Happy Mothers’ Day!

As the day arrives, children across the world awaken with excitement, eager to show their mothers just how much they’re cherished. Crafting handmade cards adorned with colorful drawings and heartfelt messages, kids give these creations as tokens of love and gratitude for the incredible women who have nurtured and supported them throughout their lives:

Mom.

As children present these gifts with beaming smiles and outstretched arms, mothers are filled with warmth and joy over the love with which they’re presented. More than a kind gesture like a card, mothers are sure to love some quality time spent with you on this special day. Perhaps there will be a good time today that you could talk about the upcoming summer camp stay.

Did your mother embark on any summer camp excursions when she was younger? Did she forge any lifelong friendships or master any new skills during her time at camp? Perhaps she has fond memories of roasting marshmallows by the campfire, swimming in the cool waters of the lake, or embarking on exciting wilderness hikes.

For children who are planning to attend summer camp themselves, exploring their mothers' experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Is there a chance they'll be attending the same camp that she did? Imagining themselves following in their mother's footsteps can add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to their own camp adventures, fostering a sense of connection across generations.

Of course, if your mother never did attend summer camp, she’s probably still a great person to talk to about your concerns or excitement about the approaching camp season. Enjoy spending time with your mother today and enjoy your rising anticipation the closer we get to Opening Day of camp. Thanks for reading, Everybody. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Light Beams!

The sun announces another morning at summer camp as it peeks over the horizon and casts its golden rays across the stunning sky and landscape. The campers stretch their arms and wipe their eyes as they greet the new day with a smile. A sense of excitement bubbling within, the entire cabin wakes up with the sunrise as everyone naturally wants to get as much out of their camp days as possible!

At summer camp, the old saying "Rise and Shine" makes the promise of early morning hikes through the forest and exhilarating water sports on the lake. Starting each morning with a positive attitude and a readiness to seize the day, campers set the tone for unforgettable adventures and lasting memories.

But how did this phrase come about?

Well, ‘Rise and Shine’ has long been used as a wake-up call for soldiers and sailors—frequently following the playful phrase ‘Wakey wakey’. Over time, however, the phrase moved beyond the military origins and become a cheerful way of waking someone up.

The roots of the phrase reach a little further back than that, though—as far back as The Bible. The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 60, Verse 1, reads:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."

Here, the call to ‘arise’ and ‘shine’ symbolizes a call to action, urging individuals to spiritually awaken and embrace the divine light surrounding them. Over the years, the phrase has come to be used in a much more everyday sense and humorously applied to those who were forced to wake up early (such as soldiers on duty).  

If you're reading this post bright and early in the morning, it's time for you to "Rise and Shine"! Embrace today with great enthusiasm and energy. With a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace each new opportunity, you're sure to have a day filled with brightness and joy. Here's to rising and shining, and to making the most of every moment! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Young Scientists!

Summer camp is the ultimate playground for kids, filled with fun and adventure. But do your child’s interests lean toward academics more than the sporty activities of traditional overnight camps? Luckily there are all different types of camps out there. If your child loves learning about science, perhaps a trusted science program would be the perfect summer camp experience for them!

Science is constantly poking, prodding, and questioning. As we delve into the world of scientific exploration, we embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the secrets of the natural world and gaining invaluable knowledge along the way. From chemistry to biology and physics as well, summer camp can become a laboratory for our scientific growth.

What We Learn from Scientific Exploration

The scientific method undergoes rigorous testing, inquiry, and investigation in order to ensure the integrity and validity of scientific research as well as keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge and advancing our understanding of the world! This logical thinking is great for a young, growing mind and instills great mental growth…

Scientific Skills

Scientific exploration is built on observation, experimentation, and analysis. We ask questions and form hypotheses in observation of the world around us. Through hands-on experiments and activities, we gain practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Critical Thinking

Scientific exploration also raises our critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As we encounter challenges and obstacles during our experiments, we learn to think creatively and devise solutions. We develop the ability to evaluate evidence, draw conclusions, and communicate our findings effectively.

