As a Camp Director, I understand the value that parents are giving their children by allowing them a camp experience. As a father, I was a little nervous sending my child away to camp for the first time. My wife and I researched and found the right camp for our daughter and then it was time to help her make the transition to time away from home and prepare for camp. Here are some things that we did to help her prepare for an amazing camp experience.

Packing

Pack for camp with your child. You can start the process a week or two before camp. Packing for camp can be a great opportunity to discuss what camp will be like and how much fun they are going to have. It is also a way to develop decision making skills based on your child’s maturity level. When our daughter wanted to bring her new tennis shoes to camp, we could have just said no. Instead, we asked her questions, “What kind of activities will you wear the tennis shoes to?”  “Remember when we visited camp and you heard about the creek walk?  How do you think that will affect your shoes?” These questions allowed her to find the right decision. If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience will improve.

Packing Tips:

-          Remember that camp is a place for clothes to get dirty and sometimes lost. Thrift stores and garage sales are great for “new” camp clothes.

-          Pack clothes by day and include an extra day. (My wife puts them in sealable plastic bags with the day of the week on them)

-          Buy one new item that can only be used at camp. Pack this item first in anticipation of camp.

-          Sneak a note in their luggage telling them how much you love them and how excited you are for them to be at camp.

Talk about camp

As you are packing and getting ready for camp, make sure to talk about what it is going to be like. Ask questions like, “What do you think will be your favorite activity?” and “What do you think the food will be like?” When your child shares concerns about going away, encourage him or her to talk about these feelings, and let them know you have confidence in their ability to handle being away from home. Avoid sharing your concerns other than a typical response of, “I’m going to miss you too, but I am so excited for you.”

Camp is about development

Camp is an opportunity for your son or daughter to experience the world larger than they the one that is familiar. In addition to the fun and new experiences they will be having, they will be gaining self esteem, confidence, and learning about the outdoors. It is also an opportunity for your child and you to learn to be apart. Positive separation allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, and more. This time also allows parents an opportunity to take care of themselves, so that they will feel refreshed when their child returns home.

As parents, we have the opportunity to work with camps to help raise our children to be creative, confident, successful adults.  Thanks for being a part of the camp community and have a great summer!

Kurt Podeszwa

Hey, Camp Preppers!

In your extensive mission of camp preparations, one item that can require ample attention and consideration is what sort of water bottle you’ll want. There are many different types with many different features, so today we’ll be discussing the latest water bottle we started carrying for the approaching summer season: The Avex Brazos Water Bottle.

The wonder about this bottle is that it’s one-handed—one-handed meaning that there isn’t a cap for you to take off or a spout that you have to open. It’s made for one-handed use so when you’re racing out of the other team’s territory in a ruthless game of Capture The Flag, you have their flag in one hand and drinking with the other is no problem!

It takes care of half the work for you!

How does this amazing wonder water bottle work its magic? It’s got a patented AUTOSEAL® lid with spill-and-leak-proof technology. You naturally press a big button on the Brazos’ rim when you hold to drink. The button opens a spout and releases a perfect stream of water.

Pour it in your mouth like a Nalgene or put it to your lips like bottled water, the Avex Brazos Water Bottle releases conveniently.

This 25 oz., BPA-free, Tritan™ bottle not only seals itself shut between sips but comes with a dirt guard as well so you can drink reassured that you’re getting clean water that’s protected from dirt and germs.

The Avex Brazos is made with measure markers on the side which are handy for knowing how much water you’ve had. It’s very important to stay hydrated during activities at summer camp. The bottle also has a built-in carabiner clip on the handle that you can attach to a laundry bag, backpack, duffel bag, you name it!

So as you can see, the Avex Brazos is one convenient canteen. And, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans.

Hey, Blog Buddies!

A while back on our first blog post I wrote an introduction that went over all the different topics and post types we would be discussing on our blog: Summer Camp Celebrity posts, Summer Camping Tips and Advice posts, posts about our New Products, and so on.

Well, today I’m posting our very first Employee Bio post. In these posts, you’ll certainly get to know us better at Everything Summer Camp! It’ll be fun for you to find out who did what to make sure that your summer camp experience is as fun as it can be!

Today’s post will focus on our Lead Buyer at Everything Summer Camp, Kristy.

