Hey, BFFs! 

Are you planning on making this coming summer camp season the best experience ever? Maybe it’s your camper’s first year and they think going to camp with a friend might ease their nerves about leaving home. Or maybe they’ve felt at previous camp stays how much they’d love if they could have their friend from home at camp. 

Attending camp alongside a friend from home may seem like an enticing idea, but it’s a decision worth a good amount of consideration… 

Homesickness Doesn’t Care about Friends 

First of all, having a friend from home along for the experience doesn't always stop those little pangs of homesickness? It’s true—even with your best buddy by your side, those feelings can still sneak in. Here's the scoop: When kids are at camp, they might miss their family the most. Having a friend from home is great for sharing laughs and memories, but they can't be mom or dad. They're awesome for familiar fun, but they can't replace family time.

Making new friends at camp is super important too. If kids are feeling a bit shy or finding it hard to fit in, having a friend from home doesn't always make it easier. Camp is all about meeting new friends and trying new things together. It's these new friendships that really help kids feel at home and make camp extra special.

The Blank Slate Effect

Did you know that the number one thing kids love about camp is being themselves? That's right! At camp, they get to be their true selves—no labels from school or the neighborhood. It's a chance to shine and show off their unique personality. Going to camp with a friend from home can hinder this “blank slate” feeling that kids get at camp.

Choosing to go to camp with a friend from home can be fun, but it's not the only way to have a great time. What really matters is how kids feel about it. Parents, have a chat with your child about what they want from their camp experience. They want to have an awesome time and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Remember, at camp, everyone is looking to make new friends, so if your child is feeling a bit nervous at first, that's okay. Soon enough, they'll be playing games, sharing laughs, and having the best summer ever with their new camp buddies. Enjoy every moment of your summer at camp—it's going to be an unforgettable experience! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey there, future Tennis champs! 

Have you ever tried swinging a racket on the Tennis court? It's not just fun—it's super good for you too! It's a game that makes you strong, smart, and super happy. You'll make friends, learn cool moves, and have a ton of fun. How does it manage all that? Let’s check it out!

Get ready to swing, serve, and score big as we investigate why this age-old sport is an awesome summer camp activity for campers of all kinds.

Strong and Healthy Bones

When you play Tennis, your body gets moving in all sorts of cool ways. You'll run, stop, and turn quickly, which makes your bones strong and tough. That means when you grow up, you'll have super-strong bones and won't have to worry about things like "osteoporosis." How cool is that?

Super Skills and Speed

Tennis isn't just about hitting a ball. It helps you get better at balancing, moving fast, and being really coordinated. You'll learn to hit the ball just right with your racket, which makes your hand and eye work together perfectly. Plus, you'll get really good at special moves like tricky volleys and high-flying lobs!

Happy Heart and Long Life

Playing Tennis is like giving your heart a big high-five. It keeps you active, strong, and less likely to get sick. Did you know that playing Tennis a few hours every week can make you live longer? That's because it keeps your heart healthy and strong!

Making Friends and Having Fun

Tennis is a game you can play with friends, even if it's usually one-on-one. You'll meet awesome new pals and have fun practicing and playing together. Plus, you'll learn all about being a good sport. That means cheering for your friends, being nice to everyone, and having fun no matter who wins!

Feeling Happy and Smart

When you play Tennis, your brain releases special chemicals that make you feel really good—kind of like a super happy feeling after a big run! It helps you think better, solve problems, and do great in school. So, not only will you feel strong on the court, but you'll be super smart because of it too!

Serve up some serious camp style with our Tennis Ball Designer Trunk! This eye-catching trunk brings the energy of the court to your camp experience, featuring a bold, high-resolution tennis ball design that’s as durable as it is dynamic.

So grab your racket, hit the court, and have a blast playing Tennis at summer camp! Till next time, Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Friends!

Have you ever wondered how cameras got to be so cool? Somewhat similar to the development of phones, cameras have come a long way—so much that they’re actually BUILT-IN to our phones now. Let's take a fun trip through time and see how cameras have changed from the old days to the amazing digital ones we use now. Ready? Let's go!

The Daguerreotype Days

A long time ago, in 1839, a man named Louis Daguerre (pronounced duh-gehr) invented the first practical camera. This early camera was called a daguerreotype (pronounced duh-geh-ruh-tipe), and it used a shiny copper plate covered with silver to take pictures. People had to stay very still for several minutes while the camera captured their image. It was slow and tricky, but it was the start of something amazing!

