What’s up, Camp Fans?!

We've been delighted with all the great camp stories you sent in for our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp. You outdid yourselves this year, campers! These stories are fantastic and I’m eager to share them with our online community! Each submission will be getting posted right here on the Blog!

I’ve finished announcing our ten lucky winners who took larger prizes and now we’re ready to share the rest of the submissions we received. The following post is from Brayden J. who wrote in to tell us his summer experience at Gold Arrow Camp. Check out his submission right here:

“Going into my second year at Gold Arrow Camp, I thought that I would be ‘an old pro’ and not be nervous. But I was wrong. Would my old friends be there, would I make new friends, would I still like it? All of these questions ran through my head. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot and saw my buddy from last year, I knew I would be fine. I saw many old friends, met so many new ones and had the time of my life. We knee boarded, drove motor boats, camped under the stars, did axe throwing and archery and danced away to 80s music. And that was just some of the great things we did. My counselors were the best. I told my parents as soon as they picked me up SIGN ME UP FOR NEXT YEAR!”

Hi, Brayden! I think it was totally normal for you to get a bit jittery about your camp stay this year—even if it wasn’t a totally new experience for you. Camp is a special time in your life that only comes around once a year. That’s great that your summer there was another success with lots of fun activities and great friends.

You can take a closer look at Gold Arrow Camp by visiting their website when you click right here. Maybe it will be where you’re heading in the next summer camp season. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

What’s up, Camp Fans?!

We love all the camp tales you've shared for our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp. Our participants truly exceeded our expectations this year! These stories are great and we love showcasing them to our online community. Every submission is getting featured right here on the Blog!

And now that we’ve announced our ten lucky winners who took larger prizes, we’re ready to share the rest of the submissions we received. The following post is from Melissa M. who put down her time at Camp OTX in Texas. Check out what she had to say about her camp stay right now:

“My first time to camp was this Summer 2023! I am 9 years old. I went to OTX for 2 weeks and came back feeling like a better, more confident person! Camp gave me so much independence, I gained lots of new friends, grew my connection with God and tried new experiences. I loved the challenge to try new things and got an award for putting lots of different activities in my schedule! My bunk mates were so fun and I am pen pals with one of the girls now—who I will actually go to high school with! My parents let me pick out my trunk & duffel bag. I really liked the organizer and putting pictures in it so I see my family when I first open it up! I can’t wait to go back every summer!”

This sounds like it was a great first year of summer camp for you, Melissa! Camp OTX offered a great balance of friends, fun, and independence. That’s awesome that you tried so many different things during your summer camp stay. And that’ great to hear that you’re writing with some of your friends from camp! You’re going to love seeing all your friends again next camp season! Thanks for sharing, Melissa.

Interested in attending Camp OTX for your next summer camp stay? Have a closer look at Camp OTX by checking out their website when you click right here. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

What’s up, Camp Fans?!

We love all the camp tales you've shared for our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp. Our participants truly exceeded our expectations this year! These stories are great and I can't wait to showcase them to our online community. Every submission is getting featured right here on the Blog!

And now that we’ve announced our ten lucky winners who took larger prizes, we’re ready to share the rest of the submissions we received. The following post is from Andy P. who decided to write about his favorite dessert treat at Independent Lake Camp in Pennsylvania. Check out what he had to say about his camp stay right now:

“My camp has the best food. There’s a canteen where we can go every night to get snacks like candy and ice cream before EVAC (that’s our evening activity) and lots of different choices every day in the dining hall. But the very best food we have at camp once is a week are the CINNAMON BUNS!! They’re so good and huge. I always eat way too many of them and don’t regret it. Everyone looks forward to cinnamon bun day. Can’t wait to have more of them next year.”

I’m with you, Andy. Who can resist the delectable call of cinnamon buns?! Thanks for your submission. I’m glad you enjoyed the food so much at Independent Lake Camp. I remember really loving the food they served at camp when I was a summer camper! These cinnamon buns at Independent Lake Camp must be some seriously next-level creations! Thanks for the word, Andy!

If anyone else wants a taste of these cinnamon buns, check out the Independent Lake Camp website to give them a closer look. You can do so by clicking right here. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

We greatly appreciate all the camp stories you've shared for our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp. Our participants truly impressed us this year with their wonderful tales! These stories are exceptional, and we're eagerly looking forward to presenting them to our online community. Every submission will be featured right here on the Blog!

