Hey, Chess Players!

Natural born Chess player and legend in the making, Bobby Fischer was born on March 9, 1943. He quickly rose to prominence as a chess prodigy, winning his first of eight US Championships at the age of 14. His unparalleled talent and dedication to the game set him apart from his peers, leading him to become the eleventh World Chess Champion.

Fischer's most famous match came in 1972, when he faced Boris Spassky of the USSR in Reykjavík, Iceland. Dubbed the "Match of the Century," it was a showdown that captured the world's attention and symbolized the Cold War rivalry between the US and the USSR. Fischer's victory in that match solidified his status as the greatest chess player of his time.

Despite his remarkable success, Fischer's career was not without controversy. He famously refused to defend his title in 1975, leading to his forfeiture and the crowning of Anatoly Karpov as World Champion. Fischer's eccentric behavior and occasional erraticism only added to his mystique, making him a fascinating figure both on and off the chessboard.

Fischer's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He authored the influential book ‘My 60 Memorable Games,’ which remains essential reading for aspiring chess players. He also invented Fischer random chess, a variant of the game that adds an element of unpredictability to the starting position of the pieces.

As we send our children off to summer camp, it's worth reflecting on the lessons we can learn from Bobby Fischer's remarkable journey. Chess is a test of strategy, patience, and determination. Just as Fischer pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the chessboard, so too can our children challenge themselves to reach new heights in their own pursuits.

So, as your child embarks on their summer camp adventure, ask yourself: Did they discover any new games or activities that captured their imagination? Did they uncover hidden talents or passions that they never knew they had? Perhaps they are just discovering a fascination with the game of Chess!

Just as Fischer's love for chess propelled him to greatness, who knows what adventures await your young camper as they explore their developing skills as well as the world around them? Till next time, Folks. And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Campers!

Do you picture yourself standing on a skateboard at summer camp on a sunny afternoon, determined to pull off a trick you’ve been trying all week. With a deep breath, you push off, attempting a kickflip for what feels like the hundredth time. You pop the board into the air, time slows down, and anticipation builds with each rotation of your board. And then, finally, the satisfying click of the wheels meeting the ground and your feet on the board—a successful kickflip, achieved through persistence and determination!

Tony Hawk is more than just a name in the world of skateboarding; he's a record-setter, an innovator, and an icon. Check out a camp experience he had back in the 80’s! Thanks to this Facebook post he wrote a handful of years back about that time, I’m going to let him do his own talking:

“I spent the summer of 1985 in a small town outside of Stockhom at the Eurocana Summer Camp with Lance Mountain and Rodney Mullen. We were skate camp ‘instructors’ for 5 weeks, with a rotation of European skaters coming in and out. It was a formative time in skating and for me personally, as I was gaining confidence, creating new tricks (like stale fish & 720’s) and absorbing all of the new experiences.”

For Hawk, the summer of 1985 was more than just a footnote in his skating journey—it was a transformative experience that helped define his love for skateboarding and solidified his place in the sport’s history.

As he continues to inspire a new generation of skaters, Hawk's legacy serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little bit of punk rock spirit, anything is possible on and off the skateboard. Thanks for reading, Everyone. Happy Skateboarding and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

As trunkmakers, here at Everything Summer Camp, we have incredible respect for the craft of woodworking—steeped in tradition all throughout history.

Our trunks speak for themselves when it comes to their integrity, but tricks of the trade have helped us create such indestructible footlockers.

How about the folks who came up with the tricks? There have been a select few who have truly left their mark on the industry. Today, let's take a peek at some of the most influential figures who have shaped woodworking as we know it, and how they continue to inspire Everything Summer Camp to this day.

Thomas Chippendale

Born in 1718 in London, England, Thomas elevated woodworking from a mere craft to an art form. His designs, featured in his book ‘The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director,’ continue to inspire woodworkers to this day.

He’s often credited with creating the first “furniture catalog” making it easy for people to order his products to their size needs and style preferences.

We try to embrace Chippendale’s methods by making our trunks available in four different sizes, as well as dozens of solid colors and patterns. We can make a one-of-a-kind trunk just for you.

Thomas Sheraton

Born in 1751 in England, Thomas believed in making fine furniture accessible to all. His designs, showcased in ‘The Cabinet Dictionary,’ focused on affordability without compromising quality. His designs went on to influence hundreds of cabinetmakers throughout England.

We agree with Thomas about affordability without compromising quality! Our steel trunks are built to last a lifetime and have been put to the test by families and summer camps all over the United States. Don’t believe us? Check out some of our weight test videos where we stack 1800 pounds on top of our trunks without issue, or drop a trunk from the room of our building!

Gustav Stickley

A champion of the Arts and Crafts movement, Gustav, born in 1858 in Minnesota, simplified furniture design by emphasizing natural materials and functionality over ornamentation. Stickley's woodwork reflected his ideals of simplicity, honesty in construction, and truth to materials.

