Hey, Scout Fans!

Today is National Girl Scouts Day! This organization’s popularity has skyrocketed since its small beginnings a little over a century ago and has become an essential part of summer to many little girls all across the country. To learn more about the past of this famous institution, click here to check out a previous post.

Here are some interesting tidbits about the Scouts:

Cookie Inconsistency

The classic bakery treats for which the Girl Scouts are notorious don’t actually remain consistent throughout the United States. In fact, the cookies you order can differ greatly from one place to another. Denver and Seattle Thin Mints are given a generous coating of chocolate, whereas, if you order Thin Mints in Boston or Kansas City, you get a crunchier and heavier mint flavor. Samoas cookies are different throughout the country, called by the name of Caramel deLites in other places.

What to Wear?

Most folks would probably figure that the sash full of badges is and always has been the official Girl Scouts uniform. The original Girl Scouts, however, never wore sashes. And unlike the Scout image that we’re all familiar with today, they used to wear wide-brimmed hats as their counterparts in Britain wore. It wasn’t until the 30’s that the iconic berets and Brownie beanies became a thing. A couple other changes have been implemented along the way as well.

Somethin’ Fun!

It’s more than just overnight hikes and s’mores at a campfire! The Girl Scouts provide their members with awesome activities ranging from arts and theater to horseback riding as well as technology. For Scouts who are looking for an experience that’s more physically intense, they offer rock-climbing, forest tree-climbing, and high-adventure courses!

From all of us here at Everything Summer Camp, we send a proud salute to all of you Scouts out there—current and former—today on National Girl Scouts Day! Keep leading by the best of examples and, as always, thanks for reading! 

- John

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.

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

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:

“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

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.

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

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:

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