Film Photography Begins

In the late 1800s, a smart inventor named George Eastman made cameras even better with the Kodak camera. Instead of using glass plates, the Kodak camera used a roll of flexible film. This made taking pictures much easier. George Eastman’s famous saying was, "You press the button, we do the rest." With Kodak cameras, more people could take photos, and soon, everyone was snapping pictures!

Instant Photos with Polaroid

It was in the 20th century, Edwin Land came up with another cool idea: instant photography! He invented the Polaroid camera in 1948. This special camera developed photos in just a few minutes. It was like magic! People loved seeing their pictures right away, and Polaroid cameras became super popular for capturing fun and quick moments.

Digital Cameras Arrive

The biggest change came with digital cameras. In the 1970s and 1980s, companies like Sony and Kodak started making digital cameras. But it was in the 1990s that they became popular for everyone. Digital cameras use electronic sensors to capture pictures, and they store them on memory cards. This means no more film or messy chemicals. Digital cameras made taking pictures super easy and fun!

Smartphone Cameras

Today, most of us use smartphones to take pictures. These tiny cameras are in our phones and are getting better all the time. Modern smartphones have multiple lenses and powerful sensors, so we can take amazing photos wherever we go. It's so easy to snap a picture, edit it, and share it with friends right away!

From the old days of daguerreotypes to the modern world of smartphones, cameras have come a long way. They help us capture special moments and share them with others. Whether it's a picture of your best camp friend, a cool bug you found on a hike, or a beautiful sunset, cameras make it easy to save and share these memories.

Having a camera at summer camp is a great way to capture all the fun moments with your friends. At Everything Summer Camp, we have two awesome cameras just for you! The Children’s Digital Camera is perfect for quick snaps, and the Ultra Compact 35mm Camera + Waterproof Casing is great for all your outdoor adventures, even underwater! So you can take photos whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just hanging out with your camp buddies.

So next time you take a picture, think about how far cameras have come and how they let us keep our favorite moments forever. Happy snapping and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Nature Lovers!

Named after the towering saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park is a testament to the resilience of desert life. Nestled in southeastern Arizona, it’s a playground of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Just close your eyes and put yourself among these iconic cacti as far as the eye can see, their arms reaching for the sky like ancient guardians of the desert! 

This park is REALLY big—92,000 acres—and, for that reason, the park is divided into two distinct districts: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Each area offers its own unique charm and ecosystem, from the rugged volcanic rocks of the Tucson Mountains to the lush, biodiverse Rincon Mountains. 

Highland areas separated by vast lowland deserts or grasslands are referred to as the ‘Sky Islands’ These regions act like ‘islands’ in the sky because they are surrounded by different, lower elevation habitats, somewhat like islands in an ocean. These ‘Sky Islands are home to a wide array of plants and animals, some of which can only be found there.

Nowadays, you can go on adventures in the park! There are over 165 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even camping. You can explore ancient rock drawings, spot wild animals, and see incredible desert sunsets.

At National Parks Designer Trunks, we love Saguaro National Park too! Our special trunk collection celebrates this amazing place with cool designs that show off the Sonoran Desert beauty.

So, grab your gear and get ready for an awesome adventure! Whether you're discovering old cave drawings, watching the sunset over the mountains, or just enjoying the quiet desert, Saguaro National Park is full of fun surprises waiting for you. Till next time, Camp Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Often enough, campers really love just a couple activities or maybe even just one. Depending on their interests, children may sign themselves up for an abundance of just those few activities that they’re all about. When seeing campers creating a schedule of just a few different activities, the camp counselor say, “Hey campers, remember, don't put all your eggs in one basket!"

That means it's great to enjoy one thing, but it's even better to try different stuff too. It’s good for campers to take full advantage of time spent at camp for a number of reasons:

• They may discover a newfound love for an activity that they otherwise wouldn’t have tried. 
• It’s good for campers to push themselves out of their comfort zone at least a little. 
• The more activities they take, the more kids they’ll meet. 
• And, while they may not excel in one or two activities, they’ll have many other chances to shine.

But back to the phrase—Don’t put your all your eggs in one basket. Why do we say this?

The saying comes from a story written a long time ago by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605—‘Don Quixote’. A wise character in the story said not to risk everything on just one idea, like putting all your eggs in one basket. This wise advice transcends time and applies to various aspects of life, including personal, financial, and yes, even summer camp experiences.

So, instead of spending all your time perfecting one skill at summer camp, why not give pottery a spin or join the hiking group? By exploring various activities, you'll have a blast and maybe even uncover a hidden talent you never knew you had! Till next time, Camp Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John