At Everything Summer Camp was also believe in simple, well-built products built with the best materials available. All of our trunks include a lifetime repair warranty because we know our trunks are made to the best of our ability to last as long as possible.

George Nakashima

Japanese-American woodworker George Nakashima, born in 1905 in Spokane, Washington viewed woodworking as an art form. His furniture designs, influenced by his upbringing in Japan, are celebrated for their craftsmanship and beauty. Some of George Nakashima’s designs have been consistently in production since the 1940s!

Our camp trunks have been designed with the same longevity in mind, and have remained largely unchanged in structure and construction for over thirty years.

Sam Maloof

Sam, born in 1916 in California, was known for his innovative furniture designs using local materials. His pieces, often crafted with individual wood strands, showcased his dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. The rocking chairs Maloof created were even purchased by multiple presidents!

While we’re not sure if any US Presidents have used our camp trunks, we can say that our trunks are recommended by over 270 summer camps across the United States! Every year we help thousands of campers have the best experiences possible at sleep-away summer camp.

Wendell Castle

Born in 1932 in Kansas, Wendell pushed the boundaries of woodworking by pioneering a technique know has stack lamination. Previously, the technique was used to create duck decoys, but Castle used it to create wood furniture with unbelievable one-of-a-kind curves.

His work blurred the line between furniture and art and continues to inspire artists and craftsmen worldwide. 

We can relate to Wendell Castle, our designer camp trunks strive to make our camp trunks into art as well.

James Krenov

James, born 1927 in Chukotka Russia, began woodworking at age six making his own toys and model boats. Finding his love for woodworking early he dedicated his life to creating beautiful pieces that reflected simplicity, harmony, and a genuine love of the wood used.

Like Krenov’s philosophy toward wood, we at Everything Summer Camp love summer camp. We believe it’s one of the best ways to help kids connect with nature, unplug from an overly digitally stimulated world, and embrace being kids. Our trunks and other products aim to show that love and help spread it to more families and campers.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, born in 1868 in Glasgow, drew inspiration from nature to create modernist designs that left a lasting impact on architecture and the arts. Mackintosh embraced simple forms and natural materials in place of elaborate details.

Our commitment to using natural materials like Mackintosh, including cabinet-grade plywood, steel trim, and nickel plated enamel makes our trunks sustainable and eco-friendly.

The Passion for Wood Working Lives On

In conclusion, the contributions of these influential woodworkers have shaped the craft of woodworking and left an indelible mark on its history. 

From their innovative designs to their dedication to craftsmanship, their legacies inspire generations of woodworkers and fuel our passion for creating the world’s best camp trunks. 

Thanks for reading, Wood Fans! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey there, Summer Camp Enthusiasts!

Today we’re paying homage to the legendary Bruce Lee, an early pioneer among martial artists who left an everlasting impact on the world of combat sports. Known for his unparalleled skill, agility, and philosophy, Bruce Lee was more than just a martial artist—he was a trailblazer who revolutionized the way we perceive and practice martial arts.

Bruce Lee brought a fresh perspective to the world of martial arts. With his innovative approach and dedication to his craft, he introduced Jeet Kune Do, a martial arts philosophy that emphasized adaptability, efficiency, and practicality. Through his teachings and performances, Bruce Lee inspired countless martial artists and laid the foundation for modern mixed martial arts.

Bruce Lee's journey in martial arts began at an early age. His passion for the martial arts blossomed as he immersed himself in training and honed his skills under the guidance of renowned masters. Through dedication and perseverance, Bruce Lee transformed himself into a martial arts icon, captivating audiences with his lightning-fast strikes and unmatched charisma.

As we reflect on Bruce Lee's legacy, let's also celebrate the martial arts activities offered at summer camps around the world. Performing martial arts offers campers a unique avenue to explore their physical and mental capabilities. Whether it's karate, judo, or taekwondo, martial arts activities at summer camp provide campers with the opportunity to build confidence, discipline, and resilience while learning valuable self-defense skills.

Did you have the chance to participate in any martial arts activities during your camp stay this past summer or do you plan to participate in the coming camp season? Share your experiences in the comments below and keep the spirit of Bruce Lee alive as we continue to embrace the martial arts journey. Keep kicking, punching, and reaching for your goals. Thanks for reading, Camp Friends. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Flag Fans!

An absolute blast, Capture the Flag has long been a staple of summer camp as well as playgrounds and backyard fun for kids of all ages.

Children love the strategy, teamwork, and physical activity it takes to achieve victory in this game. The history of Capture the Flag goes back hundreds, even thousands of years. But where did this exciting game come from and how did it become a staple of summer camps?

The History of Capture the Flag

Long ago, flags were more than just a symbol of identity or pride in a nation or group. They were paraded by a flag bearer on the battlefield as a source of moral support. Having the flag flying meant your troop was still putting up a fight. This is why in our national anthem, the lyric proclaims “…gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” The flag still flying was proof that the war was still on.

