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The Memory Trunk Brand Built Just for Families

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There's a moment every camp family hits sooner or later: you're back home, the trunk is unpacked, and you're surrounded by treasures. Friendship bracelets. First-camp letters. Lanyards. Photos. Name tags. Tiny little pieces of a summer your camper never wants to forget. You know these things matter… but where do they actually live once camp is over?

At Everything Summer Camp, we've spent decades helping families get campers to camp with the right trunk and gear. Now, we're thrilled to introduce you to a new sister brand that focuses on what happens after the adventures: Momento Keepsake Trunks.

 

Items to keep in your display trunk.

 

Meet Momento: The Keepsake Trunk Brand Made for Your Story

Momento is a new keepsake trunk brand created by the same team behind Everything Summer Camp. If ESC is all about gearing up for camp and the great outdoors, Momento is about what happens when those moments become memories—and how you store them with the care they deserve.

Where our camp trunks are built to survive cabins, buses, and bunk life, Momento keepsake trunks are designed as beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces that live in your home year-round. They're meant for baby keepsakes, wedding mementos, family heirlooms, holiday traditions, and yes—those priceless camp memories that tell the story of who your child is becoming.

Big Picture:

Everything Summer Camp helps you create the memories. Momento helps you protect and display them, year after year.

 

Visit Momento Trunks For $25 Off

 

Exclusive Offer for Our ESC Family:
When you use our links, you'll automatically receive a $25 coupon at checkout on any Momento trunk. Even better? This stacks with Momento's free shipping and their $1 personalization promotion—an additional $19 in savings. It's our way of saying thank you for being part of the ESC community.


Why We Created a Brand Just for Keepsake Trunks

Whether it's handwritten letters and photos of summer camp, baby outfits and hospital bracelets, or wedding cards and dried bouquet petals, these are not "junk drawer" items. They're pieces of your family's story. And they deserve more than a cardboard box or a plastic tote.

Momento was born from that tension—between what matters and where it ends up. It's a brand built around one simple idea:

Give your memories a home that feels as special as the moments themselves.

Every Momento trunk is handcrafted in Wisconsin, just like our camp trunks. But instead of being designed for camp bunks and bus rides, these keepsake trunks are created to look right at home in your living room, bedroom, office, or nursery.

What Makes Momento Keepsake Trunks Different?

If you're familiar with Everything Summer Camp trunks, you already know we're serious about quality. Momento builds on that foundation and adds a new layer of beauty and emotional focus.

The logo of our new brand, Momento Trunks.

Heirloom-Level Craftsmanship

Momento trunks are designed to be the kind of piece you're proud to pass down. They're built with:

  • Durable construction that's made to last through generations.
  • Thoughtful finishes and design details that feel timeless—not trendy.
  • A look that's warm, inviting, and at home in real-life spaces.

Keepsake Trunks for Life's Big Moments

Instead of starting with size or storage capacity, Momento starts with occasion. You'll find keepsake trunks designed around:

  • Baby memories – first blanket, tiny shoes, hospital bracelet, ultrasound prints, and milestone photos.
  • Weddings – vows, invitations, dried flowers, cards, and little pieces of the day you said "I do."
  • Holidays – ornaments, handwritten recipes, holiday cards, and traditions you revisit every year.
  • Legacy & heirlooms – letters, photographs, keepsakes from previous generations, and items that tell your family story.
  • Memorial & remembrance – meaningful objects that help you honor and remember a loved one.

And if you're a camp family, you'll see right away how naturally these keepsake trunks can become the home base for all things camp: cabin photos, award ribbons, name tags, bunk notes, and that first camp T-shirt that's way too worn to throw away.

Personalization That Tells Your Story

Just like our camp trunks, Momento keepsake trunks can be personalized—inside and out. You can choose colors and finishes that fit your style, and pick a trunk that feels like a natural extension of your home and your story.

The goal isn't just to "store stuff." It's to create a meaningful ritual around preserving the moments that matter most.

