Anti-Boredom Month

 

Stuck in the Doldrums? 

Daily Repetition have you feeling stuck?

Are you, dare I say it, BORED???

In the 1980s, Alan Caruba founder of The Boredom Institute decided that July should be "Anti-Boredom Month" due to the lack of any exciting activities after the 4th of July.  

  (https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-anti-boredom-month-july-2/). 

So how do we break up the monotony?  One way to cure boredom is by reading a book and luckily, we have lots of those.

Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self by Zomorodi, Manoush

"It's time to move 'doing nothing' to the top of your to-do list. In 2015 Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYC's popular podcast and radio show Note to Self, led tens of thousands of listeners through an experiment to help them unplug from their devices, get bored, jump-start their creativity, and change their lives. Bored and Brilliant builds on that experiment to show us how to rethink our gadget use to live better and smarter in this new digital ecosystem. Manoush explains the connection between boredom and original thinking, exploring how we can harness boredom's hidden benefits to become our most productive and creative selves without totally abandoning our gadgets in the process. Grounding the book in the neuroscience and cognitive psychology of 'mind wandering'-what our brains do when we're doing nothing at all--Manoush includes practical steps you can take to ease the nonstop busyness and enhance your ability to dream wonder and gain clarity in your work and life. The outcome is mind-blowing. Unplug and read on."--Dust jacket flap.

Unlock Your Imagination

Provides instruction for games, crafts, performances, puzzles, and other activities from running a lemonade stand to starting a newspaper.

The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Price, Catherine

"In our always-on, productivity-addicted lifestyles, we tend to think of the pursuit of fun as being indulgent, even immature and childish. When we do find the time to relax or care for ourselves, we tend to turn to activities that are not actually restorative: binging Netflix, scrolling through Twitter, or indulging our FOMO on Instagram. Through years of research, journalist Catherine Price has learned the truth: far from being frivolous or a distraction, fun is actually the secret to achieving our goals. If you reorient your life around what you personally find fun-true fun-you will be happier and healthier. You will be more productive, less resentful, and less stressed. You will have more energy, for yourself and for other people. You will find community and a sense of purpose. You will feel alive again"--. Provided by publisher.

Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Richardson, Patric

"Patric Richardson, aka the "Laundry Evangelist," reveals his revolutionary methods for cleaning clothes--and making laundry loads more fun. Doing laundry is rarely anyone's favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun--it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks--bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore. Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything--yes everything--at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: it involves vodka, not soap). Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson's handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry--and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion. Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen-wrinkles and stains be damned"--. Provided by publisher.

Forest Club Summer: A Season of Activities, Crafts, and Exploring Nature by Hirschmann, Kris

A visually stunning book of outdoor activities and crafts that ties into the burgeoning interest in forest schools and rewilding the child, with the aim of reconnecting children to nature and the outdoors. Focusing on summer, this beautifully illustrated and informative book provides a resource of inspiration for families, designed to spark children's imagination. While all crafts and activities are designed to be carried out outside, these are interspersed with factual pages about forest flora and fauna, which can be enjoyed at home or used as a field guide while out and about. With crafts, activities, and outdoor exploration there is always with something new to see and learn about.

The Unplugged Family Activity Book: 60+ Simple Crafts & Recipes for Year-Round Fun by Jepson Wolf, Rachel

"The Unplugged Family Activity Book is your guide to exploring the natural world as a family, with dozens of outdoor and indoor activities, recipes, and crafts!"-- Provided by publisher.

A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous Squirrels, Manhole Mysteries & Other Stuff You See Every Day (and know nothing about) by Carlsen, Spike

