Hey there, Young Adventurers!

As the sun sets on a breathtaking landscape and casts its warm, golden glow over the campsite, a troop of campers gather around a crackling campfire for the evening. The scent of pine trees and the popping logs fill the air. As the night sky unveils a sparkling ceiling of stars, everybody realizes what a magical moment they’re enjoying on this extraordinary adventure. What an incredible experience, being immersed in the great outdoors!

Overnight camping trips in the great outdoors may just be THE quintessential summer camp activity. These camping excursions offer children a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. There are a number of things to cover about this classic camp activity, so let’s get into it.

The Proper Gear for Outdoor Excursions

First things first, let's talk gear. Make sure your camper gets the most of their outdoor camping trips at summer camp with the gear they need to maximize their enjoyment of the experience. While you’ll want to get them lots of things for hiking—sun and bug spray, rain gear, trail shoes, a flashlight, compass maybe—here are the top three pieces of gear for your child’s summer camp outdoor trip.

Backpacks

A backpack is a hiker’s life! It holds everything they need for a successful camping trip, from extra clothes and food to essential items like a flashlight, a compass, and a first-aid kit. Find popular brand names like Deuter, Osprey, Kelty, Marmot, and more on our online store. From classic school backpacks to heavy-duty climbing and hiking backpacks, we have it all.

Sleeping Bags

When it comes to overnight camping, a trusty sleeping bag becomes your camper’s cozy cocoon, keeping them warm and snug throughout the night. Make sure to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for the climate and weather conditions your camper can expect to see.

Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is imperative! We carry a wide selection of camp water bottles and hydration packs for your camper to carry along when they’re out in the wilderness. With features like leak-proof or insulated material, angled spouts, and built-in filters, check out these stylish and functional bottles.

What We Learn from the Wilderness

As we venture into the wilderness, we embark on a transformative journey, immersing ourselves in nature's embrace and acquiring invaluable skills that will shape us for a lifetime. From the serene forests to the rugged mountains, summer camp becomes a training ground for our outdoor pursuits.

Outdoor Skills

Wilderness journeys are built on Leave No Trace, first-aid, planning, fire-building, and navigation. We respect nature by leaving no trace behind. First-aid skills prepare us for emergencies. Planning becomes second nature as we navigate using maps and compasses. Through rivers, forests, and peaks, we become skilled explorers. Rain or shine, we master fire-building, bringing warmth and friendship to our campfire stories.

Personal Growth

Trips in the Great Outdoors equip us with opportunity to acquire more than just outdoor skills. They inspire personal growth and boost confidence. Getting out of our comfort zones, overcoming challenges, and embracing the unknown develops kids’ resilience, adaptability, and internal strengths we may have never otherwise known we had.

Spiritual Maturity

The memories forged on these camping trips will stay with us for a lifetime. From sharing stories around the campfire to gazing up at the starlit sky, summer camp is a chain of unforgettable moments. We witness breathtaking sunrises, marvel at the beauty of nature, and find solace in the serenity of the great outdoors. These experiences become a part of who we are and shape our understanding of our place in life. Cherish these moments, embrace the wild, and let the forest guide your heart!

So, Young Adventurers, embrace the challenges when you embark on thrilling overnight camping trips at summer camp. The skills you acquire, the confidence you gain, and the memories you make will be cherished forever. The wilderness awaits, ready to unveil its secrets and reveal the hidden depths within yourselves. There's nothing quite like spending a night under the open sky, surrounded by nature's beauty. The forest beckons! Thanks for reading 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.

Why is Capture the Flag Such a Hit with Kids?

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

Happy Physical Fitness Day!

Summer camp means time for fun! Most camps offer a plethora of well-rounded sports and physical activities ranging from tennis to rock climbing! Such an active itinerary will require good footwork, coordination, along with upper and lower body strength. With so many exciting physical activities on the schedule, it's important for campers to be physically prepared. Read this post to understand the importance of physical fitness behind the fun and games.

Let’s find ourselves a random daily schedule for an average summer camper. We’ll pick……Ashley.

Camp Schedule

Morning Hike
After a delicious breakfast, Ashley is off to begin her day with a morning hike. There isn’t a much better activity to start the day than a walk through nature. Trails can vary greatly on how challenging they are. Depending on the intensity, Ashley may want to warm up with light exercises like jumping jacks or squats.

Basketball
Once she’s back from her morning hike, the Sports Counselor quickly splits the girls into teams and a game of basketball begins. Before heading to camp, campers should work on their speed and agility by incorporating exercises like sprints, ladder drills, and cone drills into their workout routine.

Swim
After lunch is Swim time! It’s important to be prepared for long hours in the pool. Before heading to camp, campers should work on their endurance, upper body strength, and breathing techniques.

