Hey, Camp Fans!

We’re still truckin’ along with our Resolutions that we set at the beginning of the year here at Everything Summer Camp. Bringing these pieces of positivity into the springtime, folks around the office aren’t necessarily finding it easy, but are sticking to their intentions for improvement.

Check out how we’re doing!

Amy, who’s eating better, is still proud to say that she’s happy with her healthy habits. Folks around the office even vouch for her as they spot her with a salad for lunch every day. Way to go, Amy!

Anita made her resolution to be more mindful of her overall health. She reported back that it’s been a tough month with temptations sitting right in her house. She’s hanging in there, though with a firm attitude for the future! You got this, Anita!

Diane has been doing her best to help people out more. In March, she donated to a summer camp program that pays for kids to go to camp that otherwise couldn’t afford it. And she made purchases for the folks behind her in line at the store on two separate occasions. Awesome job, Diane!

Matt is watching his weight. After a couple of very successful months, Matt confessed to gaining back several pounds in March. He isn’t, however, letting this discourage him from continuing to keep an eye on his weight. Keep it up, Matt!

Morgan resolved to get straight A’s in her last semester of college. She’s still pulling it off! “Barely,” she noted, “But it’s still an A!” Maintain that A, Morgan!

Nate is shooting for more ‘playtime’ with his kids and general family time. He’s had solid success too, taking advantage of snow days in the beginning of March and enjoying time outside by the end. Nate and his wife, Katie are teaching their kids simple lawn work and playing with them outside. Great stuff, Nate!

For my own resolution, I strived to be less judgmental and have more patience. I still plan to be mindful of these qualities, however, I am bowing out of the Blog updates as I’ve let areas of my life get the best of me one too many times in the last couple months. I’d like to turn this negative thinking around as soon as I can.

Resolutions are challenging and the year is long! We’re bound to be faced with rough patches along the way! Don’t let the setbacks keep you back! Everybody is still doing great (especially Bob who has remained just the way he likes himself—the same. Good job, Bob)! Keep up the good work with your own resolutions for 2019, Everyone and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hello, Camp Fans!

We got a response to our annual ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that was so large I’m still publishing our submissions here on the Everything Summer Camp Blog! Your stories were fantastic and it’s such a fun time reading through them! Enjoy another one right now!

Today’s post comes from Jalina K. who wrote in to tell us about her really fun camp stay at Camp Interlaken. Get a look at today’s submission about her stay: “My name is Jalina K. I attended Camp Interlaken for their first session of four weeks. This was my first time going to Camp Interlaken.

I have experienced the time of my life and cherish a place I will never forget. I have learned so much more about my Jewish heritage for the month I attended Camp Interlaken. I had time to memorize the prayers we say before and after each meal called the Hamotzie and Birkat along with being kosher for a month. I also learned many Israeli dances, Shabbat songs, traditions, and prayers.

I not only made many new friends but I created a new family. I saw all my Cabin mates as sisters and my counselors as mothers since they’ve guided me and taught me so much. Camp Interlaken also taught me so much about gratitude and turning negative situations into positive situations.

At Camp Interlaken I got to experience many activities such as archery, friendship bracelet-making, tushball, volleyball, soccer, bubble soccer, tennis, basketball, 9 square, skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hydro biking, tubing, zip-lining, rock climbing, disc golfing, free dip in Lake Finley and in the pool, and many more fun activities that I’m so glad I got the chance to participate in.

My personal favorite was waterskiing because I was able to drop a ski and get half way around Lake Finley. My personal favorite time of the day when I was at Camp Interlaken is when the sun sets and we all would gather around each other holding hands and unity for friendship circle and sing together as a family. It was such an amazing feeling on Shabbat evening to walk around the entire camp holding hands and saying ‘Shabbat Shalom!!’ along with a hug and a kiss on the cheek to our camp family.

Even waking up in the morning and walking over the bridge seeing all of the glorious, sparkling view of Lake Finley is a site that I will never forget and every time I think of going back to Camp Interlaken a smile appears on my face from thinking about the funny, cherishable, unforgettable, great times I had at camp. All of these everlasting qualities, moments, and traits of my experience at Camp Interlaken proves why I think my camp is the best.

The feeling of love in the air (along with the smell of sunscreen and bug spray) at Camp Interlaken is more than just the feeling of love for the summer, but will remain in our hearts and at Camp Interlaken for all of us to remember that camp is our home and always will be. I encourage campers in considering coming to Camp Interlaken so you can experience the time of your life just like I did.”

Awesome, Jalina! Sounds like a wonderful summer experience that will stay with you forever! You make Camp Interlaken sound like such a special place—especially Lake Finley! How cool that you got to explore new friendships, new understandings, and a new place like Camp Interlaken! Thanks for sharing, Jalina! If anyone else is interested in Camp Interlaken for their next summer adventure, be sure to check them out some time and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

It’s definitely time to start thinking about the camp you’ll be attending this upcoming summer! That’s why I like to feature the summer camps with whom we’ve formed great relationships here at Everything Summer Camp. Today, we’re shining our summer camp spotlight over to the eastern border of New York state. There, we’ll focus in on Camp Chingachgook.

