Hey, Camp Friends!

Have you ever wondered how cameras got to be so cool? Somewhat similar to the development of phones, cameras have come a long way—so much that they’re actually BUILT-IN to our phones now. Let's take a fun trip through time and see how cameras have changed from the old days to the amazing digital ones we use now. Ready? Let's go!

The Daguerreotype Days

A long time ago, in 1839, a man named Louis Daguerre (pronounced duh-gehr) invented the first practical camera. This early camera was called a daguerreotype (pronounced duh-geh-ruh-tipe), and it used a shiny copper plate covered with silver to take pictures. People had to stay very still for several minutes while the camera captured their image. It was slow and tricky, but it was the start of something amazing!

Film Photography Begins

In the late 1800s, a smart inventor named George Eastman made cameras even better with the Kodak camera. Instead of using glass plates, the Kodak camera used a roll of flexible film. This made taking pictures much easier. George Eastman’s famous saying was, "You press the button, we do the rest." With Kodak cameras, more people could take photos, and soon, everyone was snapping pictures!

Instant Photos with Polaroid

It was in the 20th century, Edwin Land came up with another cool idea: instant photography! He invented the Polaroid camera in 1948. This special camera developed photos in just a few minutes. It was like magic! People loved seeing their pictures right away, and Polaroid cameras became super popular for capturing fun and quick moments.

Digital Cameras Arrive

The biggest change came with digital cameras. In the 1970s and 1980s, companies like Sony and Kodak started making digital cameras. But it was in the 1990s that they became popular for everyone. Digital cameras use electronic sensors to capture pictures, and they store them on memory cards. This means no more film or messy chemicals. Digital cameras made taking pictures super easy and fun!

Smartphone Cameras

Today, most of us use smartphones to take pictures. These tiny cameras are in our phones and are getting better all the time. Modern smartphones have multiple lenses and powerful sensors, so we can take amazing photos wherever we go. It's so easy to snap a picture, edit it, and share it with friends right away!

From the old days of daguerreotypes to the modern world of smartphones, cameras have come a long way. They help us capture special moments and share them with others. Whether it's a picture of your best camp friend, a cool bug you found on a hike, or a beautiful sunset, cameras make it easy to save and share these memories.

Having a camera at summer camp is a great way to capture all the fun moments with your friends. At Everything Summer Camp, we have two awesome cameras just for you! The Children’s Digital Camera is perfect for quick snaps, and the Ultra Compact 35mm Camera + Waterproof Casing is great for all your outdoor adventures, even underwater! So you can take photos whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just hanging out with your camp buddies.

So next time you take a picture, think about how far cameras have come and how they let us keep our favorite moments forever. Happy snapping and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Nature Lovers!

Named after the towering saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park is a testament to the resilience of desert life. Nestled in southeastern Arizona, it’s a playground of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Just close your eyes and put yourself among these iconic cacti as far as the eye can see, their arms reaching for the sky like ancient guardians of the desert! 

This park is REALLY big—92,000 acres—and, for that reason, the park is divided into two distinct districts: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Each area offers its own unique charm and ecosystem, from the rugged volcanic rocks of the Tucson Mountains to the lush, biodiverse Rincon Mountains. 

Highland areas separated by vast lowland deserts or grasslands are referred to as the ‘Sky Islands’ These regions act like ‘islands’ in the sky because they are surrounded by different, lower elevation habitats, somewhat like islands in an ocean. These ‘Sky Islands are home to a wide array of plants and animals, some of which can only be found there.

Nowadays, you can go on adventures in the park! There are over 165 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even camping. You can explore ancient rock drawings, spot wild animals, and see incredible desert sunsets.

At National Parks Designer Trunks, we love Saguaro National Park too! Our special trunk collection celebrates this amazing place with cool designs that show off the Sonoran Desert beauty.

So, grab your gear and get ready for an awesome adventure! Whether you're discovering old cave drawings, watching the sunset over the mountains, or just enjoying the quiet desert, Saguaro National Park is full of fun surprises waiting for you. Till next time, Camp Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Often enough, campers really love just a couple activities or maybe even just one. Depending on their interests, children may sign themselves up for an abundance of just those few activities that they’re all about. When seeing campers creating a schedule of just a few different activities, the camp counselor say, “Hey campers, remember, don't put all your eggs in one basket!"

That means it's great to enjoy one thing, but it's even better to try different stuff too. It’s good for campers to take full advantage of time spent at camp for a number of reasons:

• They may discover a newfound love for an activity that they otherwise wouldn’t have tried. 
• It’s good for campers to push themselves out of their comfort zone at least a little. 
• The more activities they take, the more kids they’ll meet. 
• And, while they may not excel in one or two activities, they’ll have many other chances to shine.

But back to the phrase—Don’t put your all your eggs in one basket. Why do we say this?

The saying comes from a story written a long time ago by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605—‘Don Quixote’. A wise character in the story said not to risk everything on just one idea, like putting all your eggs in one basket. This wise advice transcends time and applies to various aspects of life, including personal, financial, and yes, even summer camp experiences.

