Ramen Noodles Overload

When we go to our state competition, we will make sure you eat. That being said, however, we don't provide snack food in the manner in which teens like to snack! So I always suggest that roommates get together and plan who will bring what type of snack food. This event should be BPA's next judged event! I can't tell you how much time and effort the students put into the snack and junk food they're bringing. When they show up to get on the bus, they have a suitcase with clothing and a bigger suitcase with food, bottled water, gatorade and soda. Some people have brought coolers.

If I were judging the event, I'd probably look at the organization. Did you pack the bananas with the Gatorade? Not a good mix. Points off for that. Did you bring a cooler that didn't leak? Good job. But most of all, I'd check to see how well you guaged how much food you'd eat. Because at the end of the weekend, people are so sick of gummy worms that they leave all of their junk food behind and board the bus looking a little green. Those who left with no food planned accordingly and would get the most points. Those who leave drawers full of food and beverage would score the least points.

My advice to you is this. Since there will probably be four people in your room, plan for that. Don't bring more than four normal people eat! Have you ever heard the phrase, "My eyes were bigger than my stomach"? I suggest you not waste your money buying food that you're going to leave behind. If I kept all the food that my students left behind at conferences, we could have fed a small country for a month.