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

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

Picture this, Summer Lovers:

A crackling fire. The moon in the evening sky. Laughs and good company all around. And…MOUTH-WATERING CAMPFIRE TREATS!!! It’s definitely summer! As these long days start to wind down, however, there's no better way to savor the last moments of warmth and outdoor fun than by indulging in some delightful campfire treats.

Whether you're camping in the wilderness or having a backyard bonfire, these delicious and easy-to-make treats are sure to make your summer evenings even more memorable! Here are some tasty dessert ideas to toast the end of summer with!

Campfire Cones

Forget traditional s'mores and try campfire cones instead! Fill cake cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and your favorite toppings like crushed cookies, nuts, or sprinkles. Wrap the cones in foil and heat them over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey! Then, you can enjoy these customizable sweet treats straight from the foil packet.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

Take advantage of summer's bounty by grilling up some fresh fruit kabobs. Thread chunks of pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and peaches onto skewers and brush them with a mixture of honey and cinnamon. Grill the kabobs over the campfire until the fruit is caramelized and fragrant. Serve them as a healthy and refreshing dessert option that's sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Campfire Popcorn

Popcorn isn't just for movie nights indoors—you can make it over the campfire too! Simply place popcorn kernels and a bit of oil in a heavy-duty foil packet, then seal it tightly. Hold the packet over the campfire using tongs or a stick, shaking it occasionally, until you hear the kernels popping. Once the popping slows down, carefully open the packet and season the popcorn with your favorite toppings like melted butter, salt, or even caramel for a sweet twist.

Campfire Banana Boats

Elevate the classic s'mores experience with campfire banana boats. Slice a banana lengthwise (leaving the peel intact) and stuff it with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any other desired toppings like peanut butter or caramel sauce. Wrap the banana in foil and heat it over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are golden brown. It's a gooey and decadent treat that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Campfire S'mores Dip

For another twist on the classic s'mores, try making a campfire s'mores dip. Spread a layer of chocolate chips in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet, then top with a layer of mini marshmallows. Place the skillet over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted and gooey. Serve the dip with graham crackers for dipping and enjoy the irresistible combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers!

With these mouthwatering campfire treats, you can make the most of the remaining days of summer and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Of course, if you’re going to put any of these recipe ideas to the test, be sure to there is adult supervision during firebuilding, food preparation, and roasting activities. Always maintain a safe distance from the flames and use proper cooking utensils to avoid burns or accidents. Additionally, remember to let the roasted treats cool for a sufficient amount of time before enjoying them to prevent burns!

By following these simple safety guidelines, everyone can have a fun and safe campfire experience. So gather around the fire, roast some marshmallows, and indulge in these delicious treats that capture the essence of summer fun. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Happy Fourth of July, Campers!

The Fourth of July is here, marking the peak of summer and the beginning of a season filled with adventure and excitement. Many people celebrate with parades, grill outs, marshmallow roasting, and fireworks! And, for summer camp enthusiasts, this holiday holds a special significance—it's the closest one to the summer camp season! In fact, some campers may already be off on their camp adventure right now!

If your camper hasn't left just yet, however, enjoy the festivities of the holiday together! After your celebration, you can focus on preparing your camper for their upcoming stay and get them into the summer camp spirit (though they probably already are)! Here are some ideas you can put into action:

Hiking Adventure

Suggest you and your child lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for an outdoor adventure. Explore some local trails, nature reserves, or foothills around your area if you have them! Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and build endurance for the adventures that await your child at summer camp. Don't forget to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen for your journey!

Camping Gear Familiarizing

Take some time to review your child’s camping gear, ensuring they understand how to properly use and care for each item. Show them how to load batteries, operate flashlights and lanterns, and set up tents or sleeping bags. Their gear doesn’t do much good unless they know how to use it. This hands-on practice will help them feel more confident and prepared for their summer camp adventure.

