Picture this, Summer Lovers:

A crackling fire. The moon in the evening sky. Laughs and good company all around. And…MOUTH-WATERING CAMPFIRE TREATS!!! It’s definitely summer! As these long days start to wind down, however, there's no better way to savor the last moments of warmth and outdoor fun than by indulging in some delightful campfire treats.

Whether you're camping in the wilderness or having a backyard bonfire, these delicious and easy-to-make treats are sure to make your summer evenings even more memorable! Here are some tasty dessert ideas to toast the end of summer with!

Campfire Cones

Forget traditional s'mores and try campfire cones instead! Fill cake cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and your favorite toppings like crushed cookies, nuts, or sprinkles. Wrap the cones in foil and heat them over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey! Then, you can enjoy these customizable sweet treats straight from the foil packet.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

Take advantage of summer's bounty by grilling up some fresh fruit kabobs. Thread chunks of pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and peaches onto skewers and brush them with a mixture of honey and cinnamon. Grill the kabobs over the campfire until the fruit is caramelized and fragrant. Serve them as a healthy and refreshing dessert option that's sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Campfire Popcorn

Popcorn isn't just for movie nights indoors—you can make it over the campfire too! Simply place popcorn kernels and a bit of oil in a heavy-duty foil packet, then seal it tightly. Hold the packet over the campfire using tongs or a stick, shaking it occasionally, until you hear the kernels popping. Once the popping slows down, carefully open the packet and season the popcorn with your favorite toppings like melted butter, salt, or even caramel for a sweet twist.

Campfire Banana Boats

Elevate the classic s'mores experience with campfire banana boats. Slice a banana lengthwise (leaving the peel intact) and stuff it with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any other desired toppings like peanut butter or caramel sauce. Wrap the banana in foil and heat it over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are golden brown. It's a gooey and decadent treat that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Campfire S'mores Dip

For another twist on the classic s'mores, try making a campfire s'mores dip. Spread a layer of chocolate chips in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet, then top with a layer of mini marshmallows. Place the skillet over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted and gooey. Serve the dip with graham crackers for dipping and enjoy the irresistible combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers!

With these mouthwatering campfire treats, you can make the most of the remaining days of summer and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Of course, if you’re going to put any of these recipe ideas to the test, be sure to there is adult supervision during firebuilding, food preparation, and roasting activities. Always maintain a safe distance from the flames and use proper cooking utensils to avoid burns or accidents. Additionally, remember to let the roasted treats cool for a sufficient amount of time before enjoying them to prevent burns!

By following these simple safety guidelines, everyone can have a fun and safe campfire experience. So gather around the fire, roast some marshmallows, and indulge in these delicious treats that capture the essence of summer fun. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Returning Residents!

Now that you’re back home from your summer camp adventure, what better time to remember those crazy camp stories you came home with?! Put them down on paper or make a video of yourself sharing your story and send it our way for the annual 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest at Everything Summer Camp! Dive in, splash around, and you might just swim away with up to $500! And hey, if the grand prize gets away, no sweat—at least everyone’s guaranteed to win a $20 gift certificate to our online store. You win no matter what!

But tick-tock, Adventurers! With only two weeks left and the deadline of August 31st zooming towards us, it’s prime time to lock down those precious camp memories. Whether you’re a pen-and-paper person or a video maker, let’s get those stories recorded. Not only does every entry bag a $20 gift certificate, but you’re also in the running for even juicier prizes.

We’re all ears, waiting to dive into the sea of stories our incredible community has to offer. Who will reel in the grand prize—a whopping $300 Everything Summer Camp Gift Card? Maybe you’ll snag one of the two $200 treasures, or carve out one of two $100 spots. And remember, we’ve got five $50 Gift Cards up for grabs too!

And Parents! We like hearing from you too. Pour out your perspectives on your kid’s camp escapades or take us down memory lane with your own campfire chronicles from back in the day. Just include your first name, last initial, the camp visited, and the number of summers enjoyed.

But it’s not just about the prizes—sharing your story is about reliving those wild rides and unforgettable moments of camp life and building our community of camp families right here at Everything Summer Camp. Are you ready to throw your story into the ring? Click here to submit your entry and amp up our vibrant camp community. Let’s fuel the campfire with tales of adventure and friendship, keeping the spirit alive one story at a time!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

With the summer sun dipping below the horizon, campers make their way around the camp on Closing Day, hugging friends and exchanging promises to stay in touch. The laughter and chatter of the past weeks seem to echo through the trees, a bittersweet soundtrack to the closing day of camp. Each goodbye is a reminder that no matter how perfect the moments, all good things must end.

