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

Hey, Campers!

Do you picture yourself standing on a skateboard at summer camp on a sunny afternoon, determined to pull off a trick you’ve been trying all week. With a deep breath, you push off, attempting a kickflip for what feels like the hundredth time. You pop the board into the air, time slows down, and anticipation builds with each rotation of your board. And then, finally, the satisfying click of the wheels meeting the ground and your feet on the board—a successful kickflip, achieved through persistence and determination!

Tony Hawk is more than just a name in the world of skateboarding; he's a record-setter, an innovator, and an icon. Check out a camp experience he had back in the 80’s! Thanks to this Facebook post he wrote a handful of years back about that time, I’m going to let him do his own talking:

“I spent the summer of 1985 in a small town outside of Stockhom at the Eurocana Summer Camp with Lance Mountain and Rodney Mullen. We were skate camp ‘instructors’ for 5 weeks, with a rotation of European skaters coming in and out. It was a formative time in skating and for me personally, as I was gaining confidence, creating new tricks (like stale fish & 720’s) and absorbing all of the new experiences.”

For Hawk, the summer of 1985 was more than just a footnote in his skating journey—it was a transformative experience that helped define his love for skateboarding and solidified his place in the sport’s history.

As he continues to inspire a new generation of skaters, Hawk's legacy serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little bit of punk rock spirit, anything is possible on and off the skateboard. Thanks for reading, Everyone. Happy Skateboarding and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

It’s an exciting and transformative experience for families when children and parents decide to give summer camp a try! As you prepare to send your camper off into this great unknown adventure, you may find yourself wondering what their days will truly be like amidst the wilderness and camaraderie of camp life.

Fear not, for we're about to take you on a journey through a typical day in the life of your camper, offering a glimpse into the joys and adventures that await them.

A Day-in-the-Life of Your Child at Summer Camp….

Nestled in the picturesque wilderness of your child’s summer camp stay, your camper wakes up along with their cabin mates who jump out of their bunks as they hear the breakfast bell tolling. The sun is peeking over the horizon as your camper and the rest of the cabin get themselves prepared to hit the Dining Hall and bolt out the door.

After a hearty breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit in the rustic dining hall, your camper races out within a stampede of kids headed straight for the waterfront for the morning swim session. A sense of freedom washes over your particular camper who enjoys the cool water as it invigorates their senses and awakens their spirit.

Next, it's off to arts and crafts, where creativity knows no bounds. Your child, amongst their peers, tries their hand at creating colorful projects.

After enjoying a little downtime, they head out for a thrilling hike along the wooded trails that surround the camp. Amidst the towering trees and chirping birds, a connection to nature is felt deeply, grounding the camper in the beauty of the wilderness.

After a picnic lunch by a babbling brook, it's back to camp for an afternoon of sports and games on the grassy fields!

As dusk falls, your camper gathers around the campfire with friends, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. As the fire crackles and sparks dance in the night sky, everyone listens to tales of adventure and bravery, shared by camp counselors and other storytellers.

Finally, time comes to retreat to the cozy cabin, where your camper hops into bed and curls up for the night, filled with excitement for the adventures that tomorrow will bring!

As you envision your child embarking on their summer camp adventure, rest assured that each day will be filled with new experiences, friendships, and memories that may last a lifetime. From sunrise to sunset, camp life is a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and growth. So send them off with a smile, knowing that they're about to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime at summer camp! As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Summer Lovers!

At Everything Summer Camp, we make sure our campers are safe and comfortable during their summer stay away from home. That’s why we’re happy to offer sunscreen products from Bullfrog, a brand that’s been looking out for outdoor folks since 1985. Inspired by the resilient spirit of the bullfrog, Bullfrog sunscreen is built to withstand the elements and keep you covered from sunrise to sunset, perfect while your camper is off on their summer camp journey.

With a wide range of sunscreens available, from lotions to sprays, Bullfrog ensures that campers have access to quality sun protection that is safe for both people and the environment. Their unique formula is formulated to withstand sweat and water for up to 80 minutes, allowing campers to stay protected during even the most rigorous activities.

Tips for Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

Protecting kids from sun exposure is essential to ensure their delicate skin remains safe and healthy. Children have sensitive skin that requires extra care, especially during outdoor activities. To help parents safeguard their little ones from the sun's harmful rays, here are some essential tips:

Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours

The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it's crucial to limit your child’s exposure during this time. Instruct them to try and find shade and guard themselves with the proper protection when venturing outside. They can also try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce their exposure to intense sunlight.

Dress Them in Protective Clothing

Pack lightweight, loose-fitting camp clothes that will cover your camper’s arms and legs to shield their skin from the sun. You can look for clothing with a tight weave that offers better UV protection. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can also help protect their face, neck, and eyes.

Apply and Reapplying

Go over proper sunscreen use with your camper. Tell them to generously cover all their exposed skin—face, ears, neck, arms, hands, and legs—using Bullfrog sunscreen with SPF 50. Reapply with more sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re summer adventures call for swimming or walking in the rain or perspiring!

By following these essential tips and using Bullfrog sunscreen, parents can keep their children safe and protected during their summer camp adventures. Make sure you set up your camper to enjoy the great outdoors and soak up the sun with the proper protection. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John