As lead buyer, it’s Kristy’s job to attend trade shows and find other ways to stay hip to the current trends. Once we have our new products in stock, she puts them on the website so you can browse around and shop online.

In the last three years, Kristy has undoubtedly become an essential asset to Everything Summer Camp.

She first started her days here as a Seasonal Customer Service Representative answering phones and helping our customers to place orders. She also worked in production for our Graphic Arts department, then went on to become the manager of the Call Center, and then moved up to Lead Buyer. 

While her days of shopping around for new products definitely keep Kristy busy, she likes the fact that every day brings a new challenge. “And what girl wouldn’t love to shop for a living?” she poses.

So how does Kristy do it? How does she work her magic? Easy—she was once a summer camper just like you. She knows what was cool then and she knows what’s cool now.

Well, now that you know what Kristy does as our Lead Buyer, feel free to fill her in on any products you’d like to see that we don’t already offer.

Go ahead—you can leave a note in the comments section below this post; after all, we are Everything Summer Camp and we love providing you with everything you’ll need for your summer camp experience.

Until next time, Campers! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Greetings, Camp Lovers!

Summer camp comes but once a year so it’s important to make the best of it, rain or shine—regardless. And making the best of camp, rain or shine, means being prepared for rain or shine. So when you’re preparing for the rain, check out this reliable rainboot from Kamik that can really puddle it up.

It’s the Kamik Stomp. This rainboot’s best friend is a puddle! It’s 100% waterproof and 100% recyclable and it’s by far the best rainboot we’ve ever offered.

Sturdy, comfortable, and made of synthetic rubber, this boot’s got a removable foot bed for quick and thorough drying. The Stomp is also lightweight and waterproof, which altogether makes for very simple drying and care.

Of course, good traction is crucial to a good rainboot. Well, the Kamik Stomp Rainboot is far from lacking in that department. Its rubber sole has the sturdiest traction that will give your kid the perfect grip in the rainiest, most slippery conditions.

On that note, despite the sole’s exceptional traction, it won’t mark up the floor; you have no need to walk barefoot back to your bunk or wherever your shoes are.

The Kamik Stomp is a pull-on style boot which can sometimes be a challenging first-time fit. But after that, the boot is broken in. Every time you put on a pair you simply pull the boot on and you’re ready to go—no strings or lacing necessary.

Made of a rubber upper, synthetic lining, and a rubber sole, the Kamik Stomp Rainboot is as practical as it is attractive and it’s a very attractive. With these boots on your feet, you’ll love the rain so much you’ll be singing in it!

Put the stomp back in your rainy days with the Kamik Stomp and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Shoppers!

Quick question for you: What’s the easiest way to get camp gear from Point A to Point B?

Answer: The High Sierra Evolution 28” Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel. Yes, it’s a mouthful—but its name is the only complicated thing about it. This wheeled duffel is just what the doctor ordered. It makes for extremely easy travel and very convenient storage.

Parents, let me tell you why the Evolution is a smart decision.

First of all, The High Sierra Evolution Wheeled Duffel Bag was built to last. This duffel bag is made from mini diamond ripstop and mini weave Duralite fabrics—in other words, this is one durable duffel.

The Evolution is also made with a high-density foam structure that preserves the bag’s shape over a long period of time. Along with the shape of the duffel, the foam structure helps keep the bag lightweight. However, lightweight as it may be, this bag can hold a bundle!

That’s another reason to go with the Evolution. It’s amazing how much can be packed away in this bag!

The Drop Bottom compartment is large enough for you to fit your shoes or boots inside! And the duffel’s other compartments work great for storing folded clothes and making sure they stay folded despite your travels.

Also, the zippered divider panel between the upper and lower compartments can be rolled up, to leave just one, big compartment.

Pretty impressive, huh? Well, it’s not bad to look at either. It’s sharp and brightly colored.

And last but not least—in fact, probably most important—is the bag’s practicality, the bag does more than just hold a lot and look nice—it travels like a treat too! If you’ve ever navigated an airport with a clunky wheeled duffel that you basically had to drag all the way to the plane, then you’re really going to love the smooth roll of this duffel. It keeps up.

Made of nylon and polyester, the Evolution 28” Wheeled Duffel is built well, roomy, attractive, and excellent at making traveling easier. This duffel is perfect for camp. As always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks!

- John