How Momento Connects Back to Everything Summer Camp

Momento isn't a random new brand we stumbled onto. It's very much part of the ESC family.

  • Same people, same place. Momento trunks are made by the same Wisconsin manufacturing team behind our C&N camp trunks.
  • Same commitment to quality. If you trust us with your camper's trunk, you can trust us with your keepsakes at home.
  • Same heart for families. Everything we build is ultimately about helping families enjoy, celebrate, and remember the chapters of their lives.
A Natural Next Chapter

First, we helped you send your kids off to camp with confidence. Now, Momento is here to help you gather the memories you've made along the way and give them a lasting home.

 

See Momento Trunks & Get $25 Off


From Camp Trunk to Keepsake Trunk: A Simple Transition

You might be wondering how Momento fits practically into your family's life if you already own an Everything Summer Camp trunk.

Think of it this way:

  • The camp trunk is your launchpad—the gear that travels, takes the bumps, and keeps up with your camper.
  • The keepsake trunk is your landing place—the beautiful home where the most meaningful pieces eventually come to rest.

Over the years, you might help your child move favorite items out of the "everyday" trunk and into a Momento keepsake trunk. Bit by bit, you're building a tangible record of their story: camp summers, milestones, and everything in between.

How to Get Started with Momento Keepsake Trunks

Curious about how Momento works in practice? Here's a simple way to start:

  1. Choose an occasion. Decide whether you're starting a keepsake trunk for baby memories, weddings, holidays, camp, or general family legacy.
  2. Visit Momento online. Head over to MomentoTrunks.com to explore their collection of keepsake trunks.
  3. Pick your trunk. Select the size, style, and finish that fits your space and the kind of memories you're preserving.
  4. Start filling it with meaning. Gather the items you've been "saving for later" and give them a permanent, beautiful home.

You don't have to organize everything in one weekend. In fact, we'd argue it's more meaningful if you build your keepsake trunk over time—adding to it like a living, growing family story.

Little girl plays with toys inside her momento trunk.


Ready to Meet Momento?

If you love the idea of turning camp memories, baby milestones, wedding keepsakes, or family heirlooms into something you can actually see and enjoy, you're going to feel right at home with Momento.

Explore their full line of keepsake trunks here:

 

Visit Momento Trunks For $25 Off


Camp Today, Keepsakes Tomorrow

At Everything Summer Camp, we've always believed that camp is more than a trip—it's a chapter in your child's story. The inside of a well-used camp trunk proves it: little bits of their personality, courage, friendships, and growth tucked into every corner.

Momento Keepsake Trunks is our way of expanding that belief beyond the bunk and into the rest of your life. It's a brand for the memory-keepers, the photo-savers, the card-keepers, and the "I just can't throw this away yet" parents who know that some things are worth holding onto.

So as you help your camper get ready for their next summer adventure with us, know that there's now a place for everything that comes after—the letters, the photos, the first camp bracelet, and all the moments you never want to lose.

Camp today. Keepsakes tomorrow. And a story that keeps unfolding, one trunk at a time.

 

Thanks for reading, Everyone! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

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The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing List for Your Camper

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Packing for summer camp can make even the calmest parent feel overwhelmed—suddenly you’re surrounded by piles of shirts, swimsuits that seem to multiply, flashlights you didn’t know you owned, and enough unmatched socks to question reality. It’s the moment when excitement mixes with pressure, and you wonder whether you’re missing something crucial. Every parent hits this point.

That’s where this summer camp packing list comes in.

Think of this guide as your shortcut to calm. Instead of scrolling through a dozen contradictory lists, you’ll get one clear, complete overview of everything your child needs for a smooth, confident start. Whether it’s your child’s first summer away or you’re getting ready for a second or third session, this list covers the essentials, the extras, and the often-forgotten items that make all the difference.

Camp life is busy, messy, and full of adventure—but with the right preparation, it becomes a whole lot easier. So let’s take the stress out of packing and send your kid off feeling ready, equipped, and excited for their summer stay.