We owe the recorded rules of Capture the Flag to one German gymnast named Wilhelm Lübeck who put them down in the 1860 German gymnastic manual. These were the earliest known set of rules for the game. He didn’t call it Capture the Flag, though. He called it Fahnenbarlauf—named after an older European variation of the game called ‘Barlaufen’.

With such an enduring history to it, Capture the Flag is a true testament to the power of play and the importance of tradition in the summer camp experience. Make sure you get involved in a fun game of flag capturing at camp this year.

How to Play Capture the Flag

To play the game Capture the Flag, the playing field is divided into two clearly designated halves, or territories. Everybody splits into two teams—one to each territory. Each territory has a "flag" which is most often a piece of fabric (but can really be anything you want) that they have hidden or otherwise protected within their section of the playing field.

Players then venture into the opposing team's territory, grab the flag and attempt to return with it to their territory without being tagged.

More of Our Favorite Outdoor Camp Games

Frisbee

This game is great because you only need two people to get started, and there's no limit on how many more players can join in. The Nite Ize FlashFlight® Light Up Flying Disc with Disc-O Select™ was made for people who are serious about the sport and satisfies those who just want to have fun with their friends.

Your choice of 6 LED colors; red, purple, blue, teal, green, and white (for in the dark play), and a battery life of 20 hours. No need to worry about water because the Nite Ize FlashFlight® is water-resistant and floats. Add this packable pastime to their trunk and they’ll always have a way to break the ice at camp.

Bocce

Normally, Bocce is limited to the outdoors because the weight of the balls can cause damage if thrown inside. We knew there had to be a way past that limitation, to expand the playing field no matter where boredom struck. At Everything Summer Camp each of our bocce sets is designed for both indoor or outdoor play. Tossing the lighter balls leads to more creative placement of the target ball and allows for easy travel. If you aren’t sure how to play Bocce, the target ball is thrown at random and then the players take turns tossing their throwing balls, aiming as close to the target ball as they can to gain more points.

Our like-a-hacky-sac find, The Outside Inside™ Freestyle Bocce Ball Set includes six, nylon throwing balls and one target ball filled with pellets. They’re stored in a nylon mesh pouch that cinches shut and is the most packable game other than cards.

The Outside Inside™ Backpack Bocce Ball Set has a more traditional look for an indoor/outdoor Bocce game. It includes eight, smaller than standard size (1.75”) low-density balls, one white target ball, a measuring tool for proper scoring, instructions, and a carrying pouch. Start a game anywhere with a pack like this.

Bag Toss

The ENO TrailFlyer™ Outdoor Game weighs in at just over two pounds and is designed to pack down to the size of a 32oz water bottle so it conveniently packs away for all your adventures! The setup uses the stakes provided so there are no knots needed to master this contest. Inspired by beloved games like Bean Bags and Skee-Ball, Eagles Nest Outfitters brought ease to traveling with your favorite games.

Horseshoes

There’s no need to let the weight of a horseshoe hold you back. Travel with this easy-to-pack Outside Inside™ Freestyle Horseshoes set. Weighing in at only 2.82 lbs; it includes four full-size rubber horseshoes, two rubber mats, two indoor stakes, two outdoor stakes, and a carry bag with instructions. This no-risk outdoor game will get your group moving without taking any dangerous hits or bumps. Play with as little as two people or as many as four.

Axe Throwing

Has your kid asked you if they can throw an axe yet? Surprise them with the Outside Inside™ Backpack Axe Throwing set. It includes 4 foam axes in 2 colors, a collapsible target, instructions, and a convenient travel bag.

The axes stick to the target by a gripper strip "blade" ensuring safe and fun gameplay for all ages. Hang it by the loop on a tree or on a window by the suction cup. Get them something new to throw and help them harness the power of focus, hand-eye coordination, and a healthy competitive edge.

Washer Toss

The Outside Inside™ Travel Washer Toss is easy to pack but difficult to master, this game comes with everything included. Sink the washers in the target and earn your bragging rights! Weighing in at less than 2 lbs this four-player game is sure to test everyone’s skill and humble a few people in the process.

Watercolor Kit

An outdoor activity for when they need a little alone time. The Outside Inside™ Backpack Watercolor Kit includes 12 half-pan watercolors, a refillable brush, a 0.5 permanent marker, a 2B pencil, pallets, a sponge, a color sampler, a 30-page watercolor pad with sheets of a 185 g thickness, and a user manual. There are no rules or competition to this game. Give your child the gift of creation and watch them become more confident in themselves. This compact kit is recommended for Ages 12+, comes in its own case, and can fit in any travel bag you choose at 6.4” x 3.4” x .75”.

I hope your time outdoors this summer is packed full of rewarding activities like Capture the Flag and Washer Toss. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John