Happy First of May, Summer Lovers!

The sun casts its golden rays, the forests are full with foliage once again, and the water invites you in. May has arrived—time to enjoy hiking through lush green forests, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, and simple picnics in the park. With nature coming alive all around us, there's no better time to indulge in the great outdoors and soak up the beauty of the natural world than the month of May.

Its very name comes from Maia, the Greek goddess of fruitfulness and fertility. Similar to how this month brings us blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and the start of summer fun, Maia was all about growth, abundance, and new beginnings! Here are some other interesting facts about May:

The Green Birthstone

Among some of the most precious birthstones on earth like rubies and diamonds, May has one of the rarest gemstones associated with it. Which one? The Emerald! This beautiful green stone represents love and success—just like the warm friendships and awesome adventures you'll find at summer camp.

Always a New Day

May is like no other month! Why? Throughout the year, other months will repeat which day of the week they begin on. This year, for instance, the first of November will land on a Friday—the same day on which March began. May, however, never starts or ends on the same day of the week as any other month! Isn't that cool? May has its own special way of dancing through the days to make it unique!

On This Day in History

On May 1, 1931, The Empire State Building opened its doors—a towering marvel of engineering! It held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly four decades until newer skyscrapers came along, reaching new heights on the skyline. But Empire State Building remains an iconic and breathtaking symbol of New York City.

May also brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation for the summer camp season. As the school year comes to a close, thoughts turn to the adventures that lie ahead at camp like making new friends, learning new skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The camp season will be here before you know it, so take the time to acquire the proper gear and review important information with your camper, such as emergency contact numbers, medical information, and instructions from the camp. Have them pack personal items they’ll want to bring along like books, games, and photos from home. Thanks for reading, Camp Fans. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Leapers!

Every four years, our calendars do something extraordinary—they gain an extra day! This day, February 29th, is a rare treat! To celebrate, we’re appropriately taking $29 off our camp trunks if you purchase your trunk today on Leap Day. Take your pick from our wide selection of our Traditional Steel Trunks, Designer Trunks, and even our Pop Up Soft Trunks.

Have you ever wondered why we call it a ‘leap’ year, though? After all, it doesn't seem like we're leaping anywhere, right? So why LEAP Day?

Well, the technical term for inserting extra time into a calendar is called ‘intercalation’—say that five times fast. I’m not even sure how to pronounce it one time! Since this word doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, people have opted to call it something a bit catchier. But how’d we land on the word ‘leap’?

Well, typically, as we move from year to year, a date will advance by one day of the week. For instance, if Christmas fell on a Sunday one year, you'd expect it to land on a Monday the next year, following a gradual, one-day progression.

During a leap year, however, something different happens. The calendar takes a bold leap ahead, advancing each date not by one, but by two days of the week! For example, this last Christmas graced us on a Monday. Fast forward to Christmas at the end of this year, 2024, and it will leap right over Tuesday and fall perfectly on a Wednesday!

So, the term Leap Year is essentially a nod to this phenomenon. It highlights the calendar's dramatic jump, where dates sprint ahead by two days, instead of their usual one-day stride.

But why do we need this extra day every four years? Well, our calendars work pretty well. They’re not perfect, though. In order to keep in sync with the cycles of heavenly bodies, we add this extra day to the end of February every four years.

So, the next time you witness this rare occurrence of February 29th on your calendar, remember that it's not just any day—it's a LEAP day, when our calendar makes a jump to keep pace with the grand cosmic ballet. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey there, Halloween-Loving Camp Folks!

Here at Everything Summer Camp, we’re big fans of Halloween. Summer camp and Halloween...at first thought, the two don’t have anything in common. Upon further inspection, however, it makes perfect sense. There are actually more than a few similarities between summer camp and the festivities surrounding Halloween and the harvest season.

Both Halloween and summer camp are all about fun times and abounding excitement! They both help shape a sense of community and they both encourage creativity as well as imagination. Let’s take a deeper look at some other similarities between the two…

Traditions and Rituals

Both Halloween and summer camp have their own set of cherished traditions and rituals. Whether it's lighting jack-o'-lanterns and going trick-or-treating or singing campfire songs and going for a hike, these customs become an integral part of the experience and create a sense of nostalgia.

Outdoor Activities

While Halloween is typically celebrated in the fall, the season often includes outdoor activities like haunted hayrides, corn mazes, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches. It’s also a great time of year (weather provided) for a woodsy walk so you can see the explosion of colors among the trees! Summer camp too revolves around outdoor adventures such as hiking, swimming, and campfires, creating a shared love for the great outdoors.

