Camp drop-off comes fast—and your kid needs a travel trunk that’s not just big, but battle-ready. More than just a box for clothes, a footlocker trunk becomes your camper’s personal command center: a dresser, a bench, a nightstand, a gear locker, and a piece of home they bring along for the ride.

When you’re prepping your child for summer camp, their footlocker might seem like a small detail—but ask any seasoned camp parent, and they’ll tell you: it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

A high-quality footlocker makes camp life smoother, more organized, and WAY less stressful! Pick the wrong one, and you’re dealing with cracked bins, busted wheels, broken zippers—or camp gear that just won’t fit.

That’s why we created this guide—to help you make the right choice with complete confidence.

 

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Picture this:

It’s Opening Day.

Your kid steps off the bus—excited, maybe a little nervous.

You drag out a wobbly duffel bag that’s already sagging, shoes crammed in the corners, and clothes spilling out. Stressful, right?

Now picture the opposite:

A sturdy camp trunk rolls smoothly across the gravel, packed with care, slides neatly under the bunk, and sets the tone for the whole week.

No mess. No fuss. Just a strong start.

That’s the difference a good packing container makes.

Camp is full of firsts—first bunkmates, first campfires, first time away from home. A well-packed trunk gives kids structure, control, and confidence right from the jump. It helps them feel settled in an unfamiliar space and lets them focus on what really matters—having fun.

This guide will walk you through what matters, what to avoid, and how to pick a trunk that fits your camper’s needs.

Let’s make sure this is one decision you don’t have to second guess.

What Is a Travel Trunk and Why Does It Matter for Summer Camp?

A travel trunk isn’t your run-of-the-mill luggage—it’s a rugged, reliable workhorse built for the wild world of summer camp. Designed to withstand rough terrain, unexpected downpours, and the daily chaos of bunk life, it’s more than just storage—it’s mission control for your camper’s entire stay.

The right camp trunk keeps everything in its place: clothes neatly folded, gear protected from the elements, and essentials easy to grab—even when your child is sharing tight quarters with a dozen bunkmates in a whirlwind of noise, dirt, and non-stop activity.

Most trunks built for camp are rectangular, rigid, and constructed from steel-clad wood or durable, tear-resistant fabric. Unlike a suitcase or backpack, a footlocker doubles as multi-use gear: it’s a bench, a nightstand, a catch-all surface, and a secure space your camper can truly call their own. In most cabins, it’s the only personal storage they get.

Functionality matters. Some footlocker chests include built-in organizers, zippered compartments, or wheel systems for easier transport. Others are intentionally minimalist—designed to be tough, no-frills, and dependable. Either way, choosing the right style, size, and build makes a big impact. The right summer camp trunk helps your camper feel settled, self-sufficient, and ready to roll from Day One.

 

Accessorize Your Trunk

 

Beyond the practical perks, there’s something emotional about a well-packed camp trunk. For many campers, it becomes a comforting slice of home—a sturdy constant in a brand-new environment. It builds routine, encourages independence, and gives your child a sense of control at a time when they’re learning to stand on their own.

Camp Trunk vs. Suitcase: Which Travel Luggage Is Better for Camp?

Let’s clear up a common question that pops up every camp season: why not just use a suitcase? After all, most of us are familiar with them—they’re easy to find, come in all sizes, and they’ve handled countless vacations and sleepovers without issue. But summer camp isn’t your average travel scenario. It’s rugged, it’s messy, and it demands gear that can take a beating.

Suitcases are great for hotel stays, airport terminals, and quick weekend trips—but for the high-impact reality of camp? Not so much. Campsites don’t come with luggage carts or bellhops. Kids are hauling their own gear through dirt paths, over gravel, into rustic cabins—and they need something that won’t buckle under pressure. Here’s why a summer camp trunk typically wins out:

• Structure: Suitcases are often soft-sided and prone to collapsing or tipping when not fully packed. A steel trunk holds its shape no matter what, making it easier for kids to keep things neat.
• Durability: Quality footlockers are designed to be tossed, dragged, and sat on. Suitcases simply aren’t built for that kind of punishment whereas a steel trunk is built to last the full session—and then some.
• Storage: Footlockers offer more internal space and they’re easier to organize. They can also fit under most camp bunks—something most upright luggage can’t manage.
• Customization: From nameplates and stickers to interior lights and trays, steel footlockers offer a level of personalization suitcases just don’t match. This isn’t just fun—it helps kids identify their own quickly in a sea of similar gear.
• Camp Culture: Steel trunks are part of the camp tradition, with a vintage appeal that speaks to generations of campers. They’re designed with cabin life in mind and often recommended—or required—by the camp itself.

