Hey, Camp Fans!

We were excited to see so many great entries about the camp experiences of over 50 campers for the ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that we held here at Everything Summer Camp. Now we’re excited to post each of your entries right here on the Blog! To follow our ten lucky winners of larger prizes, all other entrants received a $15 gift certificate to our online store!

Today’s post is from Josephine S. She wrote in to tell us about her fun summer at Camp Nakanawa. Here’s what she shared with us: 

“Camp is one of the best things in my life. I attend an all-girls camp in Tennessee. This was my third year, and I cannot wait for next year. The reason I love camp is because there is no pretending there. I can be completely myself, and I am accepted for who I am, for who God made me to be. I learn more about myself every summer. I grow more, I extend myself more, I try more new things, I make new friends. At our camp, the heart of camp is a bunch of girls from all different walks of life, states, and even countries, coming together in the bonds of friendship and sisterhood, learning to appreciate each other for each others' individual gifts, unique abilities and talents, and just loving each other right where you are. I like that I can be myself, I like that I can get to know other girls without the competition to be better than or to be somebody other than who you are. I'm so grateful for all Camp has poured into my life. I have one more year as a camper, and then I can't wait to come back as a counselor! Hopefully I can give back one day to other girls and help them to grow into the young women they were intended and created to be.”

That’s wonderful, Josephine! I’m glad you get so much out of your time away at camp. It really is a place where you are free to be your authentic self. You may even discover things about yourself you never realized before! I love how wholeheartedly you have embraced your summer camp stays throughout the years and plan to keep going back as a counselor. I’m sure you’ll make a great one when the day comes! Thanks for submitting, Josephine!

If anybody else would like to take a look at Camp Nakanawa for themselves, check out their website when you click right here and, as always, thanks for reading.

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Happy to see so many great entries about kids’ camp experience for our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that we held here at Everything Summer Camp. So, we’re posting each of your entries here on the Blog! Following our ten lucky winners who got larger prizes, the rest of our entrants received a $15 gift certificate to our online store!

Today’s post is from Mira S., whose trip wasn’t quite what she dreamed it would be. Here’s what she had to say: 

“Camp isn’t all about fun and happy times. It’s about the lessons you learn along the way. Before I came to camp, I watched a video of many people making friends and trying new activities. I was dazed afterwards and I wanted summer to take me away to camp. Before I knew it, summer was here and I was at camp! But, I was two weeks in and desperate to make some friends. It was hard. I had people I loved back home and the people in my cabin weren’t so nice to me. I had emotional times, and I mean a lot of them. A couple of my bunkmates were negatively commenting on my outfits, my stuff and the things I said. From that point forward, I realized that camp isn’t always what you dreamed it’s going to be, it’s going to require some work. Just like life, there are challenges along the way and I had to decide what paths to take. While camp wasn’t the experience I was hoping for, I did make friends (of course!), and I was homesick at the same time because of how people treated me. I’m not a person who really likes to speak up for my own needs. At one point in time, I felt like I needed to tell the counselors about what was happening in my cabin but I never did. Maybe I should’ve. But I realized, I cannot let a couple of kids mess up my whole day or my whole experience, no one can have that much power over me. So instead, I immersed myself into the activities and focused on the new friends I did make.

Next summer, I’ve decided to go back to camp (despite my experiences the first year). Why? Because I’m hopefully of the opportunities to make new friends with new bunkmates and give myself a second chance to reconnect with the camp; just like in the real world where you are faced with challenges and not dream-like experiences. Towards the end of camp, I reflected at what I did at camp and realized that it was so fun and maybe I didn’t connect with all my bunkmates but I did connect with a couple good friends and most importantly, I did love how all the activities pushed me to reach my mental and physical goals. Next year I hope I can make more friends and feel confident in myself to speak up when I’m in a hard situation.”

You’re right, Mira. Having fun and being happy isn’t all there is to summer camp. I’m glad you could take the hardships from your experience this year and, not only learn and grow from them, but give camp another chance in the coming season. That shows true bravery and growth—especially with this year being your first. You have a very mature outlook on summer camp and your fellow campers as well. I hope your next stay can make up for all this year’s shortcomings. Thanks for sharing with us.

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We were very happy with our turnout this year for our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest that was held here at Everything Summer Camp. We’re excited to post each of your entries right here on the Blog now! To follow our ten lucky winners of larger prizes, all other entrants received a $15 gift certificate to our online store! Today’s post is from Kristin B., who wrote in to tell us about one summer camp experience at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp some years back. Here’s her story: 

“When I was in 8th grade, I won a scholarship to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan! This was quite some years ago, but it was a long ride in the car without air conditioning! We lived in Wisconsin, and when we arrived at camp, there was a nice sign at the entrance. The driveway was very long, tree-lined, and those trees were incredibly tall! I remember exactly how it looked, cabins in the woods, each named for an early explorer. The cabins were traditional, and set up like a bunk house. The buildings were all very similar, everything was brown, or made with logs. The lake, Blue Lake, was very pretty and secluded! It was at this camp that I made many friends, and it was a music camp. I was blown away at how much we learned in 12 days! Incredible music, and even better friends and the best memories! How I wish I could go back and do it all again! I have my own family now, and my kids absolutely LOVE to go to camp! I am delighted, and love to see all four my children make their own memories! I just paid 3 out of 4 deposits for next summer, and my high schooler will be attending band camp for the 3rd year! Delighted!”

