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

Namaste, Camp Folks!

Stretching your way into serenity, yoga is like a breath of fresh air. It's more than just bending and twisting; it's about finding your inner balance and connecting with nature in the great outdoors. It’s all about harmony. But how did yoga come to be offered so regularly at summer camp and what makes it such a hit with campers?

Yoga’s roots go back thousands of years to ancient India, where it was developed as a practice to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Over time, yoga spread its influence the world over, transforming into various styles and practices. It wasn't until the 20th century that yoga found its way into the summer camp scene.

At camp, yoga offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Campers gather in tranquil natural settings—often near a shimmering lake or under the shade of towering trees. They come together, creating a sense of community as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness.

Just like in traditional yoga studios, camp yoga instructors guide campers through a series of poses and stretches, promoting flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. The practice emphasizes breathing techniques that help campers stay focused and centered, both on and off the mat.

But it's not just about the physical aspects. Camp yoga taps into the essence of what summer camp is all about—growth, connection, and exploration. It encourages campers to push their boundaries, both mentally and physically, while also providing a safe space to unwind and de-stress.

The popularity of yoga at summer camp continues to soar. Campers relish the opportunity to embrace yoga's holistic benefits, from enhancing physical fitness to nurturing emotional well-being. It's a practice that fosters unity, encourages self-acceptance, and instills a deep appreciation for the natural world.

So, whether you're a seasoned yogi or brand new to the practice, make sure to join in on a rejuvenating yoga session at camp this year. Experience the magic of yoga in the heart of nature, and discover a newfound sense of serenity and balance. Thanks for reading, and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Leapers!

Every four years, our calendars do something extraordinary—they gain an extra day! This day, February 29th, is a rare treat! To celebrate, we’re appropriately taking $29 off our camp trunks if you purchase your trunk today on Leap Day. Take your pick from our wide selection of our Traditional Steel Trunks, Designer Trunks, and even our Pop Up Soft Trunks.

Have you ever wondered why we call it a ‘leap’ year, though? After all, it doesn't seem like we're leaping anywhere, right? So why LEAP Day?

Well, the technical term for inserting extra time into a calendar is called ‘intercalation’—say that five times fast. I’m not even sure how to pronounce it one time! Since this word doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, people have opted to call it something a bit catchier. But how’d we land on the word ‘leap’?

Well, typically, as we move from year to year, a date will advance by one day of the week. For instance, if Christmas fell on a Sunday one year, you'd expect it to land on a Monday the next year, following a gradual, one-day progression.

During a leap year, however, something different happens. The calendar takes a bold leap ahead, advancing each date not by one, but by two days of the week! For example, this last Christmas graced us on a Monday. Fast forward to Christmas at the end of this year, 2024, and it will leap right over Tuesday and fall perfectly on a Wednesday!

So, the term Leap Year is essentially a nod to this phenomenon. It highlights the calendar's dramatic jump, where dates sprint ahead by two days, instead of their usual one-day stride.

But why do we need this extra day every four years? Well, our calendars work pretty well. They’re not perfect, though. In order to keep in sync with the cycles of heavenly bodies, we add this extra day to the end of February every four years.

So, the next time you witness this rare occurrence of February 29th on your calendar, remember that it's not just any day—it's a LEAP day, when our calendar makes a jump to keep pace with the grand cosmic ballet. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We have just one more camp story to share from the Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest! Your camp stories were such a fun time reading through them all and I’ve been sharing them with all our readers online for the past several months! We’ve posted each submission right here on the Blog one by one!

Today’s post features our final camp story from Jack B. who wrote in to us about his time at UTSA Band Camp. Here it is: 

“I went to band camp, this is my second year attending. My favorite part of camp was learning the music, performing, and staying in the residence hall for a week. We went to Six Flags and that was lots of fun. I look forward to next year!”

Hey, Jack. Thanks for writing into us. I’m glad you enjoyed your summer at band camp. I’d love to know what you play. It’s great that you like to learn music and perform. I bet your amusement park trip was a blast on top of all the fun you had at band camp! Hope you keep having great summer camp stays in the years to come, Jack! If you might be interested in UTSA Band Camp, you can check out their website when you click right here to see if it might be the right place for you and your camper.

Well, that’s all we’ve got for all the camp stories we received this last camp season. Another ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest in the books. A big thanks to all our participants. I hope you all enjoyed getting your stories published and sharing your camp stories with our online community here at Everything Summer Camp. Until next time, thanks for reading. And, as always, Happy Camping!

- John

Hey, Camp Lovers!

As the sun rises over the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, a group of excited campers begins their day with a thrilling hike through one of America's most breathtaking landscapes. The crisp mountain air fills their lungs as they explore winding trails, stumble upon hidden waterfalls, and witness the vibrant wildlife that calls this place home.

A natural wonder that has been captivating adventurers for generations, the stunning Great Smoky Mountains have never failed to win over the hearts of countless nature enthusiasts. Presenting visitors with 800 miles to hike and nearly 3000 miles of streams to fish! It’s also home to 4000 plant species, diverse wildlife, as well as some of the oldest mountains on the earth.

Entrance Fee? No Need!

Unlike many national parks, there's no entrance fee to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. This stems from its unique history—once privately owned, the land was donated with the condition that no toll or license fee would ever burden its visitors. So, embark on your adventure without worrying about entrance fees.

A Record-Breaker

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited of all the national park in the United States, and for a good reason. With an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, it offers something for everyone. Whether you're an avid adventurer or a history buff, the Smokies have it all.

Salamander Capital

Did you know the Smokies are the "Salamander Capital of the World"? With 30 different species, the park is teeming with these fascinating creatures. Keep your eyes peeled during your hikes; you might spot one of these unique residents.

Whether you're planning a camping trip, a hike to capture stunning vistas, or a leisurely stroll through a wildflower-strewn meadow, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an array of experiences to cherish. And what better way to cherish such an awesome trip than with a trunk from our National Parks series that features the very landscapes you traversed?

Click right here to check out our Designer Trunks from our National Parks series to find the national park that means the world to you! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!

- John