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

 

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