Woohoo! Fantastic, Kristin! That’s so cool that summer camp has had such a lasting impression on you and you can still see the cabins in the woods. That’s great that you’re raising little campers themselves who will grow up one day to have such fond memories just like you. You may not be able to go back and relive your camp days, but sending your children off for their own camp experience is the next best thing! Thanks for writing into us, Kristin.

If anybody would like to check out the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp that Kristin attended, you can visit their website by clicking right here. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hello, Camp Enthusiasts!

We're thrilled about the overwhelming response to our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest at Everything Summer Camp. We received fantastic entries from over 50 campers eager to share their camp experiences, and now it's time to showcase each of your stories right here on the Blog! As we celebrate our ten lucky winners who received larger prizes, all other entrants have been awarded a $15 gift certificate to use on our online store.

Today, we're featuring Sabrina S. and her story from summer camp. She's here to share her exciting summer experience at Camp Cullen. Let's dive into her story:

“My name is Sabrina, and I am 9 years old. This summer, I embarked on an exciting journey to Camp Cullen, nestled in the picturesque wilderness of Texas. It was my first time being away from home, and I was both nervous and eager to see what adventures awaited me. As we drove up to Camp Cullen, my heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The tall trees and the scent of nature filled the air, making me feel like I was about to enter a magical world. My parents hugged me tightly before bidding me farewell, assuring me that I would have an amazing time. As I stepped foot into the campgrounds, I was greeted by friendly counselors and other campers who were just as excited as I was. It didn't take long for me to feel at ease as the warm atmosphere enveloped me.

I was assigned to a cabin, where I would spend the next week with my fellow bunkmates. Everyone in the cabin was friendly, and we quickly became friends. There was Mia, who loved telling funny stories, and Emma, who was an expert at making friendship bracelets. We laughed and chatted like we had known each other forever.

The camp was filled with so many activities to choose from, and I couldn't wait to try them all. From tubing in the lake to hiking through the wooded trails, every day brought new excitement. I was determined to make the most of this adventure. On the first day, we had a water test. They basically needed to make sure that we could all swim. And if not, then we would take additional swim classes to help us. I was a bit scared at first, but with the encouragement of my bunkmates and the caring guidance of the camp instructors, I conquered my fears and felt a sense of accomplishment. One of my favorite activities was horseback riding. The gentle horses and the beautiful scenery made it an unforgettable experience. I felt like a true cowgirl riding through the Texan wilderness.

As the days passed, I discovered talents I didn't know I had. I found joy in arts and crafts, creating colorful masterpieces. I also surprised myself with my archery skills, hitting the target bullseye more often than I thought I would. Nights at Camp Cullen were magical. We gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and singing camp songs. The counselors shared captivating stories that kept us entertained until the stars filled the sky.

Throughout my time at Camp Cullen, I grew not only in skills and confidence but also in friendships. The girls in my cabin became like sisters to me, and I knew I had found friends for life. As the camp session neared its end, I felt a bittersweet emotion. I was sad to say goodbye to the place and the people who had made this experience so special, but I also felt grateful for the memories we created together. On the day of departure, I hugged my new friends tightly, promising to keep in touch and return next summer.

As I waved goodbye to Camp Cullen, I knew that this adventure had changed me in the best possible way. I had overcome my fears, made wonderful friends, and discovered the true joy of being part of a camp family. I couldn't wait to share all my stories with my family, and I was already counting down the days until my next visit to Camp Cullen.”

Hi, Sabrina! Thanks for writing into us and detailing your first trip to summer camp so well! Sounds like Camp Cullen gave you a great first-year experience away from home! I’m glad you had such a fun time and made such good friends. Nice job stepping outside your comfort zone with activities like swimming and archery. Enjoy keeping in touch with all the friends you made during your camp stay and enjoy the anticipation for next time!

If Camp Cullen sounds like a summer camp you have interest in, check it out for yourself right here and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Happy to receive all the great entries we did for our yearly ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest we put on here at Everything Summer Camp, we’re now eager to share each one right here on the Blog! After ten lucky winners of larger prizes, all other submissions got a $15 gift certificate to our online shop! Today we have a submission from Leighton L., who wrote in to tell us about his experience at Camp Dudley. 

“My name is Leighton, I live on Cape Cod, and this was my 1st year away at summer camp. I went to Camp Dudley in Westport, NY in the Adirondacks. This was certainly a memorable summer. To start things off, I was in Avery cabin. This was such an amazing cabin because we had a nice porch overlooking Lake Champlain! To make things better, my cabinmates were amazing. They gave me a warm welcome and showed me around campus. Dudley is the perfect camp for me because I'm an active kid and there lots of sports and activities to do! I loved playing my main sports which is Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Lacrosse, but I also enjoyed trying new things like Kayaks, Paddleboards, Track and Field and Ultimate Frisbee. While I wasn't playing sports I was most likely playing cards with friends and counselors and having a fun time with them. No matter what I was doing I was having a blast. The Wednesday and Saturday night shows were really fun and festive! I loved Pizza night and the night we got Steak Tips but the tacos could have used a little more work. Camp is all about trying new things and I definitely lived up to that phrase. All in all, my experience at Camp Dudley was so amazing and I definitely want to head back next summer. I would recommend this camp for anyone who is active and is looking for an Adventurous summer. Thank you to all the people who made camp possible.”

That’s awesome, Leighton! Camp Dudley sounds like it was a great camp stay for you with food, friends, fun, and a great view. There’s always lots of fun sports and other activities at summer camp, but the mark of a good camp shows its campers a fun time just hanging out! I think you put it best when you said “No matter what I was doing I was having a blast.” Thanks for sharing, Leighton.

If Camp Dudley sounds like a summer camp you have interest in, check it out for yourself right here and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John