Independence and Growth

Summer camp encourages independence and personal growth as children learn new skills, face challenges, and gain self-confidence. Halloween allows kids to step out of their comfort zones by wearing costumes and interacting with neighbors, helping them develop social and communication skills—maybe even face a fear or two!

Whether you're around a campfire or carving a jack-o'-lantern, these experiences help shape our lives and create lasting memories. So, as you prepare for your Halloween fun, give a little nod to all the summer camp similarities you pick up on and appreciate the common threads that bind these two beloved traditions together. Thanks for reading, Everyone. Have a splendidly spooky holiday and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Friday the 13^th. It’s a date that on its own conjures superstitions and trepidation for many. But it becomes even more foreboding when it occurs in the month of October. Why is it that this particular combination of day, date, and month should send shivers down our spines? What’s the reason behind the eerie reputation of Friday the 13^th and learn why Friday the 13th in October is considered exceptionally UNLUCKY.

Freaky Fridays
Fridays have long been considered unfavorable and associated with bad luck in various cultures. Sailors often consider setting sail on a Friday to be bad luck (possibly due to historical Friday occurrences of shipwrecks). Old English Folklore told tales of witches and other malevolent entities who were particularly active on this penultimate day of the week. Some Asian cultures associate Fridays with the dead when shrines are cleaned and offerings are made to loved ones who have passed on.

A Baker’s Dreaded Dozen
Similarly, the number 13 has garnered a sinister reputation. This fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, has its roots in ancient history. Some suggest that it dates back to Norse mythology, where a feast in Valhalla attended by 12 gods was disrupted by the uninvited 13th guest, Loki, who caused chaos and tragedy. This apprehension towards the number 13 has persisted through centuries.

Sinister History
October's association with Halloween compounds the unease. The holiday itself revels in themes of the supernatural and people embracing eerie traditions throughout the month. This creates a backdrop of fear against which Friday the 13th in October is perceived. When a month's 13th day coincides with a Friday, it’s easy to see how people’s fear behind both elements converges and creates and intensified perception of bad luck. And the rarity of this alignment adds to the mystique, occurring only once or twice a year.

The fear that Friday the 13^th instills is a complex interplay of cultural beliefs, historical events, and pop culture influences. While some may dismiss it as mere superstition, the unease associated with this date—especially in the month of October—remains deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, ensuring that we’re all a little more careful and on edge this day. Stay safe and stay superstitious! Thanks for reading, Camp Fans!

- John

Hey, Summer Lovers!

With the summer season officially upon us, we're excited to arrive at the Summer Solstice—the day the sun travels the longest path through the sky. The summer season is one of laughter, adventure, and basking in sun showers.

Many campers are already off, embarking on their summer camp stay for the season, shooting arrows, riding horses, and roasting s’mores. However, if your camp adventure has yet to begin, celebrate the brightest day of the year today by soaking up as much sunlight as you can and anticipating the summer fun that lies ahead.

Outdoor Adventure

Make this summer season your best one yet, kicking it off officially today on the Summer Solstice. Are you ready for an incredible journey filled with sunshine and endless fun! Here are just a few tips and pieces of advice to successful summer fun!

Soaking Up the Sun

Get your sunscreen ready; we're about to dive into a world of serious sunshine! From dawn to dusk, the sun calls us awake early in the morning and charges us with enough energy to squeeze the last bit of fun from the day late at night. Too much sun can create a painful or even dangerous circumstance without the proper protection. Make sure to stay safe this summer and use sunscreen. Shop our selection when you click right here.

Eating Out

When the sun is shining bright, it’s the perfect time to find yourself in the thick of an excursion through the wilderness! Don’t miss a second of the sunshine and enjoy your meals using our outdoor meal kits and cutlery while sitting on a stump, log, or just a clean piece of earth.

Taking a Dip When Temperatures Rise

When the sun gets to be too intense, there's no escape quite like a refreshing plunge into cooling waters. At our online store, we've got you covered with a wide range of swimwear options that combine style, comfort, and durability. Whether it's girls’ fashionable one-pieces or boys’ sporty swim trunks, our swimwear collection is designed to make every splash a fun summer experience.

The summer season is all about igniting our inner fire! It's a season of growth, discovery, and becoming the best version of ourselves. As the sun soars high in the sky, we rise to the occasion, embracing exciting challenges and stepping out of our comfort zones. Embrace the magic of the season and your summer camp journey. Enjoy the Solstice today. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John