Hey, Camp Folks!

Camp is awesome, of course, but it CAN be a challenging environment for kids to catch some solid Zzz’s throughout the night. The surroundings are unfamiliar. There are new noises. And minds are racing in excitement for the coming day. Some kids have a hard time winding down for a restful night. Bring the comfort of home to your bunk area at summer camp with the Cabin Comfort brand.

It was a handful of years back when we first realized here at Everything Summer Camp that parents didn’t have a great option for quality sheets and bedding that could fit the bed sizes at summer camps: cot, twin, and XL twin. We hated the thought of campers having to deal with rough, scratchy bedding during their time away from home. Cabin Comfort to the rescue!

This new brand was received with overwhelming positivity. Campers loved the softness and comfort of the sheets, reporting restful nights comparable to the kind they get at home! We’re pleased to say, that Cabin Comfort has expanded their line this year to include other accessories of cabin life like mattress pads, blankets, and towels…

Pad Power
Add an extra layer of comfort to your camper’s bunk and ensure solid nights of sleep with the Egg-Crate Mattress Pad. Sizes for cot and twin, these soft and durable mattress pads are constructed of memory foam!

Cozy Covers
Make chilly summer evenings lounging in your cabin or gathered around the campfire that much more enjoyable with a comfy blanket made of premium-quality materials that feel soft, cozy, and warm.

Towel Time
Towels are a must at summer camp. Made from high-quality materials, QWiCKdry towels are soft, absorbent, and quick-drying, making them perfect for after-swim showers or a day at the lake.

Keep cozy at camp with towels and bedding options from the Cabin Comfort brand this coming summer camp season. Check out our entire selection of Cabin Comfort products, available right here at Everything Summer Camp. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading, Camp Fans! As always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Summer Swimmers!

The number one activity for millions of summer campers every year is jumping into the cool, sparkling water with joyful anticipation and refreshing relief from the hot sun. Laughter fills the air and smiles among the splashes radiate the sheer delight on a perfect summer day. Make sure your camper is properly equipped to join in the fun this summer, surrounded by friends and the glistening waves.

When it comes to time in the water this summer season, TYR Sport is the name that swimmers and athletes trust. Established in 1985, TYR Sport has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the world of swimwear, bringing innovative designs and technical advancements to the market of swimwear and swim accessories. With a proud history of success and a commitment to excellence, TYR is the go-to brand for swimmers of all levels.

Not an abbreviation as most assume, TYR is a powerful name taken from the mythical god of warriors in Norse mythology to embody the strength, courage, and determination of competitive sports. It represents the spirit of victory and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Wearing TYR means you’re part of a legacy built on triumph.

Summer camp is the perfect opportunity for young swimmers to unleash their potential and dive into new adventures. And when it comes to making a splash in the pool, having the right swimwear is essential. TYR Sport offers a wide range of swimwear options designed to enhance performance, provide optimal comfort, and withstand the rigors of intense training and competition.

From sleek racing suits to durable training swimwear, TYR has you covered. Their innovative fabrics and cutting-edge designs are crafted to optimize speed, reduce drag, and provide maximum flexibility as well as durability. TYR Sport understands the importance of being properly equipped when every stroke counts.

Swimmers heading to summer camp dress in TYR Sport swimwear to give them the competitive edge in their performance. Embrace the spirit of champions so your camper can make waves in TYR Sport style this season. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Knock, Knock!!

Picture a troop of summer campers as they gather around the cabin leader to hear the plan for a hiking trip that evening. “We’ll be heading out after dinnertime,” the leader announces. “Weather permitting,” they add and tack on a “Knock on wood!” Wood is plentiful in our daily lives—and especially so at summer camp—so it’s an easy request to fulfill, but what exactly do people mean when they use this expression and where did it come from?