This phrase captures the essence of summer camp—a place of joy and learning, where days are long and friendships flourish, but eventually, the time comes to pack up and head home. Just like the amazing experiences at camp, all good things in life have their seasons. This saying teaches us to cherish the moments of happiness and connection while they last, and to accept that change is a natural part of life.

Chaucer

The idea that all good things must come to an end traces back to medieval writings, first penned by Chaucer—a famous English writer from 600 years ago. He’s best known for a book of fun stories he wrote called ‘The Canterbury Tales’, but it is his line from a poem that spawned this phrase. A modernized version of the line would read: "But at last, as all things end, she had to say goodbye and go."

Frost

Another poet from the turn of the 20th Century, Robert Frost, beautifully captured this sentiment in his poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay." Frost describes how the most beautiful, golden moments in nature are only temporary.

His poem helps us understand that just like the first green leaves of spring that quickly change, our happiest moments are precious but fleeting.

Harrison

The phrase was given new life in more modern times by former 'Beatle', George Harrison. Titling his 1970 album “All Things Must Pass,” brought an alteration of the phrase back into popular consciousness, reminding a whole new generation that change is the only constant. This album is filled with songs reflecting on change and transition.

For campers saying goodbye, remembering that “All good things must end” helps put their wonderful experiences in perspective. It teaches them to look forward to new adventures, carrying the lessons and friendships from camp into the future, while holding onto the joy of the past. This lesson, shared through poetry and music, continues to inspire and comfort people of all ages as they navigate the beautiful, sometimes bittersweet, journey of life. 

As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, of course, Happy Camping!

- John

Yo, Surfer Dudes and Dudettes!

Ready to shred some gnarly waves and feel the exhilaration of Surfing? Surfing's been a vibe for ages, and it's only getting more epic by the day, holding people the world over spellbound with its unique blend of excitement and serenity. Whether you're a seasoned wave warrior or just paddling out for the first time, surfing brings this rad mix of thrill and chill that's like no other.

Check it, did you know Surfing's been around since pretty much forever? Archaeologists dug up these totally ancient carvings, like, 5,000 years old, showing dudes hanging ten on waves. And now? Surfing's blown up big time, with over 25 million surfers worldwide. From Hollywood celebs like Cameron Diaz to legends like Kelly Slater, everyone's getting in on the action, dude.

The surf culture is rich with traditions, rituals, and a deep respect for the ocean. Surfers often describe the sensation of riding a wave as pure bliss, an experience that brings them closer to nature and themselves.

It seems Surfing provides a sense of peace and connection that is truly transformative—a perfect activity for summer camp. It's about catching that sweet wave and feeling totally connected to the ocean. At summer camp, Surfing's all about pushing your limits, making new friends, and soaking up those sick vibes, bro! Plus, it's a killer workout that'll leave you feeling totally zen, both in body and mind.

Are you dreaming of catching waves in Cali, Hawaii, or wherever else you can? Surfing at summer camp is where it's at. Grab your board, hit the beach, and get ready for the ride of your life—summer camp Surfing's waiting for ya! Catch you on the flip side, Dudes! Remember to stay stoked! Thanks for reading. And, as always, Happy Surfing!

- John

Hey, Wanderlust Folks!

Journey into the Badlands National Park where you’ll be met with a landscape so stark and otherworldly it seemingly transports you back in time (as it does to all who visit). With each step, the park unveils its unique beauty, shaped by eons of natural forces of wind and water erosion. A geological marvel nestled in South Dakota, this rugged terrain is begging for you to come see it in person!

Known for its rich fossil beds, the Badlands National Park is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, from the tiniest of shrews to majestic bison that can weigh up to a literal ton! Encounter a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and butterflies there! They make each visit a unique experience!

The landscape is characterized by sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the country. Every overlook offers a breathtaking view that encapsulates the park's dramatic beauty, making it a photographer's paradise and a nature lover's dream.

For those enchanted by the allure of Badlands National Park and other national treasures, the National Parks Designer Trunk collection celebrates these natural wonders. Among them, the Badlands National Park trunk stands out, designed for adventurers and explorers at heart. Imagine packing your gear into a trunk that bears the essence of Badlands National Park as you’re getting ready to travel to its vast, open spaces.

Will you be fortunate enough to venture into this cool, natural setting, where every trail leads to discovery, and every sunset paints a new masterpiece. Badlands National Park—experience the ancient past of this telling landscape that gives a window into the land’s prehistory. Wherever you go this summer, make sure to explore, learn, and cherish the natural world around us. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping, Travelers!

- John