Well, Campers!

It’s another summer camp season in the books! And, while it’s never easy to say goodbye to the exhilarating days of overnight camp, reflecting on your time away is an important part to the whole experience. And, along with the end of the camp season, comes the Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest. Like a thrilling Fourth of July fireworks show, we’re bringing this contest back with a bang this year and upped the ante with a grand prize of $500!

2023 Summer Camp Story Contest

With ten random winners, our grand prize winner will snag a whopping $500 gift card to splurge on our online store. Two lucky folks will score $200 gift cards, while two more will strut away with $100 gift cards. And then, we'll have five more $50 winners. But hey—even if you don't make it to the winner's circle, we've got you covered with a sweet $20 gift card so that all participants are winners!

What to Talk About

We want to hear the good stuff—the moments that made your camp experience unforgettable. Take your time and paint us a picture, setting the scene with your words. Maybe it's that incredible moment when you conquered the climbing wall or the hilarious campfire tales that had you in stitches. Tell us about the amazing folks you met or why your camp is the best place on earth!                                                                                                           

Who Can Submit

Hey, parents and grandparents, you're not left out either! We know watching your little adventurers head off to camp might bring back some powerful nostalgia. Feel free to share your own camp story from back in the day or give us your child’s camp stay from your perspective. We're all ears!

Write or Record

Just as we did for the first time last year, you can submit by either writing up a submission or recording a video. To submit a video, just grab your camera, tell record yourself telling your camp story, then upload it to YouTube and drop us the link.

Written submissions must be at least 150 words, but feel free to share more if you're on a roll! If you end up taking the video route, it must be at least a minute-and-a-half of recounting camp magic. We're accepting submissions up until the stroke of midnight on August 31. To enter the contest, just click here. No entry fee required! If you're under 18, you’ll need permission from your parent or guardian.

So go ahead, spill the beans and share your camp stories with us! We'll feature the best ones right here on the Blog. Check out the entry form for further details! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Ah, vanilla ice cream! This timeless delight has enchanted our taste buds for generations. Some may argue that it lacks the excitement of other, more adventurous counterparts. But let me tell you, folks, there's something special about this classic treat. Despite its reputation for being too plain, vanilla remains a popular option that most summer campers likely enjoyed during their camp stay this summer!

My favorite flavor, for sure—Vanilla Ice Cream has managed to acquire its own day. Today is National Vanilla Day. Today, let's delve into the creamy world of vanilla ice cream, uncovering the magical steps behind its creation.

Step 1: Crafting the Base

To whip up a remarkable scoop of vanilla ice cream, you need to start with a rich and velvety base. Picture a blend of milky goodness—fresh cream, pure milk, a touch of sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. This concoction becomes the foundation of our frozen delight, ensuring a silky-smooth texture and a harmonious balance of sweetness. As this base chills in the refrigerator, let your excitement build over the frozen masterpiece this will become.

Step 2: The Transformation Begins

Once the base has chilled, it's time to transform it into the creamy goodness we know and love. The chilled mixture is poured into an ice cream machine, where the magic truly happens. This mechanism starts whirring and churning with paddles that aerate the mixture—infusing it with tiny air bubbles that give the ice cream its smooth, creamy texture. At the same time, the machine is freezing the mixture.

Step 3: A Taste of Bliss

At last, the moment arrives—the freshly churned vanilla ice cream is ready to be savored. As the golden sun sets and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves at camp, the first bite unleashes a symphony of flavors—a delicate dance of sweetness and pure vanilla essence.

In a world of extravagant flavors and elaborate desserts, vanilla ice cream remains a steadfast testament to the beauty of simplicity. Its timeless appeal and creamy allure have made it a beloved summertime treat, cherished by summer campers during their unforgettable stays. Celebrate Vanilla Ice Cream Day by enjoying this classic, simplistic dessert. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Outdoor Lovers!

With the summer sun shining and the call of the wild echoing through the trees, today of all days is time to immerse ourselves in the great outdoors. Why? It’s National Hammock Day! Whether you're camping, lounging by the lake, or exploring nature's wonders, hammocks offer a cozy haven for your little adventurers!

