Squad Dynamics: A Practical guide to taking on a Festival
Nothing is better than the euphoria that is experienced when you’re at a festival. With that being said, keeping a large group together can be quite the conundrum, so here are some tips to maintain your squad dynamics. Squad dynamics is basically how to keep 
your group together using a combination of simple rules and roles for each squad member based on their personalities. My squad has worked on these through multiple trial and errors because at the end of the night we all just want to have a great time together. Teamwork makes the dream work. The dream here, being the festival everyone worked so hard to make it to. Your squad is your team and if you want everything to be unforgettable and perfect, you have to do it right!
Rules
Have fun but have a plan- I don’t even know why I should mention this but if you are planning on going to an after party or just back to the hotel after the event, let everyone know what’s good.
Buddy system– This is crucial, there’s nothing worse than being lost alone. It’s also much
more safe, you know, stranger danger and all that. Pick one or two people who will stay with you and be accountabilibuddies.
Group chat– Why would you not make a group chat for the festival squad? It’s the 21st century dude. By using iPhones find my friends and allowing each member to track each others cell phones helps to locate even with poor cell service, as we all know that’s the case at every event.
Huddle up– when things get thick at a stage, people are going to be walking between groups trying to find their spot. Keeping tight and huddling up will help to keep the group together, no ones going to try to split your group if it looks like one solid rage circle.
Roles
The Line Leader– this guy knows how to navigate through a crowd. Following the leader will result in getting a great spot to see the performance and rage face. He also consults with the sheepherder when they arrive at said perfect spot to make sure everyone made it.
The sheepherder– This person is responsible to know the location of every member. Like if you’re going to dip off and go to another funky stage, make sure this person knows. In addition when in transit, this person follows the group and keeps everyone together (having a light sabre or something is key at night).
The Hype Man– Only the most charismatic people can perform this role and it’s a fun one. All you gotta do is keep the vibe positive and make sure the squad is raging face. This person, typically never quits. They wake up in full rage mode, and normally is the last one to drop. Talking you into shots, pulling you into a shuffle or even helping you get on someones shoulder’s; the Hype Man is the ambassador of fun.
The Waterboy(s)– This role reminds you of Adam Sandler in the movie but this role is so important, proper hydration cannot be stressed enough. It’s best that a few people take this role depending on the size of the squad. Wear a camelback, and make sure the group stops at the free water stations. So be the ruler of the H2o and keep your squad out of the medical tents.
The Flag bearer– Get ready for a workout because this job requires you to hold up the totem, light stick or flag that represents your squad. This is how the squad is going to find the group after they are tired of the funky stage they dipped off to. So this person has got to get that thing is the air and make it visible AF. You’ll also make TONS of new friends as random passer by’s stop and comment on your vertically blessed piece of art.
So find whichever role fits you best, and even if one of these doesn’t sound like you, this by no means that you aren’t a valuable asset to your squad. Teamwork makes the dream work! Everyone contributes, and everyone wins!