Used to express a desire for good luck and a fortunate outcome, the phrase Knock on Wood is much appreciated here at Everything Summer Camp, the home of C&N Footlockers. Here we take the idea of good luck seriously which is why our trunks are constructed from solid, 3/8" cabinet-grade plywood to make a sturdy, reliable, and beautifully-crafted camp trunk. Knocking on the solid wood of our trunks is a way of recognizing the quality and care that goes into each one.

So where did this phrase come from? We don’t know for sure, but there are a couple different theories:

The first theory goes back to an 1800s phrase from a popular children’s game by the name of ‘Touche du Bois’ or ‘Touch Wood’. To play the game, one would make a statement and then immediately would have to knock on a piece of wood to avoid being caught or punished.

The other theory goes back much further to an ancient belief that there were spirits living within trees.  When you knocked on a tree, it was thought to awaken or appease the spirits inside and bring you good fortune.

So next time you find yourself wishing for a positive outcome, try knocking on some wood—it just might help! And if you're looking for a trunk that will bring good luck and last for many summers to come, check out our traditional steel camp trunks right here at Everything Summer Camp where, the home of C&N Footlockers. Thanks for reading, Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Flag Fans!

An absolute blast, Capture the Flag has long been a staple of summer camp as well as playgrounds and backyard fun for kids of all ages.

Children love the strategy, teamwork, and physical activity it takes to achieve victory in this game. The history of Capture the Flag goes back hundreds, even thousands of years. But where did this exciting game come from and how did it become a staple of summer camps?

The History of Capture the Flag

Long ago, flags were more than just a symbol of identity or pride in a nation or group. They were paraded by a flag bearer on the battlefield as a source of moral support. Having the flag flying meant your troop was still putting up a fight. This is why in our national anthem, the lyric proclaims “…gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” The flag still flying was proof that the war was still on.

We owe the recorded rules of Capture the Flag to one German gymnast named Wilhelm Lübeck who put them down in the 1860 German gymnastic manual. These were the earliest known set of rules for the game. He didn’t call it Capture the Flag, though. He called it Fahnenbarlauf—named after an older European variation of the game called ‘Barlaufen’.

With such an enduring history to it, Capture the Flag is a true testament to the power of play and the importance of tradition in the summer camp experience. Make sure you get involved in a fun game of flag capturing at camp this year.

How to Play Capture the Flag

To play the game Capture the Flag, the playing field is divided into two clearly designated halves, or territories. Everybody splits into two teams—one to each territory. Each territory has a "flag" which is most often a piece of fabric (but can really be anything you want) that they have hidden or otherwise protected within their section of the playing field.

Players then venture into the opposing team's territory, grab the flag and attempt to return with it to their territory without being tagged.

More of Our Favorite Outdoor Camp Games

Frisbee

This game is great because you only need two people to get started, and there's no limit on how many more players can join in. The Nite Ize FlashFlight® Light Up Flying Disc with Disc-O Select™ was made for people who are serious about the sport and satisfies those who just want to have fun with their friends.

Your choice of 6 LED colors; red, purple, blue, teal, green, and white (for in the dark play), and a battery life of 20 hours. No need to worry about water because the Nite Ize FlashFlight® is water-resistant and floats. Add this packable pastime to their trunk and they’ll always have a way to break the ice at camp.

Bocce

Normally, Bocce is limited to the outdoors because the weight of the balls can cause damage if thrown inside. We knew there had to be a way past that limitation, to expand the playing field no matter where boredom struck. At Everything Summer Camp each of our bocce sets is designed for both indoor or outdoor play. Tossing the lighter balls leads to more creative placement of the target ball and allows for easy travel. If you aren’t sure how to play Bocce, the target ball is thrown at random and then the players take turns tossing their throwing balls, aiming as close to the target ball as they can to gain more points.

Our like-a-hacky-sac find, The Outside Inside™ Freestyle Bocce Ball Set includes six, nylon throwing balls and one target ball filled with pellets. They’re stored in a nylon mesh pouch that cinches shut and is the most packable game other than cards.

