Hey, Camp Folks! 

There are so many common phrases and expressions that have been so sewn into the fabric of our everyday speech that we use them without even realizing it. Some can sound a bit bizarre if you don’t know the origin of the phrase. For example, ‘Fly off the Handle’ originated from lumberjacks losing their axeheads as they got loose and flew off. You can read more about that right here. 

For today’s post, however, let’s take a look at the phrase ‘Cut to the Chase’. Time is an essential thing in our lives and none of us want ours to be wasted (unless we’re the ones doing it!). Cut to the Chase is what you say when you want someone to stop WASTING YOUR TIME AND GET TO THE POINT! 

…sorry to fly off the handle, there. 

But why the phrase ‘Cut to the Chase’? Where exactly are we cutting and what chase are we talking about? To answer these questions, let’s learn a little history lesson about the movies. 

All films from the beginning of the technology in the late 1870s to the first talkie in 1927 were silent movies. Back then, films were simpler. Chase scenes were an exciting way to end a film and it became a popular resort to give the film a good visual climax—a grand finale, so to speak. 

Screenwriters and directors alike, in a desperate attempt to add on to the runtime of their films, would insert unnecessary dialogue and whole scenes that didn’t have much purpose just to give the movie that filler and pad the time before getting to the inevitable chase scene. 

More often than not, this tactic would fail, simply resulting in a bored audience. This is where movie studio executives like Hal Roach Sr. who is thought to have coined the phrase would tell the directors, “Cut to the chase.” So now you know, ‘cut’ is referring to a film cut and the ‘chase’ is the climax of the movie. 

Be sure to use this when your brother or sister is boring you and you want them to get on with their story! Next time we’ll be studying the term ‘Soap Opera’. Until then, Cut to the Chase. And, as always, thanks for reading. 

- John

Hey, Camp Enthusiasts!

The dining hall buzzed with excitement as campers finished their dinner, the air charged with anticipation. Suddenly, an announcement echoed: "Color Wars is about to begin!" The cabin leaders wasted no time rallying their teams, sparking enthusiasm with chants of, "Jump on the bandwagon!" The energy was contagious, drawing everyone into the camaraderie and competition.

But have you ever wondered—where does the phrase "Jump on the Bandwagon" come from?

The Origin of "Jumping on the Bandwagon"

This lively expression dates back to 19th-century America, specifically to political campaigns. Back then, a "bandwagon" referred to a wagon carrying a circus band, parading through towns to drum up excitement. Enthusiastic spectators would sometimes literally jump onto the bandwagon, eager to join the spectacle.

Over time, the phrase took on a metaphorical meaning: embracing a trend or movement simply because it’s gaining popularity. Whether it’s cheering for a winning team, supporting a cause, or following a fad, "jumping on the bandwagon" reflects our desire to belong and connect.

The Magic of Color Wars

At camp, Color Wars is the ultimate opportunity to jump on the bandwagon—embracing team spirit, cheering alongside new friends, and throwing yourself wholeheartedly into the fun. From decked-out costumes to spirited chants, campers rally around their teams, creating unforgettable memories.

But Color Wars goes beyond fun and games. It teaches valuable life lessons about teamwork, sportsmanship, and community, all while fostering the unique sense of belonging that summer camp is known for.

Keeping the Camp Spirit Alive

Even as winter settles in, the camp spirit doesn’t have to hibernate. Here are a few ways to keep that energy alive:

• Organize a virtual reunion with camp friends to relive your favorite moments.
• Practice campfire songs indoors (marshmallows optional, but recommended).
• Start planning your next summer adventure—there’s nothing like anticipation to warm up a cold season!

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s all jump on the bandwagon and keep the camp spirit alive, no matter the time of year. Thanks for reading, Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- 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

Hey there, Camp Adventurers!

Camp was full of fun times, wasn’t it? But did you have any experiences that you didn’t appreciate? Sometimes, when you're hanging out with new friends and trying new things, you might come across something that "rubs you the wrong way." But what does that even mean? Let's find out together!

So, you’re at camp and you meet someone new. They're nice and all, but there's something about them that just doesn't sit right with you. Maybe they talk too loud, or they always want to play a game you don't like. It's like they're rubbing you the wrong way (not literally, though)!

The phrase "rub the wrong way" is an old saying that means something is bothering you or making you feel a bit annoyed. It's like when you stroke a cat's fur in the opposite direction—instead of feeling nice, it can make the cat irritable. Our ancestors noticed this and thought, "Hmm, that's kind of like how people feel when something bugs them!"

Initially, the phrase was actually "rubbing someone UP the wrong way." It's like when you're hanging out with your friends, and someone says or does something that just doesn't FEEL right. It's nobody's fault, really—it's just how things go sometimes.

But here's the cool part—understanding what "rubbing the wrong way" means can help us get along better with others. If something bugs us, we can talk about it calmly and try to find a solution together. After all, camp is all about making friends, trying new things, and having fun!

So, whether you're a kid getting ready to head off to camp or a parent sending your little camper on their big adventure, remember this: Sometimes, things might rub you the wrong way, but that's okay! Just take a deep breath, talk it out, and keep on enjoying all the amazing experiences camp has to offer. After all, the best adventures are the ones we share with friends, even if they sometimes rub us the wrong way!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

With the summer sun dipping below the horizon, campers make their way around the camp on Closing Day, hugging friends and exchanging promises to stay in touch. The laughter and chatter of the past weeks seem to echo through the trees, a bittersweet soundtrack to the closing day of camp. Each goodbye is a reminder that no matter how perfect the moments, all good things must end.

This phrase captures the essence of summer camp—a place of joy and learning, where days are long and friendships flourish, but eventually, the time comes to pack up and head home. Just like the amazing experiences at camp, all good things in life have their seasons. This saying teaches us to cherish the moments of happiness and connection while they last, and to accept that change is a natural part of life.

Chaucer

The idea that all good things must come to an end traces back to medieval writings, first penned by Chaucer—a famous English writer from 600 years ago. He’s best known for a book of fun stories he wrote called ‘The Canterbury Tales’, but it is his line from a poem that spawned this phrase. A modernized version of the line would read: "But at last, as all things end, she had to say goodbye and go."

Frost

Another poet from the turn of the 20th Century, Robert Frost, beautifully captured this sentiment in his poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay." Frost describes how the most beautiful, golden moments in nature are only temporary.

His poem helps us understand that just like the first green leaves of spring that quickly change, our happiest moments are precious but fleeting.

Harrison

The phrase was given new life in more modern times by former 'Beatle', George Harrison. Titling his 1970 album “All Things Must Pass,” brought an alteration of the phrase back into popular consciousness, reminding a whole new generation that change is the only constant. This album is filled with songs reflecting on change and transition.

For campers saying goodbye, remembering that “All good things must end” helps put their wonderful experiences in perspective. It teaches them to look forward to new adventures, carrying the lessons and friendships from camp into the future, while holding onto the joy of the past. This lesson, shared through poetry and music, continues to inspire and comfort people of all ages as they navigate the beautiful, sometimes bittersweet, journey of life. 

As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, of course, Happy Camping!

- John