Camp Chingachgook sits on the eastern banks by the extraordinarily clear waters of Lake George at the foot of Buck Mountain. In this magnificent setting, campers are given the chance to reflect on the serene surroundings and enjoy their lives separated from all the buzzing electronic lifestyle of modern life.  

You’ll be given some awesome opportunities at Camp Chingachgook where they offer traditional camp activities such as Sailing, Waterskiing, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Tennis, Archery, High Ropes, Riflery, Softball, Fishing, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, Photography, Mountain Biking and more!

Facilities at Camp Chingachgook have been construction with a modern sort of building while holding onto a rustic kind of feel. Altogether, the buildings and outdoor features provide the perfect atmosphere for activities that range from recreational, educational, relaxing, and rejuvenating.

Chingachgook counselors do an amazing job in forming strong communities in their cabins, creating inclusive and supportive environments for campers to call their home base. Bunks are provided for sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags that campers bring from home. And, centrally located in each unit, bathhouses, are just a small dash from the cabins.

Join in on the fun of the summer action at Camp Chingachgook and enjoy the community, friendship, and memories that you’ll make. If this camp sounds like a good fit for you, look into it more by checking out their website sometime and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Happy April First!

It may be April Fool’s Day, but there’s no joke here. Instead of playing some practical prank on you, Devoted Reader, I’m here to give you some practical information about our latest products we’ve recently brought on board from Lewis N Clark—a leading name in travel gear.

Now offered among our Duffel Bags at Everything Summer Camp, we have these two new beasts, the Heavy Duty 40" X-Large Duffel with Neoprene Gear Bag as well as the slightly smaller Large Heavy Duty 36” Duffel with Gear Bag. Take a closer look at the construction and features of these bags:

Go big or go bigger!! Just like the intrepid explorers that this brand is named after, you’ll need a means of storage for clothing and other gear while you’re off on your summer camp adventure. You can’t go wrong with the Heavy Duty 40” X-Large or 36” Large Duffels with Neoprene Gear Bags!

Boasting water-resistant WATERSHED™ fabric that provides protection from the elements, these Heavy Duty Duffels’ SPLASHGUARD™ base repels mud and dirt that you’re sure to encounter at camp, maintaining its clean look.

To add to the awesomeness, these Duffels flaunt the WATERLOCK™ weather flap which keeps rain from soaking in through the top because, just because it storms doesn’t mean you want your belongings all wet!

The neoprene gear bag not only maximizes your storage capacity as an organized spot for items like sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray, and other smaller supplies, but it all fits your entire Duffel for a handy means of storage when it comes time to be put away.

Ample space and incredible accessibility, you can find the contents in this Duffel without having to tear your packing job apart. Of course, Duffels of this nature offers a number of carrying options. Carry it by its dual webbed grab handles, reinforced main grab handles, or its removable shoulder strap with a SOFTTECH™ shoulder pad.

Knock out all of your summer camp needs with our one-stop shop and pick up a Heavy Duty Duffel for your summer adventures. Have a blast, Camp Fans! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We loved the large response we got to our annual ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest at Everything Summer Camp! It started back in 2018 and I’m still publishing your submissions one by one right here on the Blog. Your stories were fantastic and it’s such a fun time reading through them! Enjoy another one right now!

Today’s post comes from Emma T. who wrote in to tell us about her really fun camp stay at Birch Trail Camp for Girls. Get a look at today’s submission about her stay:

“This was my first year at Birch Trail. My favorite part of the summer was going on a climbing trip on Lake Superior. We got to climb indoors (because it rained) and outdoors above the lake. I made a lot of new friends on my trip, and the scenery was really beautiful. Another thing I really liked was the color war (aka TIAD). It made me grow out of my comfort zone and try new things like cheering loudly and getting messy. I was on the red Brules. Each team is named after a river in Wisconsin. We got to wear red costumes. Birch Trail is the best because of all of our traditions that go back to 1959. My mom and my aunt went to the camp, and it is fun being a second generation camper. I like that they let us be independent and they don't make us do things we don't want to do. The counselors and staff are very friendly and nurturing. The director is fun and funny. I could be myself and be casual. ‘No mean girls’ is a big theme, so there is always a safe place to go at camp. It is easy to make new friends since everyone is so kind and friendly. I loved my camp big sister. She always was there for me and helped me with the climbing wall. Everyone should go to BT. It's the most awesome camp!”

Awesome, Emma! Sounds like a really fantastic and well-rounded camping experience! The trip to Lake Superior sounds pretty wonderful. And it’s great to hear that you enjoyed the push that the Color War gave you outside your comfort zone. I too am not used to being loud or making a mess of myself, but it’s fun to live a different lifestyle for a little while—just to test it out. Sounds like Birch Trail was the perfect summer escape for you! Thanks for sharing, Emma!

If anyone else is interested in Birch Trail Camp for Girls for their next summer adventure, be sure to check them out some time and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John