Hey, Camp Lovers!

There are still more camp stories to share from the Everything Summer Camp 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest! We're presenting each submission individually on our Blog, one by one. Next up, we have Charlie Q., sharing his thrilling summer spent at Swift Nature Camp. Keep reading—his camp story starts right now:

“The best thing that I love about camp was meeting new people and making friends. Also the counselors were pretty great too. The thing that meant the most to me was when a CIT helped me when I went tubing. Also a guy named Marty helped me a lot, and I do mean A LOT. Whenever I was homesick. This camp helped me get over my fear of real guns when I did Riflery. Even though I missed my parents for 3 weeks I recommend it at 100%”


Fantastic to hear how much meeting new people and making friends meant to you, Charlie. Sounds like Marty and the CITs really made a big difference in your time at camp—especially when you were feeling homesick. Overcoming your fear of guns with Riflery is such a big accomplishment—that’s amazing! We're so glad camp gave you the confidence and support you needed and we hope to see you back for even more adventures next year! Thanks for sharing with us, Charlie!

Anybody else that wants to look into Swift Nature Camp can do so by clicking right here. We’ve still got a handful of stories to share before the year is out so keep checking back for more camp stories. As always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans!


- John

Hey, Winter Lovers!

These post-Thanksgiving days ring in the coming holiday season along with dropping temperatures and shorter days—the perfect season for getting cozy with a blanket and enjoying a good movie. While hunkering down and staying warm definitely has its appeal, there will be plenty of time for that! But don’t miss out on this beautiful season indoors the whole time! Grab your mittens, put on your snow boots, and embrace the great outdoors, staying happy and active this winter season!

Growing complacent in a sedentary lifestyle during the winter months can have a serious impact on our health. Prolonged periods of inactivity have been shown to result in a number of health issues like weight gain, muscle loss, and higher risk of diseases. That’s why it’s important to stay active—even when it’s cold outside.

Let’s take a look at some of the fun, active things you can do outside in the next few months:

 

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a fun way to stay active during the winter months. It improves balance, coordination, and leg strength. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy the crisp winter air and beautiful scenery. 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the winter landscape while getting a great workout. It strengthens leg muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances balance and stability. Plus, it's an excellent way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of snowy forests.

Building Snowmen

Building snowmen is a timeless winter activity that encourages creativity and imagination. It also promotes teamwork and social interaction when done with friends or family. Plus, it's a fun way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a fantastic aerobic workout that engages both the upper and lower body muscles. It improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens core muscles, and enhances balance and coordination. Plus, it allows participants to explore scenic winter trails and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Winter Hiking

Winter hiking offers a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors in a peaceful and serene setting. It provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and strengthens leg muscles. Plus, it allows participants to enjoy the beauty of snowy landscapes and spot wildlife along the way.

Sledding

Sledding is a classic winter activity that kids love. It provides a thrilling rush of adrenaline as they slide down snowy hills. Sledding also promotes physical activity and outdoor play, which is essential for overall health and well-being.

Snowball Fights

Snowball fights are a fun and playful way to stay active during the winter months. They promote agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination. Plus, they provide an opportunity for social interaction and bonding with friends and family.

Building Snow Forts

Building snow forts is a creative and imaginative winter activity that promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills. It also provides a great upper body workout as participants lift and pack snow. Plus, it's a fun way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the winter weather.

 

These outdoor winter activities not only keep kids physically active and healthy but also help them develop essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These activities also provide an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and create lasting memories with friends and family. So bundle up, head outside, and embrace the magic of winter! Till next time, Folks. And, as always, thanks for reading.

 

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

We started sharing the camp stories we received from campers in September but—don’t worry—there’s a many more captivating tales as we dive deeper into our collection of entries to our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest here at Everything Summer Camp! Join us on our Blog as we publish each submission individually. Today, we get word from Kiah N., who is about to take you on an exciting journey through her unforgettable summer escapade at Extreme Kansas Camp. The adventure begins now:
“I was a camp counselor this year for the first time, at a camp that I’ve been attending for 8 years. I wasn’t sure I would be a good counselor because I struggle to connect with people, but it ended up being the most amazing thing ever. Not only did I make lifelong friends of the staff, but some of the campers that I was around throughout the week trusted me with their hurts and their happiness, and I got to mentor them. It was a Christian camp, and I also got the opportunity to lead worship every night. I was there for a little over a month, and if you want to see more details, I made a post every day on my Instagram @rainbyanyothername ! :) ”


Thank you so much for sharing your experience as a first-time camp counselor! It’s incredible to hear how you not only overcame your initial doubts but found such deep connections with both the staff and campers. The fact that your campers felt comfortable trusting you with their joys and challenges shows what a positive impact you had. Leading worship every night must have been such a rewarding experience as well. We’re so glad camp became such a meaningful journey for you, and we hope your story inspires others to follow in your footsteps!

If Kiah’s time at Extreme Kansas Camp makes you want to check out this summer experience, you can check out their website when you click right here. Thanks for reading, Everyone!


- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

It’s full steam ahead with our treasure trove of tales from summer camp as we move from one story to the next from all we received from campers for our annual 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp! We're publishing each submission individually, right here on our Blog and today, we're delighted to introduce Jesse K., who filled us in on her exciting summer journey at Surprise Lake Camp this past summer. The adventure kicks off right now:

“Going to an overnight camp was an incredible experience for me with memories etched in my head. I became an outdoorsy camper who learned how to hike, kayak, and swim. My counselor was such a warm and loving person that I felt very comfortable for the entire month that I was away. My bunk-mates were fun to be around and we all got along. I remember getting stung by a bee and having mud thrown on me which was supposed to help with the swelling and itching. This bee sting was unforgettable. Everyone was supportive. I hated to return home, even with the bee sting and bites from countless mosquitoes.”

It sounds like you had an incredible time embracing the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and swimming! Your counselor and bunkmates must have really made your time away special with all that support and warmth. And WOW! Getting stung by a bee and treated with mud—that’s quite the camp memory! Even with the bumps along the way, it’s awesome that you didn’t want to leave. We’re so glad you had such a fantastic time at camp! Thanks for sharing your camp experience with us, Jesse!

For anybody else, if you’re interested in the summer fun and personal growth that Amy’s son has enjoyed, you can check out the Surprise Lake Camp’s website when you click right here. Keep tuning in; there are more stories on the way! As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks! Till next time.


- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

We greatly appreciate all the camp stories you've shared for our 'Share Your Camp Story' Contest here at Everything Summer Camp. These stories are great and we're eagerly looking forward to presenting them to our online community. Every submission will be featured right here on the Blog! The next post is from Amy B. who loves sending her son to Surprise Lake Camp. Read her reflections of her son’s time at camp right here:

“My son always had a tough time at school. He struggled through homework, social situations and the demands of sitting still all day. When he finally turned 9, I was excited that he was old enough to go to sleep away camp, as I felt it was a piece missing from his life that would give him confidence, freedom to be himself, and absolutely pure joy to be a child—without screens, devices, and video games. I’m eternally grateful to be able to send him and watch him flourish.”


Hi, Amy! It sounds like camp has been an amazing opportunity for your son to truly thrive in an environment that lets him just be a kid. I love how sleepaway camp gave him the confidence and joy to embrace new experiences away from screens and school pressures. We’re so glad he found a space where he can be himself and have fun. We hope camp continues to bring him growth and happiness in the years to come! Thank you so much for sharing your story!

For anybody else, if you’re interested in the summer fun and personal growth that Amy’s son has enjoyed, you can check out the Surprise Lake Camp’s website when you click right here. There are more stories to come next week! As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks! Till next time.


- John