So, instead of spending all your time perfecting one skill at summer camp, why not give pottery a spin or join the hiking group? By exploring various activities, you'll have a blast and maybe even uncover a hidden talent you never knew you had! Till next time, Camp Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Surf’s up, Fashionable Camp Folks!

Are you ready to catch a wave of style and comfort at summer camp? Just shop the Billabong brand right here at Everything Summer Camp! This iconic Australian surf and beachwear clothing line that’s been making waves since 1973 was founded by Gordon Merchant. He started out with humble beginnings, crafting his board shorts on the kitchen table. However, these shorts quickly became a worldwide phenomenon synonymous with the surfing life!

This brand offers cool clothes that everyone loves, perfect for soaking up the sun and embracing the laidback surfer vibe! Go from lounging by the lake to hiking the trails, or just chill with friends around the campfire—Billabong's stylish and comfortable apparel ensures your camper looks relaxed and feels cool all summer long. 

From classic board shorts to trendy graphic tees and comfy hoodies, Billabong's collection is designed with quality materials and attention to detail. Each piece embodies the spirit of adventure and freedom that comes with beach culture, making it a perfect choice for campers who love to explore and embrace the outdoors.

So hit the waves or just enjoy the summer breeze wearing your go-to brand for outfitting your camper’s summer adventures in style. Embrace the surf spirit, explore the outdoors, and make every moment count with Billabong's timeless and versatile collection. Dive into summer and experience the joy of living the beach lifestyle wherever the camp journeys lead.

Embrace your inner chill with Billabong's surf-inspired clothing found at our online summer camp store and gear up for a summer filled with fun, sun, and unforgettable adventures! Till next time, Camp Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey there, young explorers! 

Nothing matches the feeling of getting immersed in nature, discovering new sights, and feeling the thrill of adventure. Are you ready to embark on an exciting hiking adventure? Today, we're going to dive into some awesome tips for your outdoor excursions so you stay safe and smiling the whole way through! Grab your backpacks and hiking boots, folks! And get ready to step into the wild world of hiking!

Unless you’re going to computer camp or something like that, walking the surrounding nature trails is pretty much a universal summer camp activity. Hiking gives us a chance to connect with nature, discover all the different plants and animals, and reach new heights. Are you excited? Let's explore how to make the most of your hiking adventure!

Choosing the Right Trail

The goal is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors while challenging yourself appropriately. First things first—picking the perfect trail is key! Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Fitness Level: Pick a trail that matches your energy and fitness level. Are you up for an easy stroll or a more challenging hike?
  
• Length and Difficulty: Check how long the trail is and how hard it might be. Shorter trails are great for beginners!
  
• Terrain: Pay attention to the type of ground you'll walk on. Some trails are rocky, while others are smooth and easy. 
  
• Leave No Trace Principles: Explanation of the Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact while hiking, such as packing out trash and respecting wildlife.

Packing for Your Adventure

With the proper essentials packed and organized, you'll be ready for a fantastic day out on the trail! Choose a comfy backpack that fits your stuff (around 20-30 liters is typically good for a daylong endeavor. Now, let's pack up for a great hiking adventure! Here's what you'll need to pack along:

• 
  Essential Gear: Bring a map or GPS, sunscreen, a first aid kit (just in case!), and a cozy emergency blanket.
  
• Hydration: Carry plenty of water and maybe some tasty electrolyte snacks to keep you going strong.
  
• Clothing: Wear comfy, weather-appropriate clothes. Layers are your best friend!
  Food and Snacks: Pack yummy treats like trail mix and a balanced lunch to keep your energy up.
  
• Personal Items: Don’t forget essentials like a multi-tool, whistle, and your emergency contact info.
  
• Optional Gear: Bring a camera to capture awesome memories, trekking poles for extra support, and bug repellent if you're hiking in mosquito territory.

Properly Lacing Your Hiking Boots

Last but not least, you’ll want to lace up those boots for a comfy journey! Ensure your footwear fits snug and secure for a great time out. Properly lacing your boots can make all the difference in comfort and support during your hike. Try experimenting with these techniques to find what works best for you:

• Standard Criss-Cross Lacing: Start at the bottom and criss-cross your laces all the way up. Tie them snugly at the top for a secure fit!
  
• Heel Lock Technique: After lacing up, create loops at the top and cross your laces through them. This keeps your heels snug and happy.
  
• Window Lacing: Skip an eyelet or two where your foot feels tight to relieve pressure. Lace up around the "window" for comfy toes!
  
• Toe Reliever Lacing: Skip the last eyelet and lace straight across for extra toe room. Your piggies will thank you!
  
• Double-Back Lacing: Thread your laces back through the top eyelets for extra ankle support. Secure them tightly for a steady stride.

Remember, the right lacing technique makes a big difference in how comfy your feet feel on the trail. Each technique offers unique benefits, from preventing heel slippage to relieving pressure points. Take the time to lace up your hiking boots properly so you enjoy a comfortable fit and minimize the risk of blisters or discomfort during your hiking endeavors.

These tips are sure to set you up for a great time. Gather your gear, lace up those boots, and hit the trails to explore nature's wonders. Enjoy the fresh air, stunning views, and moments of tranquility that hiking brings. Happy hiking, adventurers! Till next time, Camp Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Hiking!

- John