Hey, Camp Folks!

Things certainly are different in our nation and our world now that we’ve made it through the pandemic lockdown. And yet, things still seem just as unsure as they were when our shutdown was first put into place. Certain places have been affected more than others which caused some places to stay closed longer than others. And, unfortunately, some places are still unsure whether they can open or not. Some businesses remain closed and some aren’t financially able to reopen. It’s impacted all of us and may still be impacting you. Maybe your summer camp isn’t reopening and you won’t be attending camp this season. Usually our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest gets stories about kids’ summer camp visits, but this month, we want to hear from folks who aren’t going to camp.

Your stories right now are recording history. This is a truly crazy time in our lives and our past. Let’s cement it with our stories and publish them here on our Blog. Tell us what you’ll miss most about camp and if you have any other summer plans to try and fill the void. Of course, if you are able to attend camp this summer, we'd love to hear about that as well.

For this contest, we’ll pick a $100 winner and a $25 winner of Everything Summer Camp Gift Cards. Everyone else who submits will get 1000 S’more Bucks (the campy equivalent to reward points). You have until Friday, July 31 to submit. Submissions must be 150 words to qualify, but we’d prefer that they be closer to 250. Submit your written entry by clicking here.

There is no entry fee. If you're under the age of 18, you'll need permission from your parent or guardian to participate in this Contest. And speaking of parents—we certainly love hearing from you as well; so don’t hesitate to enter your own submission if you’d like to share your own thoughts! Get writing, folks! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Towel Users!

Towels are a part of our everyday lives whether you’re taking a trip to the beach, doing the dishes, or drying yourself off after a hot bath or shower. We offer a great variety in towels for summer camp here on our online store—from Hand Towels, to Bath Towels, to Beach Towels, Cooling Towels, and more! Towels of all kinds are certainly an essential part of our daily routines and fun activities, but how often do you wonder about the history of towels and what did people do before they existed?

That’s what we’re investigating on today’s Blog post!

Believe it or not, there was a time when towels didn’t exist. How did primitive people of ancient times get themselves dry after they got wet? They either relied on sitting next to fires until the water was evaporated or they would use a dry animal pelt to wipe themselves down. So you could say that animal hides (that’s the skin and fur of an animal) were the original towels. People resorted to these means for a long time.

As for the first true towels, historians have found mention of woven pieces of cotton or some other absorbent fabric in medieval texts. But even then, the most recognized origin the present-day towel doesn’t begin until the 1600’s in the Ottoman (or Turkish) Empire. The Turkish Empire was a great state that stretched across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa—essentially encircling the Mediterranean Sea.

Towels are steeped in Turkish culture. The people brought their exceptional skills in carpet-weaving to the towel scene and created towels with new designs, colors, and intricate detail. As the Empire expanded, the demand for towels grew. Royals of the time sought out towels of more and more elaborate design which drove towel-makers to push themselves for more unique and decorative pieces.

Had it not been for the Turkish Ottoman Empire, towels would never have developed into our store bought cloths that we know and love today! Browse through our awesome selection of colored towels, graphic towels, and towels with alternative purpose right here at Everything Summer Camp and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Boys and Girls!

Today isn’t Kayak day.... Actually, it’s National Canoe Day. But since I spent this day last year presenting the preference of a canoe trip over kayaking and, since there is no National Kayaking Day, I thought I’d take today’s Blog post to go over all the ways kayaks have one over on canoes. If you’re true to the canoe, you can check out last year’s post too and read some ways that a canoe trip may be preferable. But for now, let’s get into kayaks.

The Kayak Don’t Lack
While canoes are made more for a strolling sort of journey on the water, kayaks are more about the exercise of the expedition. Build up your paddling power and rowing muscles in a kayak and immerse yourself in the adventure when you head out in a kayak.

Kayak Crossing
As noted in last year’s post, canoes can be preferable for long portage trips since you can load your gear in the canoe. Kayaks, on the other hand, while they won’t hold much gear, will be much lighter to carry and you can tote it all on your own.

Navigate the Rapids
A kayak is able to traverse fast running water that you can’t do so much in a canoe. Kayaks are typically narrower with a slight upward curve at the bow and stern that keeps less of the hull in the water to give you more speed and maneuverability. This benefit kayaks have over canoes is what really brings the adventure closer to home.

Kayaks and canoes certainly have their differences, but no matter how you choose to spend your time in the water, you’re sure to have a wonderful time! Get out and enjoy your own adventure and, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans!

- John

Hey, Improv Lovers!

Improvisational Theater or more commonly referred to simply as ‘improv’ is a stage performance that is mostly or all unplanned and unscripted. Every moment is a spontaneous idea put out by the performers. Popularized by shows like ‘What’s My Line?’ and the American version ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ and even the ComedySportz organization that’s expanding out from its origin in Milwaukee, improv is a fun activity offered in many summer camp programs. 

When I set my mind to feature a Pioneer or Record Setter from the world of comedy improv, one name that’s sure to be mentioned is Wayne Brady. With his off-the-wall wit and powerful vocal abilities, Wayne Brady soared to stardom in the late 90’s on the American version of the show ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’, hosted by Drew Carey.

Joining improv masters and real-life besties Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie as regulars on the show, Wayne Brady held his own on the stage. With their ability to come up with entertaining song lyrics and hilarious antics right there on the spot, the ‘Whose Line’ crew had the country in stitches and tuning in week after week.

Of course, everyone on the show had to be quick-witted, however, the song form of comedy really showcased Wayne Brady’s comedic creativity, great singing voice, and ability to rhyme on his feet (so to speak). This wild part of his improvised performance set him apart a bit from the rest of the crew as the all-time song-master.

You never know who could be the next Wayne Brady! Look into camps that offer a quality comedy improv program to help guide you in advancing your abilities and sharpen your skills in comedic improvisational theater. Keep ‘em laughing and, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans!

- John

Happy Father’s Day, Everybody!

Today’s all about enjoying the day with your dad! Get out and have fun with your father so you can give him the best Father’s Day you can! Just as we did with Mother’s Day last month, instead of going over what fun or nice things you can do with the ol’ man, we’ll review some of the great things dads typically do around the house and for the family. And whatever you do to celebrate Father’s Day, make sure to do it out of gratitude for your dad!

Ask Dad, He Knows…
Dad lived a whole lot of life before you ever entered the world and probably learned a thing or two each day throughout all of his life experiences. He’s a wealth of knowledge; ask him about anything you’re unsure of. He likely has some insight or another.

Maintenance Man
While I went through a short list of domestic living chores in my Mother’s Day post in May, Dads usually share some amount of chores whether they fall into the category of cleaning house, lawn care, making updates, or running errands.

Maybe Dad Can Fix It
It seems to run in the DNA makeup of Dads that they develop the ability to fix it when the lawnmower won’t start, or the dishwasher leaks, or the toilet overflows. The personal family handyman (until the experts are necessary)—what would we do without dad?!

Consider all the things your dad does to keep your household running and give him the gratitude, happiness, and love that he deserves today and every day! Check out previous Father’s Day posts to find ideas on what you can get for him or maybe even make something yourself. Maybe it’s something you do for him. Whatever it is, make it a happy Father’s Day and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John