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