Preparing for Summer Camp 2025

Summer camp is an exciting opportunity for young people. With a mixture of freedom and adventure unlike at home, the memories that campers create at camp will likely last a lifetime and many friendships are also likely to endure! (Ours did!)  What a great experience. 

Do you have a child headed to camp this summer?  This blog post is geared at getting your camper ready to head off to sleep away camp with tips for campers and parents.  Whether it’s your first time sending your child off to camp or your fifth, you will find something helpful here. 

 

 

Tips for First Time Campers

 

Congratulations! You have the opportunity go to sleep away camp. Embrace this opportunity and be open-minded and ready to try new activities.  Camps are a great way to meet new friends and learn new skills.  Practice your independence before you go to camp – just to get a feel for things! Get comfortable with basic skills like tying shoelaces, using a flashlight, and managing your belongings (obviously this all depends on your age.) This will help you feel more confident, though we know you will build skills once you are there.   

 

At camp, be sure to stay hydrated and eat well. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to keep your energy up for all the activities. Focus on eating the rainbow and all food groups.  (As we write to our children in every letter: “Make sure you are eating your greens!!”)  Need a water bottle?  We have some cute ones to ask your parents about.

 

These personalized aluminum sports bottles come with your choice of design and a screw off top with handle and flip up straw. . The lettering is done with a durable outdoor vinyl so it will not wash off and is sturdy for active play around camp. 

 

Also at camp, don’t forget to communicate with your counselors and staff.  Don’t hesitate to ask counselors or staff if you need help or feel homesick because they are there to support you. If you are feeling homesick, a small item like a photo, stuffed animal, or favorite book can help you feel more at home so don’t forget those things while packing.

 

These pillows are new this year and are personalized – they look adorable on your bed in your bunk and really personalize your space.  They’ll make cozying up during rest hour more comfortable, too. 

 

Try your best to be present and enjoy the moment. We love that many sleep away camps have limits or complete bans on electronics, allowing you to break free from the digital world and focus on the here and now.  Enjoy that! Camps are about making memories so go out and make some memories this summer. You won’t regret it. 

 

 

Tips for First Time Parents

 

This is an exciting time for your camper and a time to celebrate! You may be having a mix of emotions, including nerves, but trust that you have made a great decision in fostering your child’s independence and giving them an incredible opportunity.  To get them ready for camp, you should take some simple steps before hand to start building their independence.  Practice routines of self-care, caring for their belongings, and set communication expectations. Get them some cute stationery so that they can write you letters home. For littler ones, choose fill-in the blank stationery so that communication is easy and you get tid-bits of information. Here are some great options from More Than Paper. 

 

We love the playful design of this one: https://www.morethanpaper.com/EJ-CampPadSet-HeartsCampMulti.htm and the sporty airbrush design of this one: https://www.morethanpaper.com/BM-CampPadSet-AirBrushSports.htm and the classic camp design here: https://www.morethanpaper.com/KampKids-CampPadSet-KST10.htm

 

More tips: Trust the camp staff. Remember that camp staff are trained professionals dedicated to safety and well-being. Trust their expertise and follow their guidance, including their packing lists and recommendations for getting ready. Most camps require you to label everything thoroughly, so be prepared to do that. We have some great options for labeling your camper’s stuff.  Never send expensive, valuable, or cherished items, they often get ruined or lost. Be prepared to do an insane amount of laundry upon your campers return and you’ll find that you will throw a bunch of stuff away…. There are some clothing items that will just never smell the same again. Long live the smell of camp. 

 

For labeling socks and underwear, as well as light colored t-shirts, we like using these personalized clothing marker stamps: https://www.morethanpaper.com/MTP-CampClothingStamp.htm. When stamped on fabric, they will last hundreds of washes! This makes labeling socks super-fast and easy. Just stamp the bottom of them so it’s not visible while wearing said socks.   These label stickers can be applied to the tag of the garment (it is not recommended that you apply it directly to the fabric because the label may come off). https://www.morethanpaper.com/STL-401-StickonLabels-60-SolidWhite.htm.  Some camps don’t allow these as they tend to come off in the washing machine more easily, though we haven’t had ours come off – EVER!  Check with your camp what requirements they have. 

 

First time parents: you are going to do great! 

 

 

Tips for Seasoned Campers & Parents: 

 

Even if you have been to camp before or you’ve sent your son or daughter to camp frequently, you will want to review any updates to your camps drop off procedures and camp policies. Read forms and waivers before signing them again, as they may have changed. Even if you are a pro at packing, check packing lists to see what is new for this year. 

 

More Than Paper has added a few new fun items to our camp section this year, great for parents and great for campers. 

 

We love these Games, Puzzles and Riddles for Parents to send to their camper.  You don’t always have to write a novel to your camper. Sometimes they just want to know you are thinking of them! With this set, sending something in the mail is easy. 

 

Don’t forget about stationery for Mom, too.  These notepad sets come in 50 sheets and with labels included.  They are the perfect size for a quick note from home! 