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Everyday Clothing Essentials for Your Packing List


Clothing is the backbone of any good packing plan. Camp days are active, sweaty, splashy, muddy, and full of surprises, so everyday clothing needs to keep up. Most camps recommend enough outfits for either a one or two-week stay, and that usually means durable, breathable, quick-dry pieces your kid can live in from morning wake-up to evening campfire.

Start with the basics. Think comfort and durability over style—camp isn’t the place for anything delicate or brand-new. Days are filled with running, playing, exploring, and occasionally rolling down a grassy hill, so you want clothes that can take a beating and still come home useful.

labeled camp gear

Here’s a simple clothing list most families follow:

•    T-shirts or camp-friendly tops (7–10)
•    Shorts (5–7)
•    Long-sleeve shirt or lightweight layer (1–2)
•    Swimsuits or Swim Trunks (2–3)
•    Underwear and socks (enough for each day)
•    Pajamas (2–3 sets)
•    Sweatshirt or hoodie (1–2)
•    Light jacket or fleece (1)
•    Rain gear (poncho or light jacket)

 

Footwear deserves special attention. It keeps kids safe and comfortable in a variety of settings. Pack at least two pairs: sturdy sneakers for everyday adventures and sandals or water shoes for the pool or lake. If your camp offers hiking, horseback riding, or climbing programs, consider a dedicated pair that matches those needs.

This is also the time to remember one universal rule: LABEL EVERYTHING. Clothing has a magical way of disappearing at camp, and clear labels help socks and sweatshirts make their way back to your child’s bunk instead of becoming cabin souvenirs.

 

Shop Clothing


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Core Gear for Camp Life

Once clothing is covered, it’s time to think about the gear your kid will use daily. This is where the real heart of your child’s camp experience begins—the tools and items that support their independence, comfort, and routine throughout their stay. With the right camp gear, mornings run smoother, bedtime feels easier, and your child stays prepared for whatever comes their way.

Start with bedding. Most overnight programs use standard-size vinyl mattresses, so a fitted sheet and lightweight blanket or sleeping bag work perfectly. Add a pillow that feels like home—you’d be surprised how comforting a familiar pillow can be for a first-time camper adjusting to new sights and sounds.

Next comes the wash routine. A toiletry or shower caddy keeps everything contained and prevents bottles from rolling around the cabin floor. Include the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap or body wash, shampoo, hairbrush, deodorant, and sunscreen. If your camp has a pool or lake program, add a small bottle of leave-in conditioner to help with tangles or chlorine.

A few more items round out your child’s daily camp life:

•    Flashlight or Headlamp (with extra batteries)
•    Laundry Sack (breathable, washable, durable)
•    Water bottle (labeled clearly)
•    Quick-dry Towel
•    Packing Cubes for organization

These simple tools give your child confidence. They can find what they need, keep track of their belongings, and move through the camp schedule like a pro. A little structure goes a long way in the cabin environment where twenty kids share space, supplies, and storage.

And as always, check your camp’s guidelines. Some prohibit some things or recommend specific options to keep bunk life neat and safe. Use this list as your main reference, then adjust based on your camp’s policies.

 

Shop Gear


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Specialty Items Depending on Your Camp

No two facilities are exactly alike. Some lean heavily into water sports, while others focus on horseback riding, music, or wilderness programs. The best summer camp packing approach includes a flexible structure: start with universal basics, then add specialty items based on your camp’s activities.

Waterfront programs often require extras like swim goggles, a rash guard, or an additional quick-dry towel. Art-centered camps might request old T-shirts or aprons for painting and crafting. Outdoor adventure camps usually ask families to bring long socks, durable pants, and a hat for daytime protection.

A few common specialty additions include:

•    Closed-Toe Water Shoes for lake or creek play
•    Long Pants for horseback riding
•    Insect Repellent
•    Reusable Bags for wet clothing
•    Notebook or Journal for writing or sketching
•    Travel-Size First-Aid Items (if camp allows)

This is also the perfect place to mention labeling again. Specialty gear tends to be the most frequently lost category at camp, especially when multiple cabins share equipment rooms. A labeled snorkel mask or a monogrammed towel stands a much better chance of coming home with your child.

