Shopping Cart

You Wanna Take My Picture

Posted on

Fun times, Photographers!

Photography can be a casual love or it can be a deep passion! One way or another, it’s a great way to visually record moments in time and to express yourself as an artist. The cameras most frequently used nowadays are built in to our mobile phones! They’re typically used for snapping a quick picture to share with friends or store away for later.    

But for those who are serious about the art of photography, there’s a lot more to it than simply zooming and tapping your phone screen. The camera itself was first invented around 1825, but the concepts of the invention dates back to the ancient Greeks! I shared the history of photography a while back on this Blog—you can find the post by clicking here.Were you born to look through the lens and capture those candid moments of reality?

The Benefits of Photography:

Creative Outlet
Capturing not just a picture but your artistic vision is an inspiring and fulfilling experience from behind the lens! Whether you’re abiding by the Rule of Thirds or choosing to play by your own rules, Photography offers an awesome creative outlet for your inner artist!

Type of Journal
Traditionally when we think of a journal, we think of a collection of written word passages about autobiographical subject matter. However, lots of different things can play the role of a journal—like songwriting, to give just one example. Photography is no different! You can use the pictures you’ve taken as a means of some sorts to documenting your life.

Stress Reliever
I guarantee your blood pressure lowers after you spend just a little while steadying your shot, lining up the proper angle, focusing your lens. Photography is indeed stress relieving and is inevitably healthy for your mind, body, and spirit!

Boosts
Lastly, after spending long bouts of patience and effort snapping the perfect pictures, reviewing the fruits of one’s labors is a satisfying and natural self-esteem booster! Seeing what a great job you did makes you feel great about yourself and can teach you how to do some things better next time!

If you’re passionate about Photography, then I recommend you look into a summer camp that offers it as an activity to boost your familiarity with the art form. If you already have a camp in mind, call them up to ask about their program. And, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans!

 

- John


Evan V.'s Heebie Jeebies

Posted on

Hey, Camp Lovers!

We saw such a great response to our annual ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest at Everything Summer Camp in 2018 that we’re still going strong publishing each submission right here on the Blog in the New Year. Your stories were fantastic and it’s such a fun time reading through them!

Today’s post comes from Evan V. who wrote in to tell us about an interesting camp experience he had at an NJY Camp. Get a look at today’s submission about his stay:Have a blast but don't get too scared if you run into Rafter Boy!

At camp, there is always a counselor who stays awake throughout the night to make sure that if anything goes wrong in the bunk they can help. My bunk in particular had a special game we played. While the counselor was not looking, we would switch beds with each other. I would go to someone's bed, he would go to mine, and so on and so forth. One night the counselor said, "Okay everyone I can see you in each other's beds! Get in your own beds now!" We all returned to our own beds and all became quiet. After about five minutes there was a mysterious voice that began calling out "Hellooooooo down there..." or "I seeee youuu..." At this point my counselor is walking back and forth looking for the source of the voice. The voice keeps calling out to us and we are all freaking out and looking around. Finally my counselor turned the lights on and we all looked about. Then I noticed something out of the ordinary. Something that seemed... out of place. I looked to the rafters on the ceiling and saw a shadow... a shape in the form of a boy. One of my bunkmates was sitting on the RAFTERS! Looking down at us smiling and giggling! Everyone began laughing as I sat in shock wondering how he got up there... I knew I saw something that would live on to become a camp tradition, or a legend. The legend of... RAFTER BOY!

Hilarious submission, Evan! Sounds like your camp counselors had their hands full with your bunkmates and…Rafter Boy! I’m glad the scare was all in good fun! Rafter Boy sounds like a hoot! Glad you had a fun time at your summer camp stay! For anybody else interested in an NJY Camp, give them a closer look for yourself some time and, as always, thanks for reading!

 

- John


Camp Mont Shenandoah

Posted on

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 a great relationship here at Everything Summer Camp. Today, we’re shining our summer camp spotlight over to Virginia, near the state line with West Virginia. There, we’ll focus in on Camp Mont Shenandoah.

Camp Mont Shenandoah sits on 60 acres of rural Virginia forest and meadows in a gorgeous natural setting. This camp was founded nearly one hundred years ago back in the 1920’s. Little has changed since its first founding days and the camp has held onto its strong values of sisterhood and sportsmanship.Stay comfortable at Camp Mont Shenandoah if you end up there for your next summer stay at camp!

Engage in some awesome traditional camp activities at Mont Shenandoah where you’re sure to have a blast! Participate in essential camp pastimes Archery, Arts & Crafts, Basketball, Canoeing, Cooking, Drama and Music, Hiking and Overnight Camping Trips, Hockey, Horseback Riding, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, and more!

