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

Lookin’ good, Camp Folks!

1987! The same year that Craig and Nancy Cornell crafted the first C&N camp trunks, Caboodles launched the On-The-Go Girl Makeup Box. Caboodles revolutionized the world of cosmetic organization, inspired by a simple, yet ingenious idea—a tackle box!

It was just the year prior that the iconic Vanna White (the graceful and beautiful assistant on the long-running Wheel of Fortune gameshow) was spotted using a tackle box—you know, for fishing. But instead of storing hooks and lures, she used it to keep her makeup essentials in order. Recognizing the need for a stylish and functional solution for makeup storage, Plano Molding Company introduced Caboodles.

Since its inception, Caboodles has been empowering makeup enthusiasts, neat freaks, and fashionistas alike to keep their essentials neatly organized in style. While trends may come and go, Caboodles products remain timeless classics, sought after for their efficient organization, smart design, and retro charm.

Thanks to Vanna’s innovation and resourcefulness in her repurposing of a tackle box, summer campers now have a stylish and functional solution for storing makeup essentials. This addition to the Everything Summer Camp gear lineup was a no-brainer, providing campers with a convenient way to keep their cosmetics neatly organized during their summer adventures.

As Caboodles continues to boldly redefine cosmetic organization and inspire individuals to embrace their inner glam, we’re thrilled to now offer this bubbly brand name to our shoppers! When you're organized AND glamorous, there's no limit to what you can achieve! Thanks for reading, Camp Folks. And, as always, Happy Glamping!


- John

Happy Halloween!

Let's dive into the magical world of Halloween and discover how it all began with the amazing adventures of Saint Patrick! WAIT!! Saint Patrick?!?!  What’s he got to do with Halloween?! Well, it’s an interesting story. Let me tell you about a time long, long ago—before Halloween was even a thing…

Back then, people celebrated a special festival called Samhain. People would light bonfires and wear spooky costumes to scare away ghosts. Sounds a bit like Halloween, right?

Now, let's fast forward to Saint Patrick's time. He was a brave and adventurous guy who went on amazing journeys. But did you know he was also the one who helped turn Samhain into Halloween?

How did he do that?

Well, he was captured by Irish pirates when he was just a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and went back to his family. But instead of staying home, he decided to go back to Ireland to spread the word of Christianity.

 

With his trusty staff in hand, Saint Patrick traveled all over Ireland, telling stories and making new friends. He even baptized thousands of people and built churches. He was a true evangelical, spreading love and joy wherever he went!

So how did this celebration turn into Halloween? It was the Christian movement in Ireland (thanks to good ol’ St. Patrick) that delivered the Samhain traditions to the converted Irish Christians. It was in the 8th century that Pope Gregory III announced November 1st as a day to honor all saints.

 

He called it All Saints Day. Hallow, being another word for holy or saintly was commonly used in those times. Over the years, instead of calling it ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ (also known as All Saint’s Eve) people started calling it ‘Halloween’. And to this day, it still incorporates some of the traditions of Samhain.

So, the next time you dress up in a spooky costume or carve a pumpkin, remember the incredible journey of Saint Patrick and how he helped make Halloween so awesome. Happy Halloween, everyone! Have a spook-tacular time trick-or-treating and enjoying a good scare! Till next time.

 

- John

Hey, History Buffs!

Ever wondered about the story behind those trusty camp trunks that tag along on all your summer adventures? Well, buckle up because we're about to take a trip through time and unravel the fascinating history of these nifty storage buddies!

Blast from the Past: Biblical Trunks

Ancient times and epic tales from The Bible call upon some seriously legendary trunks like the Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark. Ark is just an old word for chest. The Ark of the Covenant, described in the Old Testament, was a sacred chest believed to house the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.

Then there’s Noah's Ark. You might think to yourself, but that was a giant boat, not a trunk. They called it an Ark for a reason, though. This massive vessel had to keep all its passengers—humans and animals—safe throughout a colossal flood.These legendary trunks symbolize protection, preservation, and divine guidance.

Warriors and Their Trunks: Civil War Edition

Fast forward to the American Civil War, where soldiers had a different kind of trunk on their hands – the limber chest. These bad boys were like the superheroes of storage, carrying all the essential supplies and ammo right into the heart of battle. Talk about tough trunks serving on the front lines!

 

Dowry Chests

Now, let's zoom into the cozy corners of domestic life, where hope chests, also known as dowry chests, took center stage. Imagine young brides-to-be collecting treasures like linens and dishes, dreaming of their future homes and happy lives. These magical chests were like time capsules full of hope, love, and big dreams for the future!

 

Fast forward again to modern times, where camp trunks are the unsung heroes of summer camp adventures! From storing your snazziest camp gear to keeping your favorite snacks safe, these trusty trunks have your back. They're not just containers – they're symbols of freedom, fun, and friendship at camp!

So, there you have it, folks – the incredible journey of camp trunks through history! From biblical sagas to wartime heroics and domestic dreams, these versatile trunks have seen it all. So, the next time you're packing up for camp, remember the epic tales behind your favorite summer sidekick—your camp trunk! Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey, Camp Families!

Summer camp is a time for adventure, but between opening and closing day, there's often a logistical challenge: moving your trunk from the parking lot to the cabin and back again. This task can be daunting, especially when your trunk is fully packed and the terrain is rough. Enter the C&N Wheel Away System—a revolutionary solution designed to make transporting your trunk the easiest part of your camp experience!

The C&N Wheel Away System features large, 4″ PVC wheels that provide exceptional maneuverability across various terrains, from gravel paths to uneven campground surfaces. With this innovative system, campers can effortlessly move their fully-packed footlocker from point A to point B without breaking a sweat.

 

 

But how did the idea for the Wheel Away System come about? It all started with a simple question: how can we provide campers with the convenience of wheels without the risk of damage?

Before the Wheel Away System, other trunk makers offered trunks with built-in wheels. While this provided convenience, it also posed a significant problem: the wheels were prone to damage considering the rough and tumble trunks endure as they’re tossed into car trunks or stowed away on airlines. With the wheels permanently affixed, damaged wheels would leave the whole trunk unusable.

We set out to develop a solution that would offer campers the flexibility to have wheels when they needed them and remove them when they didn't. Thus, the C&N Wheel Away System was born!

 

 

Now, campers can easily attach the Wheel Away System to their trunk when it's time to move and remove it when they arrive at their destination. This innovative approach not only eliminates the risk of damaged wheels but also enhances the overall versatility of the trunk.

So, the next time you're gearing up for summer camp, don't forget to equip your trunk with the C&N Wheel Away System—the easiest way to transport your trunk wherever adventure takes you. Thanks for reading, Camp Fans! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John