Hey there, Summer Camp Enthusiasts!

Today we’re paying homage to the legendary Bruce Lee, an early pioneer among martial artists who left an everlasting impact on the world of combat sports. Known for his unparalleled skill, agility, and philosophy, Bruce Lee was more than just a martial artist—he was a trailblazer who revolutionized the way we perceive and practice martial arts.

Bruce Lee brought a fresh perspective to the world of martial arts. With his innovative approach and dedication to his craft, he introduced Jeet Kune Do, a martial arts philosophy that emphasized adaptability, efficiency, and practicality. Through his teachings and performances, Bruce Lee inspired countless martial artists and laid the foundation for modern mixed martial arts.

Bruce Lee's journey in martial arts began at an early age. His passion for the martial arts blossomed as he immersed himself in training and honed his skills under the guidance of renowned masters. Through dedication and perseverance, Bruce Lee transformed himself into a martial arts icon, captivating audiences with his lightning-fast strikes and unmatched charisma.

As we reflect on Bruce Lee's legacy, let's also celebrate the martial arts activities offered at summer camps around the world. Performing martial arts offers campers a unique avenue to explore their physical and mental capabilities. Whether it's karate, judo, or taekwondo, martial arts activities at summer camp provide campers with the opportunity to build confidence, discipline, and resilience while learning valuable self-defense skills.

Did you have the chance to participate in any martial arts activities during your camp stay this past summer or do you plan to participate in the coming camp season? Share your experiences in the comments below and keep the spirit of Bruce Lee alive as we continue to embrace the martial arts journey. Keep kicking, punching, and reaching for your goals. Thanks for reading, Camp Friends. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Organized Camp Folks!

With everyone gathered outside the cabin, waiting to embark on a day-long trip through the rugged wilderness, a lone camper is still inside desperately searching through her gear and camp supplies for her bug spray—the pressure of holding up the company mounting. Just as she started to consider giving up, a fellow camper came back for something and noticed the first camper in distress.

“What do you need?” The second camper said. “Bug spray? Check it out. I have some extra you can use in my organizer.” She went into one of the many pockets on the Bunk Organizer that hung from her camp bunk and took out her surplus spray.

While it may not be listed on most camp packing lists, the Bunk Organizer has revolutionized the way campers keep their essentials tidy and accessible. With 16 pockets of various sizes, it's designed to hang vertically on the foot or side of a bunk, providing a convenient storage solution for all kinds of items you want handy.

The idea for the Bunk Organizer was born in the early 2000s when Matt, the Sales Director here at Everything Summer Camp, visited camps and noticed campers struggling to keep accessible all the items they want to keep close by over the course of the night: books, diaries, flashlights, bug spray, a watch, footwear, water bottle, inhaler, eyeglasses, or what have you!

He immediately recognized the need for a more versatile solution.

When Matt returned from his trip, he explained the difficulty he witnessed to our product development team when it came to these ‘nightstand items’. The team put their minds to the situation, conceptualized a new product, and created a solution to the struggle.

Matt has since seen the Bunk Organizer in action and can attest to its convenience at summer camp. “The Bunk Organizer has transformed cabin living for campers!” he told me. “It’s such a practical accessory that makes life away from home work a little better and saves them time from searching for misplaced items.”

Get a closer look at the Everything Summer Camp Bunk Organizer when you click right here. Or, if you prefer, take a look at our Bunk Organizer with the personalization option by clicking here. Thanks for reading, Everyone. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

If you’re reading this Blog post, you probably already know, there’s lots of camping gear and other camp supplies to ensure your child brings along to summer camp. Packing for camp certainly can feel like a mountainous undertaking. But, instead of letting this full laundry list overwhelm you, let us ease your concerns and coach you on the best ways to manage your packing job.

Most people aren’t necessarily well-practiced at getting their child ready for summer camp—it only happens once a year, after all—and plenty of folks are completely new to the entire experience. The leading question people have is, “how do I know what my child needs for camp?”

The Camp’s Packing List

Overnight summer camps usually publish their packing lists a few months in advance. This gives you ample time to review the list, gather your gear, and make any necessary purchases. So, as soon as you've registered for camp, keep an eye out for the packing list. Some camps will provide it on their website, while others may send it to you via email or regular mail.

Online Packing List Guides

Are you an early bird that wants to roll up their sleeves and get going on camp prep before your camp has published their official packing list? You're in luck! The internet offers an abundance of camp packing list guides. A quick online search will result in a multitude of generic packing lists that cover the essentials for various types of camps. I just posted a thorough guide on the Blog last year.