Throughout the summer, these specialty things become the difference between participating fully and having to sit out an activity. A little extra preparation ensures your child dives into each day without missing a beat.


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Camp Packing: What Goes in Your Camper’s Bag

Now that we’ve covered what to bring, let’s talk about how to bring it. Choosing the right duffel for camp depends on your child’s stay, your camp’s guidelines, and the type of packing that feels easiest for your family.

Many families stick with the traditional hard-sided trunk. It opens wide and flat, acts as a mini-dresser inside the cabin, and keeps items structured and easy to find. Other parents prefer soft trunks or duffel bags for their flexibility and travel-friendliness. Both options work beautifully—as long as they’re durable enough to handle campground terrain and cabin bustle.

Duffel offers separate compartment for footwear


Whichever option you choose, aim for something that opens fully. Vertical suitcases look tidy at home but become frustrating in a tight cabin where kids need quick access to everything. A full-open design gives campers a clear visual layout of their belongings and helps them stay organized throughout their time away.

When getting all packed up, try this simple system:

•    Clothes and bedding in the main compartment
•    Toiletries and shower things together in a caddy
•    Footwear in a separate corner or small side-bag
•    Flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray within easy reach
•    A labeled laundry sack front-and-center

This keeps your child from rummaging through their entire duffle every morning. It also gives them a sense of routine—something that’s especially comforting during the first few days away from home.

Families packing for air travel often lean toward soft trunks or collapsible bags. If your child’s camp requires soft luggage or if you need an option that flattens for easy storage at home, these lightweight models are a smart choice. They’re easy to handle, simple to pack, and sturdy enough for everything camp life throws their way.

No matter what your child brings, the goal stays the same: a well-packed trunk builds independence and sets your child up for a smooth, confident start.

 

Shop Duffels


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Final Check: The Essential Summer Camp Packing List

When packing time gets close, it helps to run through a quick final checklist. This covers the essentials most likely to be forgotten when families rush to finish.

Here’s a clean list:

•    Fitted sheet + blanket or sleeping bag
•    Pillow from home
•    Water Bottle
•    Flashlight / Headlamp
•    Shower Caddy + Toiletries
•    Laundry Bag
•    Swimsuits or Swim Trunks
•    Two Pairs of Shoes
•    Sweatshirt or Fleece
•    Rain Jacket
•    Towels (bath + beach/pool)
•    Name Labels

 

If your camp provides a downloadable checklist, use this guide as your universal reference point. It works for overnight programs, day camp packing lists, and even specialty programs that run through several summer camp sessions.

You’ll find that most packing plans are built on the same foundation—this list simply brings it all together in one easy place.


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FAQ

What’s on a Summer Camp List?

A good packing list for a summer camp includes everyday clothing, two pairs of shoes, bedding, toiletries, swimsuits, a flashlight, a water bottle, towels, and any activity-specific items your camp recommends. Add a labeled laundry sack, rain gear, and a shower caddy to keep everything organized. Many camps also offer their own printable checklist which you can use alongside this guide to make sure you’re fully prepared.

 

 

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Cameras Over Time—From Daguerreotype to Digital

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A boy takes a picture in the beautiful outdoors.

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, the precursor to the camera.

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!

A roll of film for photography.

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!


One of the original polaroid camera models.

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 came along in the late 90s.

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!

Nowadays our mobile devices are capable of higher picture-capturing quality than any previous camera.

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

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Stay Stylish at Camp with the Life of Camp T-shirt Collection!

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Hey, Camp Lovers!

Let the adventure begin. Official S’more Maker. Go jump in the lake. Keep calm and camp on! Fires, Friends, Fun—there are plenty more clever sayings and cool prints in our camp clothing t-shirt collection. Do you know what you’re wearing for summer camp? Look no further than our original line of camp apparel! 