The Outside Inside™ Backpack Bocce Ball Set has a more traditional look for an indoor/outdoor Bocce game. It includes eight, smaller than standard size (1.75”) low-density balls, one white target ball, a measuring tool for proper scoring, instructions, and a carrying pouch. Start a game anywhere with a pack like this.

Bag Toss

The ENO TrailFlyer™ Outdoor Game weighs in at just over two pounds and is designed to pack down to the size of a 32oz water bottle so it conveniently packs away for all your adventures! The setup uses the stakes provided so there are no knots needed to master this contest. Inspired by beloved games like Bean Bags and Skee-Ball, Eagles Nest Outfitters brought ease to traveling with your favorite games.

Horseshoes

There’s no need to let the weight of a horseshoe hold you back. Travel with this easy-to-pack Outside Inside™ Freestyle Horseshoes set. Weighing in at only 2.82 lbs; it includes four full-size rubber horseshoes, two rubber mats, two indoor stakes, two outdoor stakes, and a carry bag with instructions. This no-risk outdoor game will get your group moving without taking any dangerous hits or bumps. Play with as little as two people or as many as four.

Axe Throwing

Has your kid asked you if they can throw an axe yet? Surprise them with the Outside Inside™ Backpack Axe Throwing set. It includes 4 foam axes in 2 colors, a collapsible target, instructions, and a convenient travel bag.

The axes stick to the target by a gripper strip "blade" ensuring safe and fun gameplay for all ages. Hang it by the loop on a tree or on a window by the suction cup. Get them something new to throw and help them harness the power of focus, hand-eye coordination, and a healthy competitive edge.

Washer Toss

The Outside Inside™ Travel Washer Toss is easy to pack but difficult to master, this game comes with everything included. Sink the washers in the target and earn your bragging rights! Weighing in at less than 2 lbs this four-player game is sure to test everyone’s skill and humble a few people in the process.

Watercolor Kit

An outdoor activity for when they need a little alone time. The Outside Inside™ Backpack Watercolor Kit includes 12 half-pan watercolors, a refillable brush, a 0.5 permanent marker, a 2B pencil, pallets, a sponge, a color sampler, a 30-page watercolor pad with sheets of a 185 g thickness, and a user manual. There are no rules or competition to this game. Give your child the gift of creation and watch them become more confident in themselves. This compact kit is recommended for Ages 12+, comes in its own case, and can fit in any travel bag you choose at 6.4” x 3.4” x .75”.

I hope your time outdoors this summer is packed full of rewarding activities like Capture the Flag and Washer Toss. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

Enjoying the warm glow of a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and laughing with their friends, your camper slowly winds down for the night. Of course, you want your camper to have the best experience at camp. One small, yet important, part of that means sending your camper off with a comfy, portable seat. The Everything Summer Camp Sit Anywhere Chair boasts soft foam cushion and sturdy construction so it’s sure not to fail you when you’re out on a REAL adventure!

With its built-in handle for easy carrying, this portable seat is lightweight and durable—perfect for campers who need a reliable and easy-to-carry chair they can take anywhere. Whether they're sitting by the campfire, watching a sports game, or taking a break from hiking, this chair is the perfect solution to their seating needs.

Constructed with 600 denier polyester and PVC backing, the Sit Anywhere Chair is built to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. It can support up to 225 pounds and features a water-resistant material that's easy to clean. Also, the chair's bottom has a non-slip surface that ensures it stays in place on any surface.

Campers can use the Sit Anywhere Chair as a traditional chair or lay it flat and use it as a sleeping pad or a cushion. The chair also includes adjustable straps, allowing campers to find the perfect angle for their comfort.

Having a comfortable and reliable seat makes a great summer camp experience that much better and the Sit Anywhere Chair is the perfect choice. With its durable construction and versatile design, this chair is sure to make any camper's summer camp experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Send your camper off with a reliable seat and go with the Sit Anywhere Chair. Thanks for reading Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John