"On his regular walk one morning, Spike Carlsen realized there was an entire world outside his front door that he knew nothing about. How does that fire hydrant work, he wondered? Why are street lights shining more brightly than ever before? And, on a more personal level, why does an easy stroll around the neighborhood always leave him feeling more creative and spry, better able to take on the day? A simple walk around the block set Carlsen off on an investigative journey to discover everything he could about every thing we take for granted in our everyday life, from manhole covers and recycling bins to pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. Leading readers on a spirited adventure through his hometown, and other environs, Carlsen explains with wit and erudition the engineering marvels, unheralded utilities, and secret economic and health benefits hiding in plain sight. Like how the addition of a front porch reduces crime and increases property value. And how planting a $10 boulevard tree cuts air-conditioning costs by 20 percent, while generating approximately $30,000 worth of oxygen and $31,000 worth of erosion control. Or how a simple walk, in addition to reduce your chances of a stroke (20 percent), cardiovascular disease (30 percent), and broken bones (40 percent), can increase creativity by 60 percent. Engaging, entertaining, and informative, A Walk Around the Block is a narrative celebration of all the seemingly random stuff we encounter at any given moment"-- Provided by publisher.

Get a Hobby! : 101 All-Consuming Diversions For Any Lifestyle by Barseghian, Tina

Is your daily grind taking the joy out of life? Don't get glum--get a hobby!

In this entertaining, information-packed guide, journalist and ReadyMade contributing editor Tina Barseghian invites you to explore 101 thoroughly absorbing diversions, from conventional to downright wacky, that'll satisfy every taste, talent, and timetable. The bonus: Practicing a hobby boosts your all-around mental and physical health, as longtime family practitioner Dr. Miguel Figueroa reveals in the Foreword.

Are you an independent, nature-loving, outdoorsy type? Consider beachcombing, caving, or mushroom hunting. Crafty, meticulous, and patient? You might enjoy needlework, knotting, or growing bonsai. Just take the personality quiz to identify those hobbies that best match your aptitude, interests, and even your mood, then it's on to the hobbies. Each hobby entry provides a playful mix of information: overviews, histories, and sample projects to help you get your hobby on, plus profiles of dedicated hobbyists and resources that'll help take you to the next level. Get a Hobby! might just be the inspiration you've been looking for.

Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability by Michaud-Skog, Summer

"In the tradition of Workman's Every Body Yoga, we're bringing a proud, plus-sized, body-positive attitude to the world of hiking and outdoor recreation. Summer Michaud-Skog, founder of the Fat Girls Hiking community, offers a book brimming with heartfelt stories, practical advice, personal profiles of FGH community members, and trail reviews. It all serves to spread the Fat Girls Hiking message of inclusivity in the outdoors. Equal parts empowering and impassioned, personal and practical, this book adds an important voice to the conversation about diversity in the outdoors, raising visibility of hikers who have too long been marginalized. As the Fat Girls Hiking motto goes, "Trails Not Scales!""--. Provided by publisher.

175 Science Experiments To Amuse and Amaze Your Friends: Experiments, Tricks, Things to Make by Walpole, Brenda

Instructions for 175 experiments, tricks, and creations that illustrate the principles of light, water, movement, and air.

https://leecountyfun.com/events/

Alien Encounters

 In the Summer of 1947,  reports of a flying saucer near Roswell, New Mexico before W.W. "Mac" Brazel found wreckage on his property. The Roswell Army Air Field "released a statement, writing, 'The many rumors regarding the flying disc became a reality yesterday when the intelligence office of the 509th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force, Roswell Army Air Field, was fortunate enough to gain possession of a disc through the cooperation of one of the local ranchers and the sheriff's office of Chaves County.'” (https://www.history.com/news/roswell-ufo-aliens-what-happened) A story that was reversed and altered through the years.

When it comes to aliens, I refer back to my "Life in the Universe" final and the question of wether or not we believe there are other life-forms out there and my belief that if there are, we are 100% the planet that other planets warn each other about. 

Light Years From Home by Chen, Mike

Fifteen years ago on a family camping trip, Evie and Kass Shao's father and brother vanished. Their dad turned up days later, dehydrated and confused-- convinced he'd been abducted by aliens. Their brother, Jakob, remained missing. Kass became the rock of the family. Evie traded academics to pursue alien conspiracy theories, always looking for Jakob. When Evie's UFO network uncovers a new event, she goes to investigate-- and discovers Jakob is back. He's older, stranger, and talking of an intergalactic war. Now the FBI is after Jakob. And if their brother is telling the truth, possibly an entire space armada, too.-- adapted from jacket

Taken : a novelization by Cook, Thomas H.

