Hey, Camp Parents!

Deciding when the time is right for your child to attend summer camp is a decision that often relies on intuition and keen observation. Christopher Thurber and Jon Malinowski, summer camp experts and authors of ‘The Summer Camp Handbook’, emphasize that children themselves are the best judges of when they are ready for camp. 

Has Your Child Asked about Camp?

When kids express spontaneous interest in attending camp or show excitement after seeing camp brochures or hearing about camp from friends, it's often a good indicator that the time is right.

Thurber and Malinowski recommend that children be at least 7 years old before spending a week or more at overnight camp. However, there are individual differences in children's preferences, maturity, and ability to tolerate separation from home, so some children may be ready at a slightly younger or older age. It's essential to choose a camp where your child's age group is well represented among other campers to ensure a positive experience.

How Long Will They be Gone?

The length of the camp session is another factor to consider. Shorter sessions, such as one week, can provide children with a sense of belonging and independence, while longer sessions may offer deeper friendships and program involvement. Parents should also consider their child's experience with previous separations from home, as well as their child's attitude towards camp.

Families experiencing stressful events or transitions may want to postpone camp enrollment until things have settled down. Parents should monitor their own attitudes and behaviors, as children are sensitive to their parents' emotions. Providing positive support and encouragement can help alleviate any concerns your child may have about attending camp.

Ultimately, the decision to send your child to camp should be a collaborative one between you and your child. Going to camp should be something your child WANTS to do. Discuss any concerns or fears your child may have. And if you and your child are unsure about camp, you can always wait until the next year to see if they’re feeling more ready. 

And if the decision is a yes, your child is going to have lots of fun adventures and make new friends! Till next time, Camp Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Nature Lovers!

Outdoor camping trips have remained at the heart of the summer camp experience since the very beginning. Essentially, they’re what summer camp is all about: escaping the big city and reconnecting with nature to help further our physical, emotional, and spiritual development. For one man, the summer camp experience wouldn’t be enough. He up and moved his family out of the city and into the wilderness of Madison, Wisconsin to escape the city life permanently.

Born in 1887, a true lover of nature, he spent his early years exploring the outdoors with his family. He studied at Yale University and later joined the Forest Service. But by 1935, he was done with living in the city. 

Aldo believed that humans should view themselves as members of a larger community that includes the land, plants, and animals. He took careful notes about the plants and animals that surrounded his new home and kept journal entries that reflected his philosophy. 

His most notable work, ‘The Sand County Almanac’ was published in 1949. Along with his essays and other written works, his unique approach to the natural world has changed the way scientists think about it. He developed this concept into something he called a ‘land ethic’. 

The home that Aldo built and lived in with his family is still standing, not too far away from the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Having visited myself a number of years back, I can say it is a truly inspiring experience. 

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Are you out there conquering towering peaks in your dreams? Do you daydream of exploring rugged trails and camping under the stars? If so, you’re receiving the call of the mountains. Could it be the perfect summer camp activity for you! It’s not just about climbing mountains—it's an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure, physical challenge, and learning valuable skills that will stay with you for life.

More than just climbing mountains, this activity is about embracing the thrill of the great outdoors. It combines hiking, rock climbing, and sometimes even ice climbing, depending on the terrain. It challenges both physical endurance and mental resilience while presenting us with breathtaking beauty.

Choosing the Right Summer Camp

When selecting a summer camp for mountaineering, consider factors like location, the expertise of staff, safety measures, and the variety of activities offered. Look for camps that prioritize outdoor education and provide a supportive environment for learning and adventure.

Benefits of Mountaineering at Summer Camp

Participating in mountaineering at summer camp offers a wide range of benefits:

• Physical Fitness: Climbing mountains requires strength, stamina, and agility, making it a fantastic workout for your body.
• Outdoor Skills: Learn essential survival skills like navigation, setting up camp, and understanding weather patterns.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Work together with fellow campers to conquer challenges and develop leadership skills.
• Confidence Building: Overcoming obstacles in a mountainous environment boosts self-confidence and resilience.

Safety is top priority in mountaineering! Summer camps that offer mountaineering programs prioritize safety with trained instructors, proper gear, and guidelines for handling various outdoor situations. Learning how to use equipment like ropes, harnesses, and helmets allows for a safe and enjoyable experience for all campers.

Check out this past Blog post about our then Vice President (and now President) and his mountaineering adventure! 

And, for those inspired by the beauty of mountaineering, check out the Alpine Club’s photo competition! While membership is required to submit photos, anyone can enjoy the stunning, often breathtaking images captured by climbers and adventurers. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the awe-inspiring landscapes your child might explore at camp!

Mountaineering at summer camp is an unforgettable adventure that combines physical activity, skill-building, and the joy of exploring nature's wonders. Whether you're a beginner or aspiring mountaineer, summer camp offers the perfect opportunity to embark on this thrilling journey. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to conquer mountains – your next great outdoor adventure awaits!

- John

Hey, Axe-Throwers!

Check out the Indoor Outdoor Axe Throwing Game, available right here at Everything Summer Camp! It’s great, safe fun for kids at camp. Along with this game, axe-throwing as an activity at summer camp doesn’t involve real axes. Axe-throwing—the sport—however, does.  

At summer camp, axe-throwing is supervised by trained staff who prioritize safety, ensuring campers learn proper techniques and use specialized equipment. It provides campers with an opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination, focus, and teamwork skills while having fun in a controlled environment.

But how did this weapon used for hunting warfare come to be a fun-time game accessory? 

It wasn’t until sometime around the late 1800s in the forests of North America that this skill of handling an axe was realized for the sport that it was. It was the skilled lumberjacks, known for their proficiency in using axes for chopping and felling trees, who began organizing informal competitions among themselves during the early 20th century.

These first competitions were likely informal and based on who could throw an axe most accurately or farthest. Over time, however, as axes became more standardized and accessible, structured competitions emerged.

The lumberjacks' expertise with axes and their competitive spirit contributed to the development of rules, techniques, and scoring systems for Axe-throwing, transforming it from a practical means of using a tool into a recreational and competitive sport.

Embrace your inner frontiersman with safety first and pick up the Indoor Outdoor Axe Throwing Game. This lightweight and compact Set includes foam axes with a gripper strip “blade" that sticks to the target, ensuring safe and fun gameplay for all ages. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, the suction cup and hanging loop make setup super easy! Enjoy!

Till next time, Axe-Throwers! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Throwing!

- John

Hey, Camp Lovers!

Let the adventure begin. Official S’more Maker. Go jump in the lake. Keep calm and camp on! Fires, Friends, Fun—there are plenty more clever sayings and cool prints in our camp clothing t-shirt collection. Do you know what you’re wearing for summer camp? Look no further than our original line of camp apparel! 

This collection has been around for years, but we’re always adding new designs to the line; there are so many aspects of summer camp to capture! Have a look at the latest of our Life of Camp Tees when you click right here. 

Our camp tees aim for everything ranging from humorous to majestic but ALWAYS campy! These tees are so much more than just something to wear: they spread awesome camp spirit to all who wear them and all who catch a glimpse, they pass along a quick chuckle or fond recollection, and they can make for a good conversation piece that can help spark conversation between campers.  

So don’t delay! Shop our collection and order your favorite tees from the Life of Camp Collection today so your camper can make a statement at camp this summer! Sure to become a staple of your camper’s wardrobe this summer season. 

Send them off for their summer camp stay with some cool, camp-themed apparel found only right here at Everything Summer Camp—your ones-stop shop for every item on your child’s packing list! Till next time, Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John