Now that we've announced the ten fortunate winners who have earned significant prizes, we're ready to share the rest of the submissions we received. The next post is from Margaret S., who has chosen to recount her experiences at Camp Ozark in Arkansas. Dive into her reflections of her camp adventure right here:

“When I first went to camp, I was super nervous! I did not know if I would like my cabin mates or counselors. When I got to camp (Camp Ozark) I was very impressed by how big it was! Every turn there was anything you could imagine. Sports, crafts, cooking. It was very competitive when we had team competition, where the camp is divided by two ‘tribes’: Osage and Caddo. My cabin was so fun and wherever you will go, everyone is friendly and supportive. All my cabin mates were from different places. It was so cool talking about our different experiences. When you go to camp make sure to ask for your friends’ addresses and have lots of fun! We had lake day at camp which was cool. We got to wakeboard and swim. During meals, we would say chants and have a nice time. At first, camp is complicated and confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s the highlight of your summer! You won’t regret going to camp!”

Glad to hear how much you liked your camp stay, Margaret. Thanks for sending us your submission!  Camp Ozark sounds like a super-fun place to spend some summer weeks! I’m glad you enjoyed talking with your fellow cabin mates so much and getting a glimpse of life from their perspectives! I’m glad summer camp showed you some fun activities and became the highlight of your summer.

If you have any interest in checking out Camp Ozark for your camper, take a closer look when you click right here. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Happy New Year, Everybody!

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, we wave goodbye to one more year and give a hearty welcome to the new one. It's a time to ponder, make resolutions, and build upon your excitement of the adventures that lie ahead. For those who hold the summer camp spirit dear, it's also just the right time to lay out camp goals for the 2024 year.

As the New Year's sun rises, the countdown begins for camp enthusiasts. It may still be months away, but setting goals for the upcoming season is a great way to add excitement and progression to your year.

Setting goals for yourself when you’re at summer camp is about more than just preparing for an upcoming adventure; it's about personal growth, learning, and embracing new challenges. Camp offers a unique environment where kids and teens can develop valuable life skills, build friendships, and create lasting memories.

Let’s go over some examples of goals you might set for yourself this summer camp season:

Building Confidence and Resilience

One common camp goal is to step out of one's comfort zone. Whether it's conquering a fear of heights on the ropes course or giving a campfire speech, these experiences can boost confidence and resilience, helping campers face challenges with a can-do attitude in all aspects of life.

Fostering Teamwork and Communication

Another valuable goal is to enhance teamwork and communication skills. Camp is a place where campers learn to collaborate on projects, solve problems together, and appreciate the strengths of others. These skills are essential not just at camp but in school, sports, and future careers.

Connecting with Nature

For many campers, reconnecting with nature is a top priority. Goals like exploring the camp's wilderness trails, learning about local wildlife, or mastering outdoor survival skills can deepen one's appreciation for the natural world.

Setting SMART Camp Goals

To turn camp dreams into reality, it's important to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Here's an example of a SMART camp goal:

Specific: "I want to learn how to swim across the entire lake by the end of the camp season."

Measurable: You can track progress by noting how many laps you can swim each week.

Achievable: With swimming lessons and practice, this goal is realistic for the summer.

Relevant: It aligns with your passion for water-based activities at camp.

Time-bound: The goal specifies completing it by the end of the camp season.

Creating a Camp Goal Plan

Reflect: Consider your previous camp experiences. What did you enjoy most? What skills or activities do you want to explore further?

Prioritize: Select one or two main camp goals to focus on. Having too many goals can be overwhelming.

Break it Down: Divide your goal into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if your goal is to make new friends, your steps might include initiating conversations and participating in group activities.

Stay Accountable: Share your goals with friends, family, or a camp counselor who can offer encouragement and support.

Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate each milestone you reach on your camp goal journey.

As 2024 unfolds, remember that setting camp goals isn't just about preparing for a few weeks of summer; it's about embracing new adventures, fostering personal growth, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, let the countdown begin, and may this year be filled with campfire stories, laughter, and the joy of reaching your camp goals!