Hey, Camp Fans!

We were glad to receive such a great response to our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest we put on here at Everything Summer Camp! Of course, we’re eager, now, to share each entry right here on the Blog! After ten lucky winners of the bigger prizes, all other submissions got a $15 gift certificate to our online store! Today’s post is from Jan U., who wrote in to tell us about her summer stay at Camp Jones Gulch.

“My camp adventure happened when I was in 5th grade and went to camp at Camp Jones Gulch in La Honda, CA. I had never been away from home and was so nervous. The trip to camp was over 3 hours from my home but felt like much further. I was so excited and nervous all at the same time. After arriving at the camp and getting checked in, I was put into a group and assigned to a camp counselor. She walked our group to our cabin. It was full of girls I had never met before, but I quickly made friends, so much giggling. The smell of the redwoods was amazing, the trees were huge! I had no idea I was hiking through ‘the valley of the giants’ some of the largest and oldest redwoods. Each morning we got up and hiked to the dining hall. The food was really good, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausages, yum! We went on day hikes through the redwood forest and learned so much about all the beautiful vegetation, I loved all the ferns! We also did beach trips where I saw my first hermit crab and starfish. Then I met the strangest thing I had ever seen before, a huge yellow about banana slug. They put it on my arm and it slowly crawled along. They brought out more of them. They were huge, slow and kind of sticky. Our camp counselors and the conservationists taught us the "Banana Slug" song, "juicy, delicious banana slugs". I still remember the song and it's been a while. So many sea creatures like seals and otters, and all the ocean vegetation to see and learn about. The seagulls and pelicans were amazing to see too. Our night hikes were kind of scary, you could hear coyotes and things running through the forest. Each evening we hiked to the showers, got into our pajamas and went to the outdoor ampitheater where we got to participate in skits and listen to stories our camp counselors told. There is nothing like a summer camp experience! A week of time, a lifetime of memories.”  

Jan, you lucky duck! Your camp stay sounds absolutely incredible! You got to hike ‘the valley of the giants’?! That must have been a truly enchanting experience. I’m glad you had such an easy time making friends—summer camp has a way of breaking the ice and giving into the giggles! Your hikes sound great—even the nightly ones! And all the nature must have been so cool to get an up-close look at (maybe a bit too up-close with the Banana Slug!).

Be sure that you check out Camp Jones Gulch for yourself sometime and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

After the summer camp season comes to a close, the campfire stories may fade, the canoes may be docked, and the bunk beds may lie empty. But the spirit of camp, the friendships forged, and the memories created endure long after the final bugle call. While the physical camp may be tucked away for the winter, staying connected with camp friends and the camp community keeps the camp spirit alive in your heart all throughout the year.

From heartfelt letters and phone calls to video chats and social media, technology has made it easier than ever to bridge the miles that may separate camp friends. Whether it's seeking advice, celebrating successes, or simply lending an understanding ear, knowing you have camp friends to lean on can be a tremendous comfort. Here’s how staying in touch can help you year round.

Relive the Adventure

Remember that epic canoe trip, the thrilling rock climbing session, or the unforgettable talent show performance? Reliving these cherished moments with camp friends keeps the adventure alive. Sharing stories, photos, and videos not only brings joy but also creates a shared narrative that binds campers together. Staying connected ensures that future camp adventures are planned and eagerly anticipated as well.

Lifelong Learning

Summer camp is an educational experience in disguise. It fosters independence, resilience, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Staying connected with camp friends helps you continue to learn from one another, share insights, and keep growing together. Your camp buddies are some of the best teachers you'll ever have!

A Camp Family

It’s not uncommon to be close enough with camp friends that they become an extension of your family. They're there through the ups and downs, the challenges, and the triumphs. In many ways, they're your camp family. By staying connected, you're nurturing these familial ties that offer unconditional support and a sense of home away from home.

Camp isn't just a place; it's a spirit. It's the feeling of unity, the thrill of the outdoors, and the joy of discovery. Keeping that camp spirit alive throughout the year brings a sense of belonging and excitement. Camp-themed gatherings, virtual campfires, or even sending each other camp care packages can rekindle the campfire within.

Camp may be a seasonal adventure, but the friendships and connections you make endure, making every day a little brighter with the camp spirit. Now go give one of your best friends from summer camp a phone call and see how they’ve been! Till next time, thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Thrilled to have received such a great response of about 30 entries for our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that we held here at Everything Summer Camp, we’re eager to share each entry right here on the Blog now! After t;en lucky winners of bigger prizes, all other submissions got a $15 gift certificate to our online store! And today’s post is from Nola H., who wrote in to tell us about her return to Camp Chimney Corners YMCA. Check it out:

“Hi my name is Nola and I went to Camp Chimney Corners for 4 weeks this summer. I loved camp so much but there is one part everyone dreads about summer camp, packing up and having to leave! The thing is, I have never been great at packing everything back up, I've only been good at packing it in the first place. But since my mom bought me a pop up soft trunk, it made the process of packing so much easier! Not only were there many pockets and compartments to organize my stuff in, but the best part was that the trunk could pretty much turn into a rolling suitcase and could easily be rolled around instead of having two people carry around a heavy hard trunk. What's more is your able to customize the trunk which I had so much fun doing (I made mine light blue and purple and got a volleyball under my name because I love volleyball). The funny thing was my bunkmate, Zoe, had the same trunk and we both agreed it was the best. All of my cabinmates loved my trunk and are planning to get it for next year.”