 

We love all the options of stationery sets that we have for the camper that include matching return address labels (for free) and envelopes.  Visit this link to check out all the designs for boys, girls, and all ages. There’s something for everyone and all ages. (Fill in the blanks or lined stationery!) 

 

Camp is an incredible experience that we feel fortunate enough to have had growing up and to have been able to provide our own children with. The friendships, being outdoors, freedom, adventure, traditions, memories made – they are all unparalleled from any other experience.  Whether you are a seasoned or new camper or seasoned or new parent – this is an exciting time and we wish you the best experience possible! 

 

HAPPY SUMMER 2025! 

A Beginners Guide to Gardening & Gifts

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that has the potential to beautify your home.  If done correctly, it can provide you and your family with fresh produce and flowers and many gardeners say the pastime gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment.  Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, anyone can start a garden. But people often feel overwhelmed! The task of starting a garden may seem daunting so we at More Than Paper are here to give you a little confidence that you, too, can be a gardener!  

This beginner's guide will walk you through the essential steps to cultivate your green thumb. Today we are also here sharing gift ideas for the gardener in your life. 

 

Beginners Guide

 

Understanding Your Space.

The first step to gardening is to assess your environment. First, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Most vegetables and flowers need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.  Good soil is crucial for healthy plants so you will also need to evaluate the quality of the soil. You can test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels with a home kit or consult local gardening centers. Up next, understand your local climate zone. This will help you choose the right plants that can thrive in your conditions.

 

Choose the Right Plants.

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a few easy-to-grow plants. Herbs that are great starters are basil, mint, and parsley. They are simple to grow and can be used in your cooking. For vegetables, try lettuce, radishes, and zucchini because they are forgiving and grow quickly. For flowers, you can try marigolds and sunflowers because they are not only beautiful but also attract beneficial insects. Plant according to the seasons. Check local gardening calendars to know when to plant specific seeds or seedlings.

 

Gather Your Tools. 

Having the right tools can make gardening easier and more enjoyable, plus, isn’t it fun to get geared up?  You will need a hand shovel for digging and planting. You will also need pruning shears to trim plants and encourage growth.  Make sure you have a watering can or access to a hose for easy watering.  Don’t forget gloves to protect your hands while working in the soil.

 

Prepare Your Garden Bed.

Decide whether to plant in the ground or in containers – there is quite a difference! Containers are great for small spaces, while ground planting allows for larger gardens. You will want to prepare your soil and take great care there.  If you are planting in the ground, be sure to clear the area of weeds and debris and then loosen the soil and mix in compost to improve its quality.  Composting is great for the environment and a gardener’s delight!  For containers, use a high-quality potting mix found at Walmart or any garden center.  The preparation of your garden bed is critical to the success of your garden, we cannot overstate this enough. 

 

Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings. 

This seems obvious but we will say it anyway: you must follow the instructions on your seedlings!  Each plant comes with specific planting instructions regarding depth, spacing, and watering. Follow these guidelines to ensure healthy growth. Typically, you will need to water your plants immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) as your plants establish themselves. 

 

Maintain Your Garden. 

Water in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent your garden from drying out during the hot sun. Regularly check for weeds that compete with your plants for nutrients and space. Use organic fertilizers or compost to give your plants the nutrients they need. Keep an eye out for pests. Introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs, or use natural remedies like neem oil, if necessary.

 

Harvest and Enjoy Your Garden. 

Once your plants reach maturity, it is time to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables, or flowers) of your labor! Learn the signs of ripeness for each type of plant – this is often the most rewarding part of gardening for many. 

 

Gardening is often a journey filled with trial and error and learning a lot of lessons along the way. Cultivating your green thumb isn’t easy and you will likely develop a greater appreciation for nature as you go.  With these simple tips, we hope you enjoy diving into the world of basis gardening. 

 

 

Gardening Gifts 

Do you have a friend or family member that is passionate about gardening?  Finding them a gift that aligns with their interests not only nurtures their love for gardening, but also reflects your understanding of them as a friend or family member. What could be sweeter?  We have a few ideas when it comes to gifts for the gardener. 

 

Consider items that enhance their gardening experience, such as high-quality gardening tools, a personalized plant marker set, or a beautiful planter. For a more unique touch, a subscription to a gardening magazine or a seed kit featuring rare plants could inspire their next project.  At More Than Paper, we carry the following gardening theme stationery products.  All of which are great gifts for the gardener this Mother’s Day, spring, holiday, or any time of year. 

 

Gardening Note Pads

Everyone loves these themed list pads that include 50 sheets and come tied with a ribbon, ready for gift giving! 

 

Floral Stationery 

These happy, botanical blooms are perfect for everyday correspondence for your gardening friend or family member. 

 

From The Garden of / From the Kitchen of Stamps 

From canning jars to recipe cards, these from the kitchen of stamps are perfect for the gardener and the chef, or anyone who loves to share what they have harvested with their loved ones and neighbors. 

 

Happy Gardening and gift-giving from More Than Paper!