Hey, Nature Lovers!

Outdoor camping trips have remained at the heart of the summer camp experience since the very beginning. Essentially, they’re what summer camp is all about: escaping the big city and reconnecting with nature to help further our physical, emotional, and spiritual development. For one man, the summer camp experience wouldn’t be enough. He up and moved his family out of the city and into the wilderness of Madison, Wisconsin to escape the city life permanently.

Born in 1887, a true lover of nature, he spent his early years exploring the outdoors with his family. He studied at Yale University and later joined the Forest Service. But by 1935, he was done with living in the city. 

 

 

Aldo believed that humans should view themselves as members of a larger community that includes the land, plants, and animals. He took careful notes about the plants and animals that surrounded his new home and kept journal entries that reflected his philosophy. 

His most notable work, ‘The Sand County Almanac’ was published in 1949. Along with his essays and other written works, his unique approach to the natural world has changed the way scientists think about it. He developed this concept into something he called a ‘land ethic’. 

 

 

The home that Aldo built and lived in with his family is still standing, not too far away from the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Having visited myself a number of years back, I can say it is a truly inspiring experience. 

- John

Hey there, Campers! 

In the exciting world of summer camp, where kids delve into a multitude of activities, from soccer to swimming, there's a fascinating connection to be found with the grandfather of rocketry himself—Dr. Robert Hutchings Goddard. Let's blast off into the world of rockets and see how Dr. Goddard changed the game.

Way back in 1926, Dr. Goddard built the world's very first rocket that could fly using liquid fuel. It was a big moment for him and physics! Dr. Goddard didn't stop there—he and his team launched lots more rockets, going really high and really fast—over 500 miles per hour.

 

Today, we have places like the Goddard Space Flight Center named after him to commemorate all the great work he did. Try your hand at rocketry during your time at summer camp! Maybe you'll build your own rocket one day or discover something no one else has thought of before. Camp is a place where dreams take flight like Dr. Goddard's rockets!

So, as you run around and have fun at camp, remember the amazing story of Dr. Goddard. He showed us that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and never give up. Who knows—maybe one day, you'll reach for the stars and make your own dreams come true!

Are you interested in learning about rocketry this coming summer camp season? Tell us about it in the comments! Until next time, happy camping and keep reaching for the stars! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

 

Hey, Sports Fans!

Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a beloved activity at summer camps around the world. Its popularity stems from its accessibility, fast-paced gameplay, and the fun it brings to campers of all ages. Whether played casually for leisure or competitively in tournaments, ping pong fosters camaraderie, improves hand-eye coordination, and provides endless entertainment.
One notable record setter in ping pong is Zhang Jike from China. Zhang Jike became the fifth male player in the history of table tennis to achieve a career grand slam by winning the gold medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and World Cup. His remarkable achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time.

Zhang Jike learned to play table tennis at a young age at a local academy in Qingdao, China. He received intensive training and coaching, typical of the Chinese education system, which emphasizes early talent identification and development. Through hard work and natural ability, Zhang rose to become one of the world's top players.

Known for his powerful forehand loops and aggressive playing style, Zhang Jike is admired for his speed, agility, and mental toughness on the table. He is also known for his charismatic personality and emotional reactions during matches, which have endeared him to fans worldwide.

In addition to his success in international competitions, Zhang has played a pivotal role in China's dominance of the sport of table tennis. He has been a key member of the Chinese national team, contributing to their victories in team events and helping to maintain China's position as the leading table tennis nation.

Despite facing challenges and injuries throughout his career, Zhang Jike's passion for the sport and dedication to excellence have made him a legendary figure in table tennis history. His achievements and contributions to the sport continue to inspire players and fans around the world. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!


- John

Hey there, Gymnasts!

Let's take a moment to celebrate an amazing athlete who blazed a trail in the world of gymnastics—Simone Biles! You might have heard her name before, and for a good reason. Simone Biles is not just any gymnast—she's one of the best of all time!

Picture a young girl with big dreams, born in Ohio in 1997. Simone's journey wasn't easy. She and her siblings spent time in foster care until her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, swooped in to give them a loving home in Texas. Little did they know, they were nurturing the talent of a future gymnastics superstar!

Simone's gymnastics adventure began when she was just six years old and she went on a field trip to a gymnastics center. She was hooked! With determination and dedication, she trained hard and it paid off! By age 14, she was competing at elite levels, showcasing her skills on vaults, bars, beams, and floors. That was in 2011.

Five years later she absolutely dominated the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro! She took home gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor exercises, plus a bronze on the balance beam. Very impressive!

She went on to perform in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo where she won a silver and a bronze medal for Team USA, despite suffering from something gymnasts refer to as ‘the twisties’—a mental block which in which the victim loses control over their body!

Her list of achievements is endless—World Championships, National Titles, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom!

Gymnastics is a popular activity at many summer camps, giving campers a chance to flip, tumble, and soar through the air. So, as you pack your bags for camp this summer, think about the incredible journey of athletes like Simone Biles. Who knows? You might discover your own passion for gymnastics or another exciting activity waiting for you at camp!

Did you play any sports or try any new activities during your camp stay this summer season? Share your favorite camp memories with us in the comments below! Until next time, keep reaching for the stars, just like Simone Biles! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey there, Music Lovers!

Let's talk about Benny Benjamin, a drumming hero who made absolute music MAGIC! Benny was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 25, 1925. He was like a superhero of drums from a young age. Everyone called him ‘Papa Zita’, a playful nickname that stuck with him throughout his career.

Benny played the drums in a special band called The Funk Brothers—the secret weapon behind all the awesome music at Motown Records. Benny's drumming was so cool that even famous people like The Beatles loved it.

He learned to play the drums in a jazzy style back in the 1940s. Then, in 1958, Benny joined Motown Records as their very first studio drummer. Everyone at Motown loved Benny's drumming so much that they didn't want to make any music without him!

The Funk Brothers were like a dream team of musicians who played all kinds of instruments. They made pretty much all the music for the ENTIRE genre of Motown. Can you believe that?

Even though Benny passed away on April 20, 1969, his drumming legacy lives on. People still listen to his awesome beats and feel the joy he brought to the music world.

Did you play any instruments during your camp stay this summer season? Maybe you tried your hand at the drums like Benny Benjamin, or perhaps you discovered a passion for another instrument. Many summer camps offer music programs where campers can explore their musical talents, including percussion.

Music has the power to bring people together and create unforgettable memories, just like the rhythm Benny brought to countless Motown hits. As we celebrate the legacy of Benny Benjamin and his impact on percussion music, let's also remember the joy and creativity that music brings to our lives, whether at summer camp or beyond. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next drumming legend!

 

- John