learning curve, but once you figure it out it can save you loads of time down the road.
lantern
Compasses and maps are invaluable until you can’t see them. Once night falls, they become useless. This is when a lantern becomes essential. When your coach cannot be there or your resources aren’t enough to help you navigate, your coworkers are your lantern. Coworkers are one of the best parts of a job. They can shed much-needed light on situations and illuminate your day. A lantern requires both fuel and ignition, so taking the time to get to learn from those relationships is key for a brighter internship.
tent
The tent, arguably the most iconic example of a camping tool, provides shelter and comfort amongst the wilderness. Similarly, your desk is a place that allows you to create a space of your own in a bustling office full of distractions. Use your desk space to create a personalized area that feels comfortable and allows you to get your work done. Maybe add a blanket, desk fan, or lamp to make it feel homier. The goal should be to create a space that balances productivity and comfort but isn’t comfortable enough for any midday naps.
food
Finally, and most importantly, food, without anything to sustain you wouldn’t make it very far in the wilderness. Similarly, a job or internship that doesn’t feed back into you and fulfill you probably won’t bring out your best or be a place you want to stay. This can be different for everyone, but what feeds me is the bonding, activities, and opportunities that I experience every day. Whether it is the five-minute conversations with coworkers in the morning, or the access to companywide events and networking, these opportunities nourish you and may even open doors for you in the future.
Although this blog may not prepare you for the next time you are backpacking through the wilderness, I hope it gives you a glimpse at the tools that will enhance your experience as an intern. Whether you are navigating a mountainous pile of work or exploring the depths of a new project, the next time you are planning on going camping, or starting a new internship, make sure to pack your tools.