Curiosity and Wonder

Above all, scientific exploration sparks curiosity and wonder. As we uncover the mysteries of the natural world, we're filled with awe and fascination. We marvel at the complexity and beauty of life, and we're inspired to ask questions and seek answers. Through scientific exploration, we cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.

So, Young Scientists, embrace the wonders of scientific exploration at summer camp. The experiments you conduct, the discoveries you make, and the knowledge you gain will ignite a lifelong love of science. From observing microscopic organisms to exploring the stars above, the world of science is full of endless possibilities. Dive in, explore, and let your curiosity guide you on this incredible journey of discovery. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Happy First of May, Summer Lovers!

The sun casts its golden rays, the forests are full with foliage once again, and the water invites you in. May has arrived—time to enjoy hiking through lush green forests, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, and simple picnics in the park. With nature coming alive all around us, there's no better time to indulge in the great outdoors and soak up the beauty of the natural world than the month of May.

Its very name comes from Maia, the Greek goddess of fruitfulness and fertility. Similar to how this month brings us blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and the start of summer fun, Maia was all about growth, abundance, and new beginnings! Here are some other interesting facts about May:

The Green Birthstone

Among some of the most precious birthstones on earth like rubies and diamonds, May has one of the rarest gemstones associated with it. Which one? The Emerald! This beautiful green stone represents love and success—just like the warm friendships and awesome adventures you'll find at summer camp.

Always a New Day

May is like no other month! Why? Throughout the year, other months will repeat which day of the week they begin on. This year, for instance, the first of November will land on a Friday—the same day on which March began. May, however, never starts or ends on the same day of the week as any other month! Isn't that cool? May has its own special way of dancing through the days to make it unique!

On This Day in History

On May 1, 1931, The Empire State Building opened its doors—a towering marvel of engineering! It held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly four decades until newer skyscrapers came along, reaching new heights on the skyline. But Empire State Building remains an iconic and breathtaking symbol of New York City.

May also brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation for the summer camp season. As the school year comes to a close, thoughts turn to the adventures that lie ahead at camp like making new friends, learning new skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The camp season will be here before you know it, so take the time to acquire the proper gear and review important information with your camper, such as emergency contact numbers, medical information, and instructions from the camp. Have them pack personal items they’ll want to bring along like books, games, and photos from home. Thanks for reading, Camp Fans. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Zipper-Snappers!

Today is National Zipper Day as it’s celebrated each year on April 29th. Such an everyday, ordinary object, the zipper actually revolutionized our means of closure for a vast number of items like clothing and a long list of camping gear like sleeping bags, backpacks, duffel bags, toiletry bags, and more! Zippers were first invented in 1893 to be a faster, more efficient alternative to what people did before than: button up.

When it comes to the world of zippers, there’s one company that reigns supreme: YKK. Renowned for their time-tested design, appearance, and longevity, YKK zippers are used to fasten all sorts of things.

A Lot Going On

You wouldn’t think it just looking at one, but a typical zipper has over a dozen parts, including teeth, sliders, and a pull tab. The teeth are the interlocking parts of the zipper that make it work, while the slider is what moves up and down the teeth to open and close the zipper. The pull tab is the part of it you hold it by to move the slider. There’s a lot to get right—and on such a miniscule scale. But YKK has been getting it right for nearly the last century.

A Name of Initials

The company was founded in 1934 by Tadao Yoshida in Tokyo, Japan. I can’t pronounce it, but the full company name is ‘Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha’ which essentially translates to “Yoshida Company Limited” in English. Over years of stamping their initials onto the pull tabs of their zippers, this abbreviation got to be recognized as the company's trademark.

Take a Number

Did you know that the number listed for a zipper (i.e. #10 Zipper) refers to the length in millimeters across the fabric on either side of the teeth? This measurement is used to ensure that the zipper will fit properly on the garment or item it is intended for.

When it comes to camping gear, zippers are pretty important so we want to make sure you’re informed when you’re shopping our online store here at Everything Summer Camp! The next time you're zipping up a rain jacket or accessing your sleeping bag, take a moment to appreciate the power of the modest, yet mighty zipper. Happy National Zipper Day, Everybody. Thanks for reading. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John