You may find that you still require some items when your camp does publish their list, but you’ll be able to cross plenty off your camp’s list that you got ahead of time.

Your Camp’s Packing List on Our Site

Of course, you can always find your camp’s packing list right here without even leaving our website. Hey! When we say we’re your one-stop shop, we’re not just blowing campfire smoke! We offer updated packing lists from a ton of overnight camps. Finding your camp's list is a breeze—just click the blue 'find my camp' button at the top of our homepage (or click right here), and you're on your way!

Once you've selected your camp, you'll have access to a comprehensive packing list tailored to that camp's requirements. It's a great resource to ensure you're packing exactly what your camp recommends.

Now that you've secured your packing list, you can start preparing for camp and the earlier you begin your camp prep, the less stressful the process will be. Use your packing list as your guide and gather your items right here on our online store!

The final item to pack is your packing list itself! It’s a good idea to attach your packing list to the inside lid (if you have a camp trunk) or some visible spot in your container. Keeping your packing list around will make it easier to ensure that everything that went to camp is coming back!

Get a great head start on your camp prep with the information you’ve uncovered today and reduce the stress for yourself down the road! Thanks for reading, Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Campers!

Tucked in inside your cozy tent, surrounded by the symphony of night sounds—the gentle rustling of leaves, a chorus of crickets, and the occasional hoot of an owl—darkness falls and you reach for your trusty Black Diamond Orbiter 450 Lantern. In an instant, the tent is bathed in warm, inviting light. We're thrilled to introduce you to this versatile lantern, the perfect companion for your outdoor adventure.

With a powerful 450-lumen output, the Orbiter 450 Lantern from Black Diamond serves practical purposes whether you're playing cards with friends or reading your favorite campfire stories. No more fumbling around in the dark!

This Lantern features a camper-friendly, two-button interface, making it easy for your child to adjust brightness, choose from a range of vibrant colors, or set the perfect campfire-like atmosphere for those cozy evening gatherings at summer camp.

What's even cooler is that this lantern comes equipped with entertaining strobe and solid color modes, perfect for adding some pizzazz to your campsite. Imagine the fun of setting the mood with a spectrum of rainbow colors or creating your mini dance party in the woods—all at the touch of a button!

Built with a 2000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, complete with USB ports for small device charging, the Orbiter keeps your campsite lit in the heart of the wilderness. This lantern also features a patented Electronic Lock to prevent accidental usage during transport and preserve battery life.

Last, but not least, this Lantern boasts an IPX4 stormproof rating so it can hold its own no matter what your adventures and Mother Nature throw its way. So, whether you're camping deep in the woods or setting up at your favorite campground, make the Black Diamond Orbiter 450 Lantern an essential part of your gear. Click here to check it out for yourself, and get ready to light up your next camping adventure. Thanks for reading, and as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Language Lovers!

Have you ever spilled the beans before? It's not something you want to do at summer camp or anywhere really. This seemingly simple phrase, used when someone accidentally blurts out a well-kept secret, easily rolls off the tongue. But have you ever wondered why we say it to mean that somebody let something slip? Let’s delve into the interesting history behind the saying 'Spill the Beans' and figure out why we use this peculiar phrase.

Ancient Greek Voting Beans

Back in ancient Greece, beans were used as a voting tool so voters could remain anonymous. White beans represented positive votes, while black beans, were negative ones. The votes were all hush-hush--the results locked away in a container. If someone knocked over the container, the votes would be seen early and give away the results. The person responsible was said to have ‘spilled the beans’.

Stevens Point Journal Drop

Now, let's fast-forward to the early 20th century in the United States. We can spot an early example of this phrase being printed in a June 1908 issue of The Stevens Point Journal. In that context, it meant something like "upset the applecart" or "spoil the beans," a nod to ancient Greece's voting system.

Van Wert Daily Bulletin Reinforces

Then, another instance in October 1911, The Van Wert Daily Bulletin provided another instance of this saying being used. Here, the phrase started to imply "upsetting a previously stable situation by talking out of turn,"—that’s pretty much how we use it today.

It was just a few months back that I wrote a Blog post about the origin of the phrase “Let the Cat Out of the Bag”—very similar to today’s “spill the beans” saying. Learn where that phrase came from by clicking here. And next time you find yourself inadvertently sharing a secret or ‘spilling the beans,’ think back to those ancient Greeks and their voting legumes. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John