A footlocker provides flat, stable access to everything they’ve packed—no zippers jamming or flaps flopping closed. That kind of convenience matters more than you’d think.

And, while a suitcase might suffice for a short trip, the camp experience calls for a storage solution that’s sturdier, roomier, and far more rugged. Campers need a travel trunk that can act as a home base for everything from bedding and clothes to flashlights, snacks, and bunk decorations.

Travel Trunks with Wheels—Are They Worth It?

In a word—YES!

If you’ve ever seen a 10-year-old struggle to carry a plastic tote across a gravel parking lot, you already know the answer: yes, wheels are worth it. In fact, wheels are one of the most requested features from both campers and parents.

Camp trunks with wheels are simply better suited for maneuvering the rocky and rough camp terrain. When kids are living in rustic, remote cabins, the trip from the parking lot can stretch a half a mile or longer. You want a simple means of hauling.

How can you know if a wheeled trunk is right for your camper? Wheeled trunks are great—but they’re not for every camper. Ask yourself these questions before making the call:

• Will your camper be responsible for hauling their own trunk at drop-off or pick-up?
• Is the distance from the parking area to the cabin long or unpaved?
• Are you flying or taking a bus to camp, where ease of rolling will help during transfers?
• Does your child struggle with lifting heavy items or navigating stairs?
• Does the camp allow trunks with wheels? (Some only allow recessed wheels or none at all.)

Picture your child navigating a steep hill or a long gravel driveway on drop-off day. Footlockers with wheels turn what could be a meltdown into a manageable moment. When paired with rugged construction and a reinforced base, wheels add serious convenience to your camper’s experience. After all, why carry 40 pounds of gear when you can roll it?

 

Add Trunk Wheels

Choosing the Best Traveling Trunk for Your Camper

The phrase “best travel trunk” means different things depending on your camper’s age, camp style, and length of stay. Here’s how to narrow it down:

• Short Stays (1–2 weeks): Go with a standard-size hard trunk like our Happy Camper (32" x 18" x 13.5"). It fits under most bunks and offers ample storage.
• Longer Stays (3+ weeks): Upgrade to a deeper trunk like our UnderGrad or Graduate—an extra large camp trunk, to provide surplus capacity for bedding, sports gear, and multiple outfit rotations.
• Flying to Camp? Consider a soft-sided traveling trunk. Our Pop-Up Soft Trunk folds flat for easy storage and is light enough for most airlines.
• Minimalist Needs? Try a travel wardrobe trunk, which offers a vertical layout with shelves and hanging sections—perfect for neat-freak campers or specialty programs that require an organized wardrobe.

Also think about your camper’s personality. Do they like to organize their space? Are they bringing gear for a specific activity like horseback riding or theater? Their style and camp schedule should influence what size and type you choose.

Trunk build matters too. Look for steel hardware, plywood cores, and durable vinyl coatings. Avoid cheap plastic bins—they won’t last, and your child may end up dealing with broken latches or collapsed sides.

Want to go the extra mile? Look for a camp trunk that’s compatible with cool and practical accessories like interior organizers, nameplates, motion-sensor lights, and protective liners. These upgrades make a big difference in daily use.

Why Families Trust Our Camp Trunks

When it comes to outfitting your camper, we don’t just sell trunks—we live and breathe the camp experience. At Everything Summer Camp, camp isn’t a side hustle—it’s the heart of what we do. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with hundreds of camps and supported tens of thousands of families across the country, helping each one send their child off with confidence, preparation, and pride.

