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

Gather 'round, folks!

The tale of our C&N LidMate Organizer Trunk Accessory starts back in summers preceding 2008. This crafty little contraption comes securely mounted to the inside of your trunk lid with a wide strip of heavy-duty velcro, making use of an otherwise unusable space in your trunk. With the attached carabiner flashlight, campers have easy visibility for the contents within their trunk.

Additionally, it features a clear pocket to display pictures from home as well as six zippered pockets so your child can grab whatever small essentials they need. This accessory quickly became a must-have for any camper's trunk.

This product was born from a simple, yet insightful observation. During routine maintenance and repairs of customer’s camp trunks, we would see their packing lists and family photos taped to the underside of their trunk lids—a space otherwise unused and overlooked.

This got the gears turning in our heads. How can this space be better utilized?

After our Sales Director, Matt pitched the idea of a built-in lid accessory to camp staff and they loved it, we went straight into development. Our design gave campers a spot for their lip balm, playing cards, mini-flashlights, markers and the like.

One of the major challenges encountered in seeing the LidMate Organizer to fruition was determining the most effective method of installation inside the trunk. We tried this and that—adhesives to plastic turnbuckles and snaps. Ultimately, the simplicity and strength of super-strong velcro proved to be the ideal solution, offering both durability and ease of use.

The LidMate Organizer now stands as one of our most popular trunk accessories to maximize your camp trunk! Exclusive to C&N, this Trunk Accessories’ savvy use of space and knack for keeping things organized has shown us all how a simple idea can blossom into something indispensable!

It's been a bit of a trek getting from there to here, but what started as a solid notion has grown into somethin' truly special. Maximize your trunk by clicking right here! Thanks for reading. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Greetings, Campers!

Another season of summer camp has come to a close! Saying farewell to the exciting days of overnight camping is always tough, but taking the time to reflect on your experiences is a crucial part of the journey. And with the end of camp, we also welcome back the Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest!

This time, ten lucky participants will be chosen at random. The grand prize winner will receive a generous $300 gift card to use in our online store. Two more winners will get $200 gift cards. Two others will win $100 gift cards. And five will walk away with $50 gift cards. But don't worry—if you don't end up among the winners, every participant will still receive a $20 gift card, ensuring everyone comes out on top!

Discussion Points

We're eager to hear all about the highlights—the experiences that made your time at camp truly memorable. Take your time to describe these moments vividly, bringing the scenes to life through your storytelling. Whether it was the triumphant moment you reached the top of the climbing wall, or the side-splitting campfire stories that had you laughing till your sides hurt, we want to hear it all. Share with us the wonderful people you met and the reasons why your camp is the best place!

Eligibility for Submission

Attention, parents and grandparents! This invitation extends to you as well. If sending off your young explorers to camp stirred up some deep-seated nostalgia, we'd love to hear your camp tales from yesteryears or get insights into your child's camp experience from your perspective. We're keen to listen!

Submission Options

You can choose to either write your submission or submit a video. If you opt for video, simply record your camp tales, upload the footage to YouTube, and send us the link.

Written entries should be no less than 150 words. Feel free to elaborate further if you’re feeling inspired! For video submissions, aim for at least a minute and a half. We're accepting submissions right up until midnight on August 31. To throw your hat in the ring for the contest, just click here. There’s no entry fee! Participants under 18 will need a nod from a parent or guardian.

We're all ears—share your camp stories with us! They’ll be showcased right here on the Blog. For more information, check the entry form. And thank you, as always, for reading!

- John