Hey, Camp Kids!

Here at Everything Summer Camp we’re always trying to come up with different accessories that will help to maximize the use of another product. We’ve done well in the past with products like the LidMate Organizer that allows you to use a spot in your footlocker trunk that is otherwise inaccessible or the Wheel Away System that makes for easy, rolling transportation of your camp trunk as opposed to hauling it with a moving buddy.

We now have more accessories that will provide you with even more use out of your footlocker trunk. Unlike the LidMate Organizer and the Wheel Away System, these new accessories offer more entertainment and fun than they do any kind of practical use. Get our new, magnetic Game Toppers to go on top of your camp trunk.

Easily used as a sit-down bench or a step-on ladder—a nightstand for your bedside or a tabletop for games, get your camp trunk as well as your game boards right here. Pull these magnetic sheets out. Printed with checkerboards, Tic-Tac-Toe squares, Poker, and more, you’ll have tons of fun making friends and having laughs over these fun, simple games.

These Game Toppers allow for hours on top of hours of fun, playing Checkers or Chess, Tic-Tac-Toe, Poker, and other classic games with all the friends you’ll make at summer camp. Spend lazy, rainy days with fun, strategy- based games and some good competition. Have a great time right on your camp trunk when you bring these games to camp!

Our Game Toppers are easy-to-use, easy-to-pack, and fun for all. Get your own fun Game Toppers for affordable prices right here at Everything Summer Camp and slap one on top of your camp trunk to get some fun going at camp. As always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Aficionados!

At some point or another, all kids develop some interest in the idea of going to summer camp. If you’re looking for a great summer camp to send your budding camper to, then today’s Blog post is specifically for you! I’m shining my spotlight on a wonderful summer camp for girls in North Carolina today: Camp Merri-Mac—an all girls, Christian camp.

Since its founding in 1945 by Spencer Boyd, Camp Merri-Mac has shown its campers a beautiful getaway from their everyday lives. It’s located among the mountains of western North Carolina, situated in Black Mountain. Camp Merri-Mac is a place where an abundance of happy times, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories, are fashioned every year!

There’s always a lot to do at this summer camp. They offer all the classic camp activities like Archery, Arts & Crafts, Backpacking, Canoeing, Chorus, Climbing, Dance, Diving, Drama, Emergency Water Safety, Fencing, Guitar, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Riding, Riflery, Ropes Course, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Trips, Volleyball, Waterskiing, and more.

This camp presents its young campers with a pristine campground in which the facilities are clean and well-maintained, the equipment is updated with high quality, the horses are looking their best and ready to ride, and the cabins are cozy enough to make the campers feel like they’re at home.

With a strong staff made up of excellent role models, the girls of Camp Merri-Mac have a fantastic time as they take their first steps into a more independent life. The girls get a clearer image of who they are, they get a better understanding of what it’s like to be a part of a community, and they develop a deeper connection between themselves and God.

With their brother camp, Camp Timberlake nearby, this could be the place for your kids next summer. Check out Camp Merri-Mac for yourself right here and Camp Timberlake right here. Make a trip to Black Mountain, North Carolina to take part in a summer of adventure, fun, and personal growth. And, as always, thanks for reading.

- John

Hey, Campers!

Did you know that the straight-talking owner of the 2011 NBA championship Dallas Mavericks went to summer camp in his younger days? He’s also the owner of Landmark Theatres, Magnolia Pictures, and chairman of the HDTV cable network AXS TV; but you probably know him best as one of the sharks on ‘Shark Tank’—the extremely popular reality TV show on ABC—Mark Cuban.

An incredibly clever investor and wise businessman, Mark has worked his way up  the rungs of super-success—a ladder he started climbing when he was only 12 years old. Born to a working class family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mark understood how the world of money worked from a young age.

Mark also knew how to have a good time and still does today! He attended Emma Kaufmann Camp, a residential camp located on Cheat Lake in Morgantown, West Virginia, just 70 miles south of his hometown. His summer camp experience certainly guided him well and showed him how much fun life can be. These lessons are extremely apparent through his successful lifestyle and general comfort in his own skin.

When he was 12, Mark wanted a pair of really expensive basketball shoes. He knew they were too pricey for his parents to buy for him, so he started selling garbage bags to turn a profit. And four years later, as he learned more about the world of business, he ran Cleveland newspapers out to Pittsburgh throughout a strike of Gazette writers to take full advantage of the situation.

While attending Mount Lebanon High School he held a good number of different styles of jobs. And after his junior year, he went straight for his GED and immediately enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh. He then transferred to Indiana University one year later and, in due course, he graduated from Kelley’s School of Business—this school in particular for the sole reason that it was the cheapest option!