We know what works because we’ve seen it all. Our gear is built on decades of camper feedback, real-world testing, and hands-on experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Durable Construction: Our footlocker chests are built right here in Wisconsin from real cabinet-grade wood, reinforced steel hardware, and tested by real campers. We control quality from start to finish.
• Expert Guidance: We don’t just ship gear—we help you choose what works best for your child, their camp, and your summer trips. Our team knows camp prep inside and out.
• Fast, Reliable Shipping: Most orders ship within 2 business days, so even if you're cutting it close, we’ve got your back. Need it delivered to camp directly? We can handle that too.
• Custom Options: From color combos to monogrammed nameplates and design upgrades, we offer more personalization than any other camp outfitter. Let your camper’s personality shine.
• Lifetime Repair Warranty: In the event that your footlocker breaks, we fix it. Simple as that. You invest in us, and we invest right back in you.

Whether you’re gearing up for your child’s very first summer away or replacing a beloved steamer trunk that’s seen one too many years in the attic, we’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and even a little fun.

From choosing the right size to picking custom colors and accessories, we’ll walk you through every step with expert advice and real-world insight to pick out a custom footlocker. You don’t have to figure it out alone—we’ve got your back, so you can focus on what matters most: giving your camper their best summer ever.

Craft a personalized camp trunk with our Create-Your-Own trunk option or peruse our Designer Trunk collection for a one-of-a-kind appearance!

The Texas Hill Country is home to countless summer camps where lifelong memories are made and friendships are forged. This season, that treasured landscape has been struck by tragedy, as devastating flash floods have brought heartbreaking loss to these cherished places and the people who call them home.

Want to Support the Recovery?

The Texas Hill Country is hurting—and so many are stepping up to help. If you'd like to contribute, here are a few trusted ways to make a difference for the camps, families, and communities rebuilding after these devastating floods:

Help Through Grief and Loss

While many are giving what they can, others are grappling with unimaginable grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, this resource may offer support.

Standing with the Texas Camp Community

In moments like this, words feel small, but we still try to offer them as a way of sharing the sorrow and strength of this community. Here is what we shared with our community on Facebook:

Artwork created by a member of the camp community,
honoring Camp Mystic—the hardest hit in this tragedy.

As the days ahead unfold, we will continue to hold these camps and families close in our hearts. To all who are grieving, rebuilding, and holding each other up—please know you are not alone.

With love and solidarity,
—The Everything Summer Camp Family

When Opening Day’s around the corner, stress has a way of sneaking in. There’s the packing, the labeling, the last-minute trips for gear you forgot. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Everything Summer Camp, we’ve bundled our most popular products into ready-to-go Pro Packs—so you can skip the packing panic and send your camper off calm, confident, and prepared.

Our Pro Packs are the product of more than 35 years of camp know-how, tailored to the real-life needs of summer campers and the parents getting them ready. These bundles are full of essentials, upgrades, and personalization, all curated to save you time and effort.

Let’s take a look at both of our powerful Pro Pack options.

1. Pro Pack: Happy Camper Trunk – The Classic Built to Do It All

If you're looking for our most rugged, road-ready option, this is the one. The Happy Camper Trunk Pro Pack starts with our best-selling hard trunk made from solid birch plywood and wrapped in steel. Inside, we load it up with serious organization: a LidMate Organizer, Trunk Liner, Motion-Sensor Light, Shipping Protector Bag, and our top-selling Wheel Away System.

It’s built like a tank and packed like a dream. With over $50 in bundled accessories, it’s everything your camper needs to pack confidently—and everything you need to stop stressing.

2. Pro Pack: Pop Up Soft Trunk – Built for Flexibility and Packed with Extras

Ideal for campers flying to camp or families short on storage space, the Pop Up Soft Trunk Pro Pack delivers a lightweight, collapsible trunk with big-time capacity. The Pop Up trunk itself includes a built-in LidMate Organizer, shoe pouch, display panels, and a dedicated window for name patches (3 personalized patches included!).

What else do you get? The bundle packs in a Piggy Back Duffel, Gear-Up Flashlight, and Gear-Up Toiletry Pouch—plus a custom name patch set and luggage tag to keep everything organized and labeled. Altogether, it’s over $85 in value-added accessories included for free.

Lightweight. Label-ready. Fully loaded.