While facilities are rustic at Mont Shenandoah in their attempt to maintain buildings that are complementary to the natural surroundings, they do provide electricity for their campers and all the bathhouses offer flush toilets as well as hot water showers.

Each cabin group develops its own community and cohesive personality. Mont Shenandoah takes great pride in their efforts and consideration in placement of each camper. Campers are expected to make their beds in the morning and keeping their locker and bunk area tidy.

Join the generations of Camp Mont Shenandoah campers that have come before you and become an Shenandoah camper yourself so you can enjoy the community, friendship, and fun at this special summer camp. 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


Just Checking In

Posted on

Hey, Camp Fans!

Before we step any further into the month of March, it’s time to give the official Everything Summer Camp 2019 Resolutions update. Employees around the office here have set goals for themselves going into the year and I’m here to keep tabs on everybody. I hope all of you are doing as well as folks around our office are with your own resolutions!

Check out the positive things we’re up to around the office:Growing our own flowers this month in wintry Wisconsin March weather.

Amy resolved to reform her diet and start eating better. “Still doing ok on the healthy eating,” she informed me. She tacked on a confession saying, “Other than the two batches of cookies I made and ate a lot of.” Amy’s calling herself out here, but aside from this little slip, she certainly seems to be going strong! Keep up the good work, Amy!

Anita made the resolution to increase her overall health with more exercise and kicking lousy habits. Anita happily reported that she’s been doing good overall. She’s been staying very busy and recently took a weeklong trip to Florida where her eating (and the weather) was fantastic! While it was hard to return, Anita’s excited to continue her healthy habits in the coming month!

Diane set out this year to make the world better by helping people more. Throughout February, Diane has actually quadrupled her initial intent to do a random good deed every month. “I did four this month,” she told me! “I don't know if I really am making this world a better place but I know the four families I did the good deed for were very appreciative.” You’re doing great, Diane!

Matt resolved to shed some pounds and lose weight in the coming year. He’s still feeling good about his condition. “Still down 20 lbs.,” he shared. “Still eating as much healthy food as I can.” That’s excellent news from Matt! Well done, Matt. 

Morgan, who resolved to get straight A’s in her last semester of college, responded to my checkup that, “Yes, so far so good! It’s still early in the semester and I only have 2 grades in, but all A’s! Off to a good start!” Wonderful work, Morgan!

Nate has resolved to spend more time with his family and more ‘playtime’ with his kids. He sounds pleased with his family’s progress throughout this past month. He mentioned that he’s been playing with his boys a couple nights a week, typically with his wife and daughter nearby reading or playing along. They do card games and, all in all, have made a habit of being together more often. Sounds great, Nate!

As for Myself, I resolved to be less judgmental toward people and to have more patience. After some changes I’ve made throughout February, I’ve been put to the test on reducing my judgements. I can’t say that I haven’t lost sight of my resolution at times, however, I’ve remained mindful about it and am still putting my best foot forward. March is really going to make or break me, I think!

I think we’re all still looking really good. I’m very proud of us so far! Keep up the good work, everybody (except for Bob who hasn’t changed a bit yet)! Keep up the good work with your own resolutions for 2019 and, as always, thanks for reading, Everybody!

 

- John


Have a S'well Summer!

Posted on

Hey, Swell People!

There’s a new brand name in our water bottle selection that we’re more-than-thrilled to now have on board—it’s the S’Well brand. Bringing incredible quality and thoughtful construction behind their product, we’re proud here at Everything Summer Camp to offer their fantastic water bottles.  

Constructed with three walls of high-grade vacuum-insulated stainless steel, the S'well 17oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle is given ThermaS’well™ technology to keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 24! Boasting a condensation-free exterior, enjoy 17 ounces at a time in this handy, eco-friendly S’well Water Bottle.Swell choice in water bottles!

S’well was founded on quality construction of water bottles like the Insulated Water Bottle. This company was established nearly a decade ago in 2010 by entrepreneur Sarah Krauss.  

The mission: to save the world from continued production of disposable plastic water bottles. Sarah put her best effort forward to create a desired bottle, combining fashion and function with the intention that, with her quality bottle on the market, single-use plastic bottles could possibly be phased out worldwide. “It was an audacious goal, but I knew the world needed S’well,” Sarah says.

As of 2017, S’well has made a name for itself as the fastest growing woman-owned company in the country! Amazing in this day and age, S’well has built its huge fan base by means of word-of-mouth. We’re proud to help distribute the S’well brand and assist in their goal of helping to keep single-use plastic water bottles out of our landfills and waterways! “I am delighted every time I see a S’well in a purse, backpack or stroller,” Sarah says.

These bottles work great for a wide array of purposes—perfect for your time at summer camp. Check the 17oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle out by clicking right here and get one for your camp adventures! As always, thanks for reading, Campers!

 

- John