Hey, Nature Lovers!

Surrounded by towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and lush forests, Glacier National Park induces a sense of awe and wonder of the surrounding natural beauty. Located in northwestern Montana on the Canada–United States border, Glacier National Park is a true wilderness paradise. Stretching out across more than 1 million acres of pristine wilderness, the park is home to two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, and a rich diversity of plant and animal species. It's no wonder that this vast, untouched ecosystem is often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent."

As the name gives away, Glacier National Park’s main feature is its glaciers, which are believed to have started forming more than 170 million years ago. These ancient ice formations have sculpted the landscape, carving out U-shaped valleys and leaving behind sparkling lakes and majestic peaks. While the park once boasted over 150 glaciers, there are only 25 remaining today.

Glacier National Park's glaciers continue to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world. From the breathtaking vistas of Logan Pass to the pristine wilderness of the Many Glacier Valley, there's no shortage of natural beauty to explore in this iconic park.

Scattered all over this stunning landscape lives an ecosystem teeming with life. From majestic elk and grizzly bears to elusive mountain lions and wolverines, the park is home to an abundant variety of animals. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting bald eagles, osprey, and golden eagles soaring overhead, while hikers may encounter bighorn sheep and mountain goats scaling the cliffs.

For those looking to explore Glacier National Park in style, our Designer Trunk from our National Parks collection offers the perfect blend of fashion and function. Featuring a Glacier National Park trunk adorned with iconic images of the park's glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, these stylish trunks are the perfect way to show off your love for the great outdoors.

As you plan your next adventure, consider venturing into the heart of this wild and untamed landscape. Maybe you’ll be fortunate enough to witness the magic of Glacier National Park for yourself. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We’ve reached the final chapter of our Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest! It’s been such a joy reading through all your amazing stories and sharing them with our community over the past few months. Each one has captured the true spirit of camp, and we’ve posted them right here on the Blog, one by one.

Today, we’re excited to feature our last camp story from Drake F., who shared his experience at Camp Rockmont. Dive into the adventure now…
“My favorite things at Camp Rockmont were playing disc golf and learning about homesteading. Disc golf was so much fun because I got to throw the discs really far and try to get them in the basket. In homesteading, I learned how to take care of animals and even helped feed the chickens. I liked being outside all the time, and I made a lot of new friends. I hope I can go back next summer and do even more fun stuff!”


Thank you so much for your awesome entry! We loved hearing about your favorite experiences at Camp Rockmont, especially how much fun you had playing disc golf—there's nothing like the thrill of throwing those discs super far! It’s so cool that you learned about homesteading and even got to help feed the chickens. Spending time outside and making new friends sounds like such a perfect summer adventure! We're crossing our fingers that you get to go back next summer for even more fun.

Thanks again for sharing your camp story with us! And a big thanks to everyone for participating in our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest! Check out Camp Rockmont when you click right here and, as always, thanks for reading.


- John

Hey, Camp Lovers!

We’re not through sharing the camp stories we got this year just yet! There’s still a camp story or two from the Everything Summer Camp 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest! We're presenting each submission individually on our Blog, one by one. Next up, we have William F., who wrote in to tell us about his time at Camp Rockmont! Check out his submission is right here:
“My favorite things at Camp Rockmont were paddling on the rapids and going rock climbing during our overnight trips. I loved the challenge of steering through the fast water and working with my friends to get down the river. Rock climbing was amazing because I got to push myself to climb higher and see some awesome views. Spending the night outside made it feel like a real adventure, and I learned a lot about the outdoors. I can’t wait to go back next summer for even more excitement!”


Thank you so much for your amazing entry! It sounds like you had an incredible time at Camp Rockmont, especially paddling through the rapids—what an adventure! Working with your friends to navigate the river must have made the experience even more special. And those views from rock climbing must have been worth every climb—what a way to push yourself, William! And spending the night outdoors really does make everything feel like a true adventure.