Enjoy ENO Hammocks for a Heavenly Time in the Outdoors

The Versatility of ENO Hammocks

ENO hammocks are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Constructed with durable nylon materials, they offer incredible strength and durability to withstand your outdoor adventures. ENO hammocks are convenient and easy to set up, going from your pack to providing a secure and comfortable resting spot amidst the beauty of nature so you can find the perfect relaxation spot with ease.

Enhance Your Hammock Experience with ENO Accessories

At Everything Summer Camp, we offer a range of innovative ENO accessories as well—from the Atlas Suspension Straps that provide a secure and adjustable hanging system to the Trailflyer Outdoor Game that keeps campers entertained for hours! We have other accessories like their Indoor Hanging Kit, the Kanga Sling Pack, the Fuse Tandem Hammock System, and other great products to make the most of your relaxation!

Quality and Sustainability

ENO shares our commitment to craftsmanship and environmental stewardship. Their hammocks are crafted with the utmost care, using eco-friendly materials. You can’t have the classic outdoor hammock experience without trees and when you purchase a C&N camp trunk, we arrange for a tree to be planted through our partnership with One Tree Planted.

Get ready to immerse your child in the wild wonders of nature with ENO hammocks and accessories from Everything Summer Camp. Whether they're camping, exploring the beach, or simply finding solace in the backyard, ENO offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Unwind in style, create lifelong memories, and instill a love for the great outdoors. Elevate your child's summer escapades with ENO and Everything Summer Camp—where wilderness dreams come true. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Greetings, Camp Parents!

The anticipation builds and hearts race with excitement as the parents arrive and catch a glimpse of their young adventurer rushing over with arms outstretched and wearing a giant smile. Tears of joy flow freely as the stories, laughter, and tight hugs spill over in a frenzied moment that lasts an eternity. In that precious moment, the bond between parent and child is strengthened and the memories of summer camp are etched in their hearts forever.

Just as important as Opening and Visiting Day, Closing Day is a quintessential part of the summer camp experience.

Closing Day Tips and Pointers

Let’s review some valuable insights from 'The Summer Camp Handbook' by camp experts Chris Thurber and Jon Malinowski. Here are four essential tips to ensure a successful and meaningful conclusion to your child's camp adventure:

Punctuality is Key

As you wake up on Closing Day, your heart is filled with anticipation for the long-awaited reunion with your child. We know this date has been circled on your calendar for quite some time. To make the most of this special day, we recommend providing a flexible arrival window instead of a specific hour.

Allow your child ample time to bid farewell to friends and participate in any final camp activities. Their goodbye hugs and last-minute adventures deserve to be cherished without feeling rushed.

Tasks and Moments

Closing Day brings administrative chores, like closing accounts and checking with the medical staff. Take the time to navigate through the lost-and-found items to ensure nothing is left behind. This is also the perfect time for your child to proudly share their camp experiences, take you on a tour of the campgrounds, and introduce their newfound camp friends.

Embrace these moments and listen to their stories, as they reflect on the positive memories they've made. However, respect that some children may be ready to move on quickly, eager to embark on the next chapter of their journey.

Expect the Unexpected

Reactions upon reunion with parents vary greatly among campers. Some children become the "Fountain of Youth," bursting with excitement while others may wear a "Poker Face," appearing quiet and reserved. There are "Tearful Campers," who shed tears as a testament to the profound impact camp has had. And lastly, the "Sensationalists" who highlight the most dramatic moments.

Embrace the uniqueness of your child's reaction, and be prepared to adapt to their needs. You can check out a deeper breakdown of all the different camper reactions in this previous Blog post.

Insights from Cabin Leaders

Now, it's time to gather the wisdom from our experienced cabin leaders. These experienced adults just spent countless hours with your child and can provide valuable insights into your child's camp experience. Discover the highlights of your child's session, the challenges they faced, and their interactions with fellow campers.

Address any discipline concerns and seek recommendations for areas of growth before the next camp session. This feedback will aid in your child's ongoing personal development!