This epic novel spans sixty years of American history as the lives of three people are changed in an instant--and the consequences are played out over three generations of harrowing encounters and unexplained events. While the government lies, and a nation doubts, three families know they have been touched, know that something has been taken from them . . . something that will change their lives forever.

Diablo Mesa : a Nora Kelly novel by Preston, Douglas J.

Responding to the promise of a hefty donation from an eccentric billionaire with space travel ambitions, the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute excavates the site of the 1947 Roswell incident and immediately uncovers two unknown murder victims.

We are the Ants by Hutchinson, Shaun David

Henry Denton has spent years being periodically abducted by aliens. Then the aliens give him an ultimatum: the world will end in 144 days, and all Henry has to do to stop it is push a big red button. Only he isn't sure he wants to. Life hasn't been great for Henry: his mom is held together by a thin layer of cigarette smoke; his brother is a jobless dropout. And Henry is still dealing with the grief of his boyfriend's suicide last year. Weighing the pain and the joy that surrounds him, Henry can choose to save the planet... or let it be destroyed.

The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away by Smith, Ronald L.

After something strange happens during a camping trip, twelve-year-old alien-obsessed Simon suspects he has been abducted, but was it real or just his overactive imagination?

Losing the Girl by MariNaomi

As Blithedale searches for a missing girl, rumored to be abducted by aliens, a group of high school students experiences a series of romantic relationships and their effects on friendships.

Bent Heavens by Kraus, Daniel

Iowa. Two years ago Liv Fleming's father claimed he had been abducted by aliens-- and shortly after disappeared. Liv has accepted that he's dead, but every Sunday she and her friend Doug Monk continue to check the "alien traps" her father had set us. When they discover a creature so inhuman it can only be one thing, they choose to take matters into their own hands instead of turning him over to the authorities. -- adapted from jacket

Ashfall Legacy by Lore, Pittacus

Syd Chambers knows that there's life on other planets because he's descended from it. His father was from a distant world called Denza and has been missing-- presumed dead-- for years. When Syd discovers a device his father left behind which shows not only that he's alive, but where he is, Syd must set out on a mission of his own. Along the way he discovers a deadly, unbearable secret that could destroy Denza, Earth, and the universe. -- adapted from jacket.

Strange Days by Singer, Constantine

"When inexplicable events begin to occur, Los Angeles native Alex Mata uses his special ability of time travel to save the world from alien invasion"-- Provided by publisher.

The Truth Lies Here by Klingele, Lindsey

Arriving for a summer in her Michigan hometown, aspiring journalist Penny learns that her father, a tabloid journalist, is missing and charred dead bodies are being found in the woods.

Social Media

 

I remember disks and a choice, AOL or Prodigy.  AOL usually won out and after an eternity of waiting for dial-up, entry!  Chatrooms galore! A whole exciting world just ready and waiting for 13-year-old me to wander through and learn things, like the meanings of a/s/l, TTYL, and of course LOL, so long as nobody needed to use the phone. There was intense competition for usernames/handles, they had to be funny or interesting, or mysterious, or somehow representative of you.   I tended to go for the names of Greek goddesses.  In 1996, I added  bolt.com to my online repertoire. 2003 was MySpace and Gaia Online and Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram soon followed.   YouTube is in the mix as well but as a viewer only.  Social media has played a role in my life for nearly 30 years, (although some sources don't seem to count AOL or Prodigy as a type of social media).  It started as just something to kill time, bored, let's argue with strangers in an AOL chatroom.  Now it's a way to keep in contact with friends and loved ones, a way to share ideas and laughs, with people who are 5 states away, without having to make a dreaded phone call. To see up-to-date photos of family members in different countries. You can be amazed at the incredible accomplishments of one friend in one post and then sit back and eat popcorn when the next post just lets the drama unfold. You can learn so much about the world, social issues, and how to fact-check just about anything, (Real News/Fake News: Fact Checkers).

