Hey, Camp Story Lovers!

As summer fades into fall, we love looking back at all the amazing memories you’ve made. That’s why we’re thrilled to continue our tradition of the ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest here at Everything Summer Camp! This year, we're giving away ten prizes worth $50, $100, $200, and the grand prize of $300! Today, we're excited to announce our first $50 winner.

Congratulations to Eli S.! Eli had an unforgettable summer at Camp Tevya and he’s kicking off our winner announcements with a $50 prize! Dive into his fun-filled camp story right now...

“My name is Eli and I am eight and a half years old. I go to the best camp ever, Camp Tevya. This was my first year going. Camp Tevya is so special because my dad and a lot of my family went there in the past, and now my cousins and I go there.

Camp Tevya is in the woods of Brookline, N.H. and it is really pretty. My favorite part of camp was Lake Potanipo. I love sailing on the lake. There are so many activities every day, including fishing and athletics. I also learned how to play newcomb. I made so many new friends inside and outside of my bunk and we did A LOT of silly things. My counselors were also so nice.

I was sad to leave at the end of camp even though I was also happy to come home. I cannot wait to come back next summer and see all my friends and do more fun activities. Camp Tevya is the best camp in the world.”

 

Hi Eli! It sounds like you had an amazing first summer at Camp Tevya! It’s really cool that you’re continuing a family tradition by going to the same camp as your dad and cousins—what a great way to make even more memories together! Lake Potanipo must have been a blast, especially learning to sail and trying out new activities like fishing and newcomb.

We love hearing how much fun you had with your friends and all the silly things you did together. Sounds like, for you, Camp Tevya really is the best camp ever. Thanks for sharing your fantastic camp experience with us, Eli! Enjoy the anticipation until next camp season rolls around!

For anybody else who wants the kind of experience Eli had, check out Camp Tevya for your next summer adventure. In the meantime, come on back tomorrow when we announce our next winner! Once our winners have been announced they’ll receive an email with your gift certificate code. As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks!

 

- John

Hey Camp Lovers—Alert! Sound the trumpets!

This is your final call to participate in our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest! If your story is still just a draft, it’s time to polish it up and send it our way. Swing by our submission page right this second—click here! Pop your story into the submission box, fill out the necessary details, and hit that submit button. Or, if you’d rather, you can upload your tale directly.

The clock’s winding down, and today marks the deadline! Don’t be left out of this year’s summer camp storytelling contest. This season has been a blast, and hearing about your camp adventures—everything from new friendships and achievements to overcoming challenges and favorite campfire moments—has been the highlight.

We’re buzzing with anticipation to announce who will capture the gift card prizes. Here’s a quick breakdown of our top ten prizes: five storytellers will snag $50 gift cards, two will net $100, two will take home $200, and one grand prize winner will secure a $300 gift card to Everything Summer Camp. And don’t forget—all other entries of 150 words or minute-and-a-half-long video will receive a $20 gift card.

So find a quiet corner somewhere or sit down in the grass outside as you recall the camp experience and the best stories you came away with. As you relive the moments, let your handwriting capture the tales of your late-night whispers, daring lake jumps, and sizzling of marshmallows over the fire. We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing our first winner and showcasing their story on Tuesday, September 3rd, right here on our Blog. Could it be yours? We’re excited to find out! Thanks for sharing your stories and keeping the campfire spirit burning bright! As always, thanks for reading and, of course, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Each step on the soft, pine-needle-laden path through the Sequoia National Park brings new marvels among the grandiose, ancient giants that will make you feel like a grasshopper walking on the earth. Rich in crisp air and the scent of pine and earth, Sequoia National Park is an amazing place for your summer adventures.

Nestled in Visalia, California, Sequoia National Park boasts well over 400,000 acres. The park is renowned for its immense sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree—one of the largest trees on Earth. This colossal tree stands proudly in the Giant Forest, which is dotted with thousands of ancient sequoias that reach skyward, reminding visitors of the enduring power of nature.

For those seeking the thrill of discovery, the underground marvel of Crystal Cave awaits with its intricate formations and flowing streams—a hidden gem beneath the forest’s expansive roots. Above ground, Moro Rock, a massive granite dome, offers climbers panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains after a vigorous ascent.

