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

Picture the towering pines of Tahoe National Forest, breathe in the crisp scent of pine needles in the air, and trek along the gorgeous trails. Tahoe National Forest is nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains of California: a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Spanning over 871,000 acres, this HUGE forest boasts the majestic Sierra Buttes which standing 8,587 feet tall.

One of the forest's highlights is its extensive network of lakes and reservoirs, such as the iconic Boca Reservoir, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming during the warm summer months. The Truckee River meanders through the forest, providing not only scenic beauty but also vital water supplies to nearby towns like Lincoln, Auburn, and Rocklin, as well as Reno and Sparks in Nevada.

For hiking enthusiasts, Tahoe National Forest offers countless trails, including a portion of the renowned Pacific Crest Trail. Winding through river canyons, granite cliffs, and lush forests, these trails offer opportunities to spot wildlife like wolverines, which call this pristine wilderness home.

Accessible via well-maintained roads like Foresthill Road and Mosquito Ridge Road, Tahoe National Forest welcomes visitors from nearby urban centers like Sacramento and Reno, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature, embarking on an epic backpacking adventure, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, Tahoe National Forest promises unforgettable experiences for all.

If you're inspired by the wonders of Tahoe National Forest, consider exploring our National Parks Designer Trunk collection, featuring a trunk inspired by this magnificent natural treasure. Who knows? Maybe your next adventure will lead you to discover the beauty and serenity of this cool, natural setting firsthand. Till next time, Camp Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Runners!

Aligning perfectly with his electrifying speed on the track, Usain Bolt is often compared to a lightning bolt streaking across the sky. Like a speeding bullet, Usain Bolt has left a trail of records and victories in his wake. From his electrifying performances to his charismatic celebrations, Bolt has etched his name in the records of track and field history as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.

Bolt's journey to worldwide fame began with a bang at the 2002 World Junior Championships, where he clinched the gold in the 200 meters. This was just the beginning, as he followed it up with another stellar performance in 2003, securing the World Youth title in the same event. Despite a setback at the 2004 Olympics, Bolt's determination only grew stronger, setting the stage for his remarkable breakthrough in 2008.

In a career-defining year, Bolt shattered the 100-meter world record with a lightning-fast time of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York. This victory launched him into the limelight as the lead of the sprint events at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. True to expectations, Bolt swept the track with unprecedented ease, clinching gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters and the 4x100 meters relay.

At summer camps around the world,. Track activities offer young athletes a chance to experience the thrill of running, jumping, and competing just like their Mr. Bolt. Imagine the excitement of racing against friends, pushing your limits, and feeling the rush of crossing the finish line first!

Usain Bolt's story isn't just about winning races—it's about inspiring generations to believe in their potential and strive for greatness. So, let's celebrate the spirit of track and field, where every step forward is a leap towards achieving our dreams. Lace up, sprint ahead, and embrace the thrill of racing towards victory! Thanks for reading, Camp Fans! And, as always, Happy Running!

- John