Closing Day marks the end of a transformative camp journey! Responding with empathy is key. Acknowledge your child's newfound independence, celebrate their initiative and maturity, and listen attentively to their adventure narratives. Engage them with open-ended questions that delve into the meaning behind their experiences. And be prepared for emotional ups and downs as they process the challenges and triumphs of their camp stay.

As you embrace the joy of reuniting with your child on Closing Day, relish in the incredible growth, unforgettable memories, and lasting friendships that have been forged during their time at camp. The Closing Day experience is a culmination of a transformative summer camp journey, leaving a lasting impact on both campers and parents alike. Thank you for reading, and may your child's closing moments at camp be filled with warmth and cherished memories.

- John

Hey there, Young Adventurers!

As the sun sets on a breathtaking landscape and casts its warm, golden glow over the campsite, a troop of campers gather around a crackling campfire for the evening. The scent of pine trees and the popping logs fill the air. As the night sky unveils a sparkling ceiling of stars, everybody realizes what a magical moment they’re enjoying on this extraordinary adventure. What an incredible experience, being immersed in the great outdoors!

Overnight camping trips in the great outdoors may just be THE quintessential summer camp activity. These camping excursions offer children a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. There are a number of things to cover about this classic camp activity, so let’s get into it.

The Proper Gear for Outdoor Excursions

First things first, let's talk gear. Make sure your camper gets the most of their outdoor camping trips at summer camp with the gear they need to maximize their enjoyment of the experience. While you’ll want to get them lots of things for hiking—sun and bug spray, rain gear, trail shoes, a flashlight, compass maybe—here are the top three pieces of gear for your child’s summer camp outdoor trip.

Backpacks

A backpack is a hiker’s life! It holds everything they need for a successful camping trip, from extra clothes and food to essential items like a flashlight, a compass, and a first-aid kit. Find popular brand names like Deuter, Osprey, Kelty, Marmot, and more on our online store. From classic school backpacks to heavy-duty climbing and hiking backpacks, we have it all.

Sleeping Bags

When it comes to overnight camping, a trusty sleeping bag becomes your camper’s cozy cocoon, keeping them warm and snug throughout the night. Make sure to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for the climate and weather conditions your camper can expect to see.

Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is imperative! We carry a wide selection of camp water bottles and hydration packs for your camper to carry along when they’re out in the wilderness. With features like leak-proof or insulated material, angled spouts, and built-in filters, check out these stylish and functional bottles.

What We Learn from the Wilderness

As we venture into the wilderness, we embark on a transformative journey, immersing ourselves in nature's embrace and acquiring invaluable skills that will shape us for a lifetime. From the serene forests to the rugged mountains, summer camp becomes a training ground for our outdoor pursuits.

Outdoor Skills

Wilderness journeys are built on Leave No Trace, first-aid, planning, fire-building, and navigation. We respect nature by leaving no trace behind. First-aid skills prepare us for emergencies. Planning becomes second nature as we navigate using maps and compasses. Through rivers, forests, and peaks, we become skilled explorers. Rain or shine, we master fire-building, bringing warmth and friendship to our campfire stories.

Personal Growth

Trips in the Great Outdoors equip us with opportunity to acquire more than just outdoor skills. They inspire personal growth and boost confidence. Getting out of our comfort zones, overcoming challenges, and embracing the unknown develops kids’ resilience, adaptability, and internal strengths we may have never otherwise known we had.

Spiritual Maturity

The memories forged on these camping trips will stay with us for a lifetime. From sharing stories around the campfire to gazing up at the starlit sky, summer camp is a chain of unforgettable moments. We witness breathtaking sunrises, marvel at the beauty of nature, and find solace in the serenity of the great outdoors. These experiences become a part of who we are and shape our understanding of our place in life. Cherish these moments, embrace the wild, and let the forest guide your heart!

So, Young Adventurers, embrace the challenges when you embark on thrilling overnight camping trips at summer camp. The skills you acquire, the confidence you gain, and the memories you make will be cherished forever. The wilderness awaits, ready to unveil its secrets and reveal the hidden depths within yourselves. There's nothing quite like spending a night under the open sky, surrounded by nature's beauty. The forest beckons! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John