Not far from this natural lookout, the Tunnel Tree stands as a testament to the park’s history, a once-mighty sequoia now serving as a passageway for travelers, its trunk hollowed by time and human hands.

To carry a piece of this magnificent park on your travels as well as back home, Everything Summer Camp proudly features a Sequoia National Park trunk in our National Parks Designer Trunk collection. This specially designed trunk captures the essence of Sequoia’s iconic landscapes! Crafted for durability and style, it’s an invitation to bring the spirit of adventure into every journey.

Perhaps you, too, will be fortunate enough to wander among the giants and discover the quiet nobility of Sequoia National Park. Whether trekking through its expansive wilderness or enjoying the serenity from a scenic overlook, Sequoia offers an adventure that resonates deeply within the hearts of all who visit. Ready your gear, pack your passion for nature, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself amidst the grandeur of these ancient woods! Thanks for reading. And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey, Problem-Solvers!

Summer camp means adventure, laughter, and forging lifelong friendships. But like any vibrant community, conflicts can arise among campers. From simple misunderstandings to more serious disputes, dealing with these dust-ups the right way is key to keeping camp a happy and positive environment for everyone.

When campers bump heads, the initial step is always to listen. Each child deserves the opportunity to share their story without judgment. This process not only helps in gathering the full picture but also reassures the campers that their feelings and perspectives are valued. It’s very important that no camper considers themselves to be overlooked. Each issue must be addressed uniquely with everyone feeling like their voice matters.

Next up, we do a bit of detective work, talking to the counselors and any camp folks who saw what went down. Sometimes, piecing the story together can be challenging but getting the whole picture helps clear the air. Bring everyone together, hash it out, and if needed, share apologies.

The work doesn’t stop there! Keep the camp harmony by reviewing the camp rules with the involved campers, making sure they all know what’s expected of them. Keep parents informed about any significant incidents as well so they’re aware of their child's experiences and can aid the resolution from home.

Preventing conflicts is equally important as addressing them. Help to keep the peace by stirring up fun with icebreakers and team-building. Mix up the teams often so everyone gets a chance to be pals with someone new. Regular reminders of camp rules keep everyone on the right path, and activities that boost how to deal with our feelings and friends keep the campsite a friendly spot for all.

Encourage your camper to keep things light at summer camp! Every camper should feel free to branch out and come away from camp with great memories. Summer camp is a unique opportunity for personal growth and development to which each camper is entitled.

Grab your gear and hit the trail for a summer of growth and giggles. Every day is an adventure and every camper is part of the crew! Thanks for reading, Camp Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey, Camp FANS!

The Deluxe Fan/Light Combo saves you from sleepless nights during the hot and sticky summer season! The white noise cancels out any annoying sounds. The moving air blows any pesky flies away. And the breeze keeps you feelin' cool, comfortable, and catching Zzz’s on a hot, midsummer night.

This handy two-in-one Fan/Light gives a cool breeze AND a night light so campers can write a letter home or catch up on reading before bed without fumbling with a flashlight. It features a built-in hanging hook so it’s your choice to use it on a flat surface or hang it from above.

So what’s the story of the Deluxe Fan/Light Combo? How did we come about such a perfect piece of camp gear.

It might be overkill to call it a miracle, but it really is amazing that we even offer the Deluxe Fan/Light. We nearly didn’t. It was one of the first products we brought in that wasn’t a trunk. Its first year, we only carried a dozen units of the Fan/Light. We also brought on a handheld fan that was much more geared to children called the Funky Flexi Fan. We feared we might not sell any of our twelve Fan/Lights with the funky one in the way. That was back in 2006.

We didn’t realize what a hot item the Deluxe Fan/Light would become. What was initially thought of as the afterthought to our original, kid-friendly fan was surprisingly more popular and very quickly claimed its place as our new Number One seller.

We’ve since sold over 10,000 Deluxe Fan/Lights! Needless to say, demand for this product has certainly lasted throughout the years. Ironically we’ve long-forgotten about the kiddie fan from long ago while the Fan/Light has become our longest-running product (after our trunks, of course).

So, there you have it! The Deluxe Fan/Light Combo is a tried and true choice that’s stood the test of time. Its progression from an overlooked newcomer to a camp essential is a testament to its utility and popularity. Pack the Deluxe Fan/Light so your camper will be equipped with this indispensable tool for a cooler, quieter, and more illuminated camp experience! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John