The rest of Ashley’s day is filled with dinner, enjoying a campfire, and playing a card game with some friends before bed. She enjoyed the rest of her day at camp without any cramping muscles or other repercussions from the physical activities she took part in throughout the day.

Before Camp

Here are some things you can do before summer camp starts in order to get your body in shape for the coordination and endurance you’ll need to enjoy those jam-packed summer days like Ashley!

Light Exercises
Focus on exercises like running, jumping jacks, and burpees. You can improve your coordination by performing regular exercises like jumping rope and playing catch with a friend.

Incorporate other exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and lunges to build upper body strength. Additionally, campers can work on their breathing techniques by practicing holding their breath underwater and exhaling slowly when coming up for air.

Stretch Afterward
Just like you want to warm up with some light exercises before engaging in physical activities, you want to take some time to do some stretches after your activities.

Stretching out your muscles helps prevent soreness and injury. Stretching is also important for flexibility—an important part of physical performance. Try stretching exercises like toe touches, lunges, and arm circles.

Make sure that you’re physically prepared for all the activities on the schedule for your summer camp stay. Following these tips, your camper is sure to have a fun and safe time this summer. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

At Everything Summer Camp, we’re passionate about making your camping experience a memorable one and having the right gear is essential for a successful stay at overnight camp. That’s why you can find a wide range of summer camp gear and camping supplies to meet your every need. However, our flagship product is undoubtedly our camp trunks. Our C&N Footlockers are second to none in quality and we stand behind (and on top of) our trunks with a lifetime guarantee.

Joe is one of our longtime Production workers, putting his expert skill level to your service every day, crafting our high quality camp trunks. Given the opportunity to go to summer camp nowadays, as an adult, he could think of several ways he would spend his time. Check out his top choices in summer camp activities that he would sign up for today…

Go-Kart Racing
Though he’s never actually raced on a track, Joe bought a go-kart for his kids to ride around in the backyard. Of course, he had to test-drive it for the kids to make sure it was safe, he told me with a laugh. He obviously had a good time in it for his own sake too. He wanted to put it to the test and see how fast he could go, but never put the pedal to the floor to hard with his children chasing all around after him. If he ever found himself in a go-kart on a track, he’d love to rev it up and GO!

Paintball
Next up, Joe said he would try Paintball. He’s never gone Paintballing either, though he’s been shot with one before! He told me about a night around a campfire a number of years back with a friend who had acquired a paintball gun. They were inspecting the new purchase and getting curious about how it would feel to be hit with a paintball. “Only one way to find out,” his friend told him before letting Joe have it. That night, Joe found out—it HURTS! Perhaps Joe would get his friend to join him in a game today, looking to get a little payback!

Canoeing
For a third pick of another activity that he’s never had a chance to do before, Joe decided he would take a ride in a canoe. “It sounds like it would be an awesome way to see all the scenery and Mother Nature…and things you wouldn’t see from the land,” he told me. On top of all that he said it just sounds like a great way to relax for an afternoon, gliding along on the water and taking it all in.

Do any of Joe’s picks of camp activities sound fun to you? Maybe you’ll enjoy one or more of these come your time away at camp. Find out if your camp offers them or perhaps you can find your own means of having the experience. As always, thanks for reading and happy camping!

- John

Hey, Dodgers!

The energy is charged with cheers, shrieks, shouts, and other sounds of excitement that join the bouncing sounds of a dozen rubber balls launched one way as a dozen more fly in the opposite direction. Dodgeball at summer camp is a surefire means of frenzied fun! It’s been a staple of gym classes as well as summer camp activities, but its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations.

Some historians speculate that games similar to Dodgeball were played as far back as 500 BC., but it’s officially recognized to have begun 200 years ago in Africa. Their version wasn’t really a game, though. It was played with stones instead of rubber balls. Instead of fun or spectator amusement, it was intended to develop the strength and endurance of their warriors.  

From Africa, it spread to Asia. And after that it was popularized in Europe where they traded out the stones for leather balls. European schools started using the game as a way to teach children important skills like agility, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. Over the course of the 1900s, the modern version emerged, made its way to the United States and its popularity went through the roof!

Dodgeball helps children develop important skills such as:

Agility
You have to move quickly in this game to avoid getting hit. Become more nimble and coordinated the more you play.

Hand-Eye Coordination
As is the case with any sport that involves catching a ball, Dodgeball strengthens hand-eye coordination. You have to catch balls and throw them back with speed.

Teamwork
Dodgeball is a team sport that requires players communicate effectively and work together in order to achieve the win.

Overall, it's a game with a long history that encourages physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it an ideal activity for kids at summer camp! While the game has undergone some major changes over time, its main objective has remained the same (and it’s a lot more fun and safe now that it isn’t played with rocks).

Enjoy some rounds of Dodgeball this summer if you have the opportunity at your camp! Thanks for reading today’s Blog post and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John