Save Time, Save Stress, and Send Them Off Right

Whether your camper’s headed off for the first time or they're already a summer veteran, our Pro Packs make the prep process smoother, faster, and a whole lot easier. No guesswork. No missing pieces. Just everything they need in one simple bundle.

Explore Pro Packs now and find the one that’s right for your family!

Hey, Language Lovers!

On a wilderness hike, a group of campers reveled in their laughter and high spirits as they moved along through the trees, excited over the adventure ahead. But before long, some campers felt a raindrop or two. Then more campers felt more raindrops, lightly at first and then with increasing intensity. 

Undeterred, the campers paused to quickly don their colorful ponchos and raincoats, before continuing on their adventure. Their cabin leader, with a grin and a twinkle in their eye, declared with gusto, "We don't care if it rains on our parade!"

The expression "Rain on Someone's Parade" itself gained popularity in 1964 with the release of the song "Don't Rain on My Parade" by Bob Merrill, featured in the film Funny Girl starring Barbra Streisand. The catchy tune and spirited lyrics resonated with audiences, making the phrase synonymous with not letting anyone spoil your excitement or enthusiasm.

But the saying’s been around for a long time, with different versions showing up in stories and everyday speech for many years. It's all about a feeling that lots of people understand: when someone's negativity makes you feel like you can't be happy. Whether it's real rain falling or tough things happening in life, the idea is the same—keep smiling, stay strong, and don't let other people ruin your fun!

At summer camps around the world, campers are encouraged to adopt this resilient mindset. They learn that setbacks are opportunities for growth, and adversity can be overcome with a positive outlook and support from friends and mentors. Camp becomes a place where memories are made, bonds are formed, and lifelong lessons are learned.

The next time you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops or face an unexpected challenge, channel your inner camper. Put on your metaphorical raincoat, face the situation with courage, and remember: Parade On, no matter the weather! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Friends!

Are you ready to become a bird-watching pro? Identifying birds can be a fun and rewarding activity, especially when you’re out in nature. Today, we’re going to learn how to identify different birds using some simple tips and tools. Let’s dive in!

Different Ways to Identify Birds

There are a number of different ways to know what kind of bird that is in the yard. What does it look like? What does it sound like? And what sort of area does it like to hang out in? Take a deeper look:

Visual Identification:

Start by comparing the bird’s size and shape to birds you already know. Is it small like a sparrow or large like a hawk?
Color and Patterns: Look for the bird’s colors and any unique markings, like stripes or spots.
Field Marks: Focus on specific features like wing bars, eye rings, and beak shape.
Behavior: Observe how the bird moves, flies, and interacts with its environment.

Auditory Identification:

Bird Calls and Songs: Each bird has a unique call or song. Learn to identify them by listening carefully.
Apps and Recordings: Use birding apps or recordings to familiarize yourself with different bird sounds.

Habitat and Range:

Where to Look: Identify birds based on their preferred habitats, like forests, wetlands, or urban areas.
Seasonal Variations: Understand migration patterns and seasonal changes in bird populations.

Tools and Resources for Bird Identification

Using the right tools enhances your experience, allowing you to observe birds up close and identify them accurately. Let’s go over the most powerful Bird ID tools in any birdwatcher’s arsenal!

Field Guides and Apps:

Field guides like "The Sibley Guide to Birds" or apps like Merlin Bird ID are great for identifying birds.

Bird Watching Gear:

Binoculars: Choose binoculars that are comfortable and provide a clear view.
Notepads and Cameras: Keep a notepad to jot down observations and a camera to capture moments.

Online Communities and Forums:

Bird Watching Communities: Join groups like eBird or local bird watching forums to get advice and share your sightings.

Tips for Successful Bird Watching    

When and Where to Watch:

Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for bird watching.

Staying Quiet and Still:

Minimize Noise: Be quiet and still to avoid scaring birds away.

Keeping a Bird Journal:

Track Sightings: Keep a journal to track your sightings and improve your identification skills.

By following these tips and using the right tools, you'll be on your way to becoming a bird-watching expert. So grab your binoculars and field guide, and head outside to explore the wonderful world of birds. Happy bird watching, adventurers!

- John