Way to be a trend setter, Nola! The Pop Up Soft Trunk certainly is perfect for packing and travel at summer camp! I’m glad you and your bunkmate both loved yours so much! I hope you enjoy your stay come next camp season! Thanks for sharing this submission with us, Nola. Click right here to check out Camp Chimney Corners YMCA to see what Nola’s talking about and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We were delighted to have received such a great response for our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that we held here at Everything Summer Camp. In fact, we got such a great response that we’re still publishing each of your entries right here on the Blog! Following our ten lucky winners of bigger prizes, all other submissions got a $15 gift certificate to our online store! Today’s post is from Sachin S., who wrote in to tell us about his time at Pocono Springs summer camp! Check out what he wrote:

“My name is Sachin and I’m 8 years old. I went to a sleepaway camp for the first time for 5 weeks, at Poconos Springs. When I left my parents, I felt nervous but then a counselor there pumped me up and got me very excited to see all the amazing things they had at camp. The camp sits on a humongous piece of land, with a big lake, a golf course, a pier, and a ton of great big pine trees. The pine trees were like a forest and lots of creatures came to visit like deer, bears, snakes, lizards, eels, fish, butterflies, ladybugs, spiders, and many more. The pine tree forest surrounded our big cabins. In my cabin there were amazing people and I didn’t get along with a couple of them, but I got along with others. Before I knew it, we became friends. Our counselors in our cabin were extra funny. They would always comfort us when we felt homesick and it was really fun to be in our cabin and I really liked being there. Besides hanging out with my friends, some of my favorite activities were Tribals (some people call it Color Wars), water skiing, and the Aqua Playground in the middle of the lake. There was also the adventure course in the forest, cabin time, football, soccer, and lacrosse. My most memorable meals were Gyro Night because we could pick out our own drinks. I had a Coke, which my mom never lets me drink. I also loved Breakfast for Dinner Night where we got to make our own breakfast sandwiches. Now that camp is over, and so is summer, I really miss seeing my friends and counselors and I really miss all the people at camp. It was so fun to just be there and I loved it. I can’t wait to go back next summer.”

Awesome, Sachin! Five weeks is a long time to be away for your first stay at overnight camp. You must have had a blast. I’m glad your counselors were able to curb your homesickness right out of the gate! Sounds like you had a summer chockfull of nature, friends, fun, and food! I hope your stay next season is even better.

If want to have a great summer like Sachin and you want to check out Pocono Springs summer camp for yourself, you can do so by clicking right here. As always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

As we move the excellent stories of summer camp from this year's 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp, each submission ends up taking center stage right here on our Blog. Today, we're excited to reintroduce you to one of our many returning writers, Carol H. Her grandchildren are experienced campers at Camp Seneca Lake and this cool grandma took the time to write in this year’s experience for her grandkids from her perspective. Check out her entry right now...

“Hi! I'm Carol H., grandmother of Sam P. (age 14) and Abby P. (age 12). Sam and Abby are veteran campers at Camp Seneca Lake. Summer of 2023 was awesome, I am told. Both campers were in older villages (groups). The later bedtimes, increased independence, and exciting activities appealed to them.

Photos, photos, photos! That's what made my summer. Each day dozens, sometimes hundreds, of photos were posted on the camp website. There was facial recognition but I was able to spot my grandchildren even if they weren't directly facing the camera. I recognized their clothing, their sneakers, even their arms and legs sometimes. What fun to follow their daily adventures!

Sam celebrates his July birthday at camp each summer. I love photos of him skipping around the dining hall, high-fiving his friends and eating the birthday cake with his bunkmates. He played first base in the sports league and all those photos were very exciting. Abby is often pictured in the pool, on the waterfront, doing arts and crafts, or simply hugging her friends. The Shabbat pictures of both campers dressed up are priceless.

How I wish my family could have seen pictures of me every day at Camp Starlight in the 1960's.

I love the Everything Summer Camp website. All the items are such good quality. I bet Sam and Abby will order college stuff in a few years.”

It's always heartwarming to hear about Sam and Abby, Carol! It's wonderful that you had the opportunity to glimpse their joy at camp through all the photos you had to look through—and with such a keen eye too! It must be a grandmother thing to recognize your grandkids just by their limbs! We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support in exploring our camp gear collection and engaging with our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest.

If Camp Seneca Lake sounds like the right camp experience for you, give it a closer look by clicking here. And, as always, thanks for reading. 

- John