We hope you get to enjoy even more excitement next summer. Thanks again for sharing your awesome camp story with us! For everybody else interested in this summer camp, you can check out Camp Rockmont when you click right here and, as always, thanks for reading.


- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Are you all ready for another entry to our Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest! Reading through all your amazing stories and sharing them with our community has been a heavenly experience! We’ve been having a great time posting them right here on the Blog, one by one.

We’re excited to feature today's camp story from Heaven V., who shared her experience at Hidden Valley Camp. Let’s dive in:

"I've went away for sleep away camp for a couple of years. Not as many years as everyone else but in saying that I had so much fun and learning lessons. If I would have never went I feel like I would have been just stuck. learning how to open up and grow as a young adult. Open up even if someone doesn't like what I have to say. Going to away camp is something everyone should try once in their life. When going to Hidden Valley was one of those camps that they had people from all over the world. You hear stories about how they grew up and what they like to do at home. Makes you wanna go and travel. Not in a mean way but you don’t wanna be stuck in your own city."


Thank you so much for sharing your camp experience, Heaven! It sounds like your time at Hidden Valley really helped you grow and learn in ways you never expected. We love hearing how camp gave you the confidence to open up and connect with people from all over the world. Your story truly captures the adventurous spirit of camp and the inspiration it sparks to explore beyond your own city.

We're so glad you had such a meaningful experience, and we agree—everyone should try sleepaway camp at least once! If anybody else is interested in learning more about Hidden Valley Camp, click here to check out their website. As always, thanks for reading!


- John

Merry Christmas, Camp Folks!

Snow blanketed the town as the afternoon turned to evening with a tranquil stillness broken only by the occasional muffled footsteps and warm calls of ‘Merry Christmas’ from one passerby to another. Have you ever wondered why we say this phrase instead of ‘Happy Christmas’? It's a little bit like asking why we put up Christmas trees or why Santa comes down the chimney. It's all part of the magic of Christmas! Let's explore this together.

 

What’s MERRY Mean?

A long, long time ago, people used the word ‘merry’ a lot more than we do today. ‘Merry’ means to be joyful and full of cheer. Think about how you feel when you see lots of twinkling lights, hear your favorite Christmas songs, or open presents – that's merry! People loved to use ‘merry’ to describe things that made them warm and festive.

The Dickens’ Influence

One of the reasons we say ‘Merry Christmas’ is because of a very famous book written by Charles Dickens called ‘A Christmas Carol.’ This book, which came out a long time ago in 1843, tells the story of a grumpy old man named Ebenezer Scrooge who learns to be kind and generous at Christmas. The book is filled with Christmas cheer and joy, and it helped make ‘Merry Christmas’ a popular greeting.

The More the Merrier

But there's more to the story! Back in the Middle Ages, a really long time ago, people used ‘merry’ a lot. They liked to describe things that were fun and glad as ‘merry.’ When Christmas came around, it was one of the merriest times of the year, with lots of singing, dancing, and feasting. So, saying ‘Merry Christmas’ felt just right because Christmas is such a joyful and festive time.

It’s Merry Necessary

Now, you might be wondering why we don't say ‘merry’ for other holidays. Well, each holiday has its own special feeling. For example, we say ‘Happy New Year’ because we're excited about starting a fresh, new year. We say ‘Happy Birthday’ because we're celebrating someone's special day. But Christmas, with all its lights, songs, and delicious treats, feels extra happy…so happy, it’s MERRY!

 

In some places, like the United Kingdom, people do say ‘Happy Christmas’ sometimes. But in many other parts of the world, especially in North America, ‘Merry Christmas’ is the most common way to greet each other during the holiday season.

So, when you say ‘Merry Christmas,’ you're sharing a little piece of history and a lot of joy. It's a way of spreading cheer and making the season bright. The word ‘merry’ fits perfectly with the fun, happy, and joyful spirit of Christmas. Next time you say ‘Merry Christmas,’ remember that you're part of a tradition that's been around for hundreds of years, and you're helping to make the season a little bit merrier for everyone!

As always, thanks for reading and, of course, have a Merry Christmas!

 

- John