After his graduation in 1982, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he found work as a bartender before becoming a salesperson for Your Business Software which was then one of the first PC software retailers in Dallas. Eventually, he started his own company called MicroSolutions. It was a success and by 1990, he sold it for $6 million!

Mark Cuban is now a household name, watched with admiration and adoration on our TV sets. Summer camp was surely a great influence for him. How will it influence you? As always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Bringing in about 30 entries The ‘Share Your Camp Story’ drawing from last summer here at Everything Summer Camp saw a great response that made us eager to publish each one right here on the Blog! After our seven lucky winners, everyone else who submitted received a $15 gift certificate to our online store! Today’s post features Norah D.’s camp story which talks about a much needed two-week-stay she had at
“Hi, I’m Norah. I am 10 years old and according to my Mom, going on 16. I just got back from Camp Eagle Ridge in Mellen, WI. Those two weeks of camp were the BEST weeks of my life.

You see, my little brother William, who I affectionately call my Little Bother, has Down Syndrome, Autism and seizure disorder. William has taught me more than I’ve taught him. He has taught me patience, unconditional love, empathy and understanding of those who are different.

My Mom and Dad do their best to give both William and I equal time. I know my Mom and Dad love me so much, but William does take a lot of their time. I get it! My Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when William was just 15 months old. M.S. has taught our whole family patience and caring. My Mom had to leave her career of 25 years because of M.S..

It sometimes makes her very tired, unable to walk, or unable to remember things. My Mom is the strongest person I know. She laughs at herself and let’s us all just relax. Even if she is tired or weak, she still finds time for me and William.

Which brings us to camp. Camp gives me TWO WEEKS JUST ABOUT ME! It’s like reverse respite for me. It allows me to do what ever activities I want. I get to try so many new things that I’d otherwise never have a chance to. I get to meet new friends from all over. I think these friends will be part of my life forever! I miss my family when at camp, but I am learning so much and becoming a leader when at camp. Camp has taught me so many Leadership Skills.

From deciding what activity to do, to working as a team during some games, trusting in other friends or just listening to others ideas. These skills will help me forever. In Grade School, High School, College and my career.

My family’s love, guidance, patience and honor, along with the leadership skills, independence and self confidence I learn at camp, will help me to succeed in everything I am presented with in life.

I love my Family and I love Camp!

Sincerely,
Norah D.”

Thanks again for your submission, Norah! I’m glad you got a chance to take a break from your family (as much as you may love them). Summer camp is great for showing you a different side of living than what you’re used to! Your family sounds so strong and close-knit! It must have been good to get back to them when your two weeks came to an end. To anyone else interested in Camp Eagle Ridge, be sure to check it out sometime and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Sleepyheads!

You know the phrase, ‘You Snooze; You Lose’? Well, you know what you’re more likely to lose if you AREN’T snoozing?—a good night’s sleep! Obviously, not getting a sufficient night of sleep can be extremely detrimental to your ability to function the next day. In honor of today—the Festival of Sleep—let’s sharpen our understanding of the many ways sleep helps us out.

Here are five different things a night of good sleep can do for us:

Helps You Remember
Give your memory a boost with some good sleep! Be sure to study before your big test the next day, but—just as important—be sure to get a full night of rest too! Whatever it is you’re studying for, you’ll be able to remember it better after you get a good night’s sleep!

Improves Athleticism
Sleep is proven to improve average sprint time, increase stamina, and decrease fatigue throughout the day. A Stanford University study on their football players saw that those who slept at least 10 hours a night for seven to eight weeks resulted in athletic improvements.

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Helps Your Body Lose Weight
Another study was done on people who were dieting. Half of the group was well rested and the other half was sleep deprived. They lost similar amounts of weight no matter how they slept, but those who were better rested lost fat while the others just lost muscle mass.

Helps You Avoid Feelin’ Blue
People tend to be irritable the day after a bad night of sleep. When night after night of poor sleep compounds and accumulates, it can definitely contribute to an unhealthy mind. Poor sleep habits can certainly contribute to depression. Stay emotionally stable with long nights of solid sleep.

Makes You a Better Driver
It was reported in 2009 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that sleepy drivers made up the vast majority of fatal car crashes. Getting enough sleep makes you a more alert and reactive driver.

Be sure to hit the snooze when you need some extra sleep and enjoy a good nap today in celebration of the Festival of Sleep. As always, thanks…for…*yawn*…reading.

- John