Peruse these our Tees in the great Life of Camp T-Shirt Collection.

This collection has been around for years, but we’re always adding new designs to the line; there are so many aspects of summer camp to capture! Have a look at the latest of our Life of Camp Tees when you click right here. 

Our camp tees aim for everything ranging from humorous to majestic but ALWAYS campy! These tees are so much more than just something to wear: they spread awesome camp spirit to all who wear them and all who catch a glimpse, they pass along a quick chuckle or fond recollection, and they can make for a good conversation piece that can help spark conversation between campers.  

So don’t delay! Shop our collection and order your favorite tees from the Life of Camp Collection today so your camper can make a statement at camp this summer! Sure to become a staple of your camper’s wardrobe this summer season. 

Send them off for their summer camp stay with some cool, camp-themed apparel found only right here at Everything Summer Camp—your ones-stop shop for every item on your child’s packing list! Till next time, Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!


- John

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Exactly What Size is Cot Bed Bedding?

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Choosing the right bedding can make or break a camp stay! For your camper’s restful nights while away, it’s imperative to select bedding that will fit snugly and provide comfort.

Finding the Right Fit: What Size is Cot Bed Bedding?

Our Cot Bed Bedding Sets are super cozy for your camper.

25-30 inches wide and 75-80 inches long. 

Sheets specifically designed for these dimensions ensure a snug and secure fit, maximizing comfort and practicality.

Loose or ill-fitting sheets can shift during the night, creating discomfort and interrupting a camper’s sleep. Choosing bedding designed specifically for standard cot dimensions ensures not only comfort but also a sense of security, which is especially important for kids adjusting to a new environment.

The Proper Camp Bedside Manner

All parents want their child to excel at camp and that includes getting a good night’s sleep after ‘light’s out’. Sleep not only restores their energy but also sharpens their focus, lifts their mood, and strengthens their ability to soak in the lessons and memories of camp life. 

Make sure your camper is tucked in cozy tight with our Cot Bed Bedding Set.We offer the perfect sheets for camp cots so your camper is set up for success, one peaceful night at a time. Not just some organic cotton deal either, we offer cot bed bedding sets constructed of a durable combed microfiber material with a pillowcase included.

Dimensions: Typically 25-30 inches wide and 75-80 inches long (63.5 - 76 cm x 190.5 - 203 cm).

Features: Lightweight and durable materials designed for portability and ease of use.

Best For: Campers who need compact and functional bedding options for outdoor trips.

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed Bedding Set for Your Camper

Get Cot Measurements: 

You'll want to start with accurate dimensions to guarantee a proper fit, so it's important to contact your camp and ask for the dimensions of their cots. This way you can be sure that you're purchasing the right size. 

Picking Right Material: 

For outdoor use, prioritize fabrics that are lightweight, quick-drying, and durable. For use in the cabin or other indoor accommodations your camp offers, the material's resilience is less critical. While durability is still a bonus, the focus can shift to comfort and coziness. Cotton blends, for example, offer breathability and softness, making them a great option for indoor settings where environmental factors are less of a concern.

Ultimately, the right fabric depends on the specific needs of your camper's environment, but by considering these factors, you can ensure a restful and hassle-free camp experience.

Guarantee your camper gets great nights of sleep while your camper is away with our Cot Bed Bedding.Look for Easy-to-Clean Bedsheets: 

Camping can get messy, so a duvet cover and other sheets that are machine washable and stain-resistant can save parents time and hassle when it’s time to unpack.

Consider Cot Bed Bedding Sets: 

Many options come as sets with fitted sheets and blankets designed to work seamlessly with standard cot sizes. You can find our Twin Bed Bedding Sets available right here as well!

We’re dedicated to providing campers with the gear they need for a successful adventure. From durable camp sheets to expert guidance, we ensure you’re prepared for every step of your journey. Explore our range today and rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

Till next time, Camp Folks. As always, thanks for reading!

 

- John

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