Practice Campfire Building with Your Parents

Enjoy an evening around the fire pit and show your child fire building skills like arranging tinder, kindling, and firewood to create a safe and efficient campfire. You can also teach them proper safety techniques, such as putting out the fire completely before leaving the area.

Overnight Camping Trips

Extend the Fourth of July celebration with a family camping trip. Gather your camping gear, pitch a tent, and spend a night under the stars in the great outdoors. Use this night to have a great time with your child before they leave for their camp stay and talk to them about any thoughts or concerns they might have about the upcoming experience.

Camp-Themed Reading

Encourage your child to dive into some summer camp-themed books to further ignite their excitement for the upcoming adventure. Look for titles that capture the magic and spirit of summer camp, whether it's through stories of friendship, outdoor adventures, or overcoming challenges. Reading about the camp experience can help ease any pre-camp jitters and provide valuable insights into what to expect.

Incorporate these activities into your Fourth of July celebration and you'll kick off the summer camp season for your camper with confidence and excitement, all while creating your own quality time together before they leave for their camp stay! Happy Fourth of July, Everyone! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey Camp Folks!

The days are growing longer and the temperatures are rising. The sense of excitement is so thick in the air you can feel it—it's summertime! A season filled with endless possibilities and unforgettable adventures.

With the promise of sunny days ahead, now is the perfect time to celebrate all the joys that summer has to offer. That's why I’ve compiled this list of the top quintessential summer activities to put into action this summer season!  

Lemonade Stand

Let the entrepreneurial spirit inspire you this summer and set up a lemonade stand and offer passersby a refreshing glass of that tangy sweet beverage on a sunny summer day. From squeezing fresh lemons to creating colorful signs, kids learn valuable lessons about business and customer service while enjoying the sweet rewards of their hard work.

Beach Architecture

Put your sand-building skills to the test at the beach or your own backyard (if you’re fortunate enough to have your own sandbox). This time-honored tradition sparks creativity and imagination in kids. Whether constructing towering fortresses or digging moats, beach architecture fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills while providing endless hours of fun in the sun.

Bike Ride

Hit the open road and explore the great outdoors on a bike ride adventure. Pedal your way to new discoveries as your cruise through your neighborhood or take a scenic trail. Biking promotes physical activity, independence, and a sense of freedom as kids.

Water Balloon Fight

Cool off and let loose with a spirited water balloon fight! Filling and tying balloons, strategizing sneak attacks, and dodging incoming splashes make for an exhilarating outdoor activity that guarantees laughter and friendly competition among children of all ages!

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Transforming ordinary sidewalks into vibrant works of art, sidewalk chalk allows kids to unleash their creativity and decorate their neighborhood with colorful masterpieces. From hopscotch grids to intricate designs, chalk art encourages self-expression and outdoor play in a fun and interactive way.

Picnic in the Park

Pack a basket full of goodies and head to the park for a delightful picnic experience. Enjoying sandwiches, snacks, and sweet treats amidst nature's beauty provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and creating cherished family memories.

Planting a Small Vegetable or Flower Garden

Get hands-on with nature by planting a small garden filled with colorful flowers or tasty vegetables. Kids learn valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and the environment as they nurture their garden and watch it grow throughout the summer months.

Making Homemade Popsicle Sticks

Beat the heat with homemade popsicles crafted from fresh fruit juices or yogurt. With endless flavor combinations and creative molds to choose from, making popsicles at home is a fun and delicious way for kids to stay cool and satisfy their sweet tooth all summer long.

Camp—of Course!

Last but certainly not least, summer camp holds a special place in the hearts of many as the ultimate summertime adventure. From outdoor adventures like hiking and canoeing to creative pursuits like arts and crafts and theater, summer camp offers a wealth of opportunities for children to learn, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Summer camp is an experience like no other.

As we embrace the beginning of the summer season, let's savor every moment of sunshine, adventure, and laughter that lies ahead. Whether you're enjoying a backyard barbecue, lounging on the beach, or heading out for your summer camp adventure, may this season be filled with joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Thanks for reading. Happy Summer and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John