On June 30, 2010, Mashable launched Social Media Day, in recognition of the impact social media has had worldwide. Social media is not without its negatives.  People make choices on how to behave online.  Internet trolling, bullying, and harassment are just a few of the ways people choose to harm others online.  Other people use social media as a way to market unrealistic expectations, whether it be body image, material goods, or a fantasy lifestyle,  People with a greater influence, (more followers, money, etc.), can easily manipulate and spread misinformation.  With Twitter came the use of hashtags (#) and a whole other way to bring people together.  Beyond the use of #ThrowbackThursday and #MotivationalMonday, exists the power of #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, #CripTheVote #IceBucketChallenge, etc. to bring people together to share their stories, create movements, and bring awareness.

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media/biggest-social-media-sites/#close

Timeline of social media

Hashtag Activism

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and the Modern Revolution.

"Despite its critics, social networking is our newest and most powerful expression of culture, communication, and revolution. It cannot be controlled by governments. It is faster and more viral than television or radio. It is the perfect instantiation of freedom of expression, and it rewrites all the rules"--Back cover.

Facebook: The Inside Story by Levy, Steven

"In his sophomore year of college, Mark Zuckerberg created a simple website to serve as a campus social network. The site caught on like wildfire, and soon students nationwide were on Facebook. Today, Facebook is nearly unrecognizable from Zuckerberg's first, modest iteration. It has grown into a tech giant, the largest social media platform and one of the most gargantuan companies in the world, with a valuation of more than $576 billion and almost 3 billion users. There is no denying the power and omnipresence of Facebook in American daily life. And in light of recent controversies surrounding election-influencing 'fake news' accounts, the handling of its users' personal data, and growing discontent with the actions of its founder and CEO, never has the company been more central to the national conversation. Based on years of exclusive reporting, and interviews with Facebook's key executives and employees, including Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, Steven Levy's sweeping narrative digs deep into the whole story of the company that has changed the world and reaped the consequences"-- Provided by publisher.

Instagram by Herman, Jenn

"Instagram is the fastest-growing social network in the world, soaring from 500 million to 1 billion active users in just two years. Users flock to the site thanks to its simplicity and use of the most popular social media features--image and video sharing, community, and personal insight. Instagram For Dummies is here if you're ready to get acquainted with the platform or want to find ways to do more with your Instagram account. Written by an team led by top Instagram trainer Jenn Herman, this book gives you tips for creating great Instagram images, personalizing your posts, connecting with the Instagram community, and working with Stories and IGTV. Access Instagram on a computer or mobile device; Set up your profile; Connect with others; Share your stories; Shoot better Instagram images. From handling core functions to connecting with the Instagram community, this book shares the secrets you need to shine on social media like no other!" --Amazon.com.

 

The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook: 75 Internet-Breaking Recipes for Snacks, Drinks, Treats, and More! by Mussi, Valentina

"Become the next viral sensation and make some delicious dishes that will impress all your friends with The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook. From whipped coffee to pancake cereal and mug cakes to seltzer slushies, you can find all the recipes you've seen on social media and have been dying to make in one place. Featuring simple, easy-to-follow instructions, you can now create the recipes you've seen all over the internet in the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to post your cooking creations online or just share them with your friends, this book is a must-have for chefs of all ages!"--. Provided by publisher.

The Selfie Generation How Our Self Images Are Changing Our Notions of Privacy, Sex, Consent, and Culture by Eler, Alicia

Whether it's Kim Kardashian uploading picture after picture to Instagram or your roommate posting a mid-vacation shot to Facebook, selfies receive mixed reactions. But are selfies more than, as many critics lament, a symptom of a self-absorbed generation?

Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less from Each Other by Turkle, Sherry

In "Alone Together," MIT technology and society professor Sherry Turkle explores the power of our new tools and toys to dramatically alter our social lives. It's a nuanced exploration of what we are looking for--and sacrificing--in a world of electronic companions and social networking tools, and an argument that, despite the hand-waving of today's self-described prophets of the future, it will be the next generation who will chart the path between isolation and connectivity.

Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by McCulloch, Gretchen

"A linguistically informed look at how our digital world is transforming the English language. Language is humanity's most spectacular open-source project, and the internet is making our language change faster and in more interesting ways than ever before. The programmers behind our apps and platforms decide how our conversations are structured, from the grammar of status updates to the protocols of comments and @replies. Linguistically inventive online communities spread new slang and jargon with dizzying speed. What's more, social media is a vast laboratory of unedited, unfiltered words where we can language evolve in real time. Even the most absurd-looking slang has genuine patterns behind it. Internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch explores the deep forces that shape human language and influence the way we communicate with one another. She explains how the year you first accessed the internet determines how you talk online; how ~sparkly tildes~ became widely recognized as sarcasm punctuation; whether emoji are replacing words; and why internet dialects like doge, lolspeak, and snek are linguistically significant. Because Internet is essential reading for anyone who's ever puzzled over how to punctuate a text message or wondered where memes come from. It's the perfect book for understanding how the internet is changing the English language, why that's a good thing, and what our online interactions reveal about who we are"-- Provided by publisher.

Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are by Stephens-Davidowitz, Seth

A former Google data scientist presents an insider's look at what the vast, instantly available amounts of information from the Internet can reveal about human civilization and society.

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for Seniors by Collier, Marsha

This updated guide makes it easy to set up a Facebook or Twitter account to catch up with old friends, communicate with your family, and enjoy your online experience. You'll get hands-on guidance to connecting to the Internet with a computer or mobile device, creating social media accounts and profiles, searching for friends, joining groups, sharing photos and videos, and more. It also covers popular sites where you can read and share opinions on entertainment and travel options, view movies and television shows on your computer or mobile device, and even create your own blog.

Game, Set, Match!

 

I grew up a couple blocks from a park that had a tennis court.  At first, I thought that tennis might actually be something I could do, it didn't appear to involve much running and you got to swing a racket and if you did it successfully you would hit the tennis ball with an incredibly satisfying "thwack".   My interest in tennis was short-lived.  I believe it was a combination of my best friend losing interest, hot weather, a  lack of athleticism on my part, and a need to stop embarrassing myself in front of the older teens who hung out by the basketball hoops next to the tennis court.  

From June 27th to July 10th, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, or The Championships will be taking place as it has since 1877.  The Championships come with a strict dress code on the court (white, everything must be white), Strawberries and Cream for £2.50, and a box just for the Royals.

 On April 26, 2022, it was announced that: “Following two pandemic-affected years, we are pleased to be planning for a special Wimbledon, as we celebrate the centenary of our move from Worple Road to our present location at Church Road, and the opening of Centre Court here. This stadium has witnessed not just epic matches, but many changes in the world around us and in society. This year provides an opportunity for reflection on the past, but also to envisage what is to come in the next 100 years.” -Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club (wimbledon.com).

Tennis by Dittmer, Lori

From baseball fields to volleyball courts, some of the most popular sports can be experienced worldwide. Appealing to sports enthusiasts and young participants, this new series introduces the basic gameplay of six Amazing Sports. Detailed photos and straightforward text examine the featured sport's history, equipment, primary positions, and common rules. Each book also includes a biographical story about a famous player who influenced the sport. Get the ball rolling with this high-interest introduction to tennis, the sport known for its low nets and rackets. Also included is a biographical story about professional tennis players Venus and Serena Williams.  

The Tennis Book: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Tennis by Parsons, John

Written by two of the game's leading authorities, The Tennis Book is the definitive work on one of the world's most exhilarating sports. Loaded with over 200 photographs, this comprehensive volume traces tennis from its aristocratic beginnings in the 1800s to the high-energy, all-action global sport of today. With profiles of court legends, insightful analysis of the greatest matches, and an in-depth look at the politics, controversies, and oddities of the game, The Tennis Book serves up an unmatched collection of aces.

Seeing Serena by Marzorati, Gerald

'Seeing Serena' is a riveting chronicle of trailblazing tennis champion and cultural icon Serena Williams' turbulent 2019 tour season and a revealing portrait of who she is, both on and off the court.

Open: An Autobiography by Agassi, Andre

From Andre Agassi, one of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court, a beautiful, haunting autobiography.

The Divine Miss Marble: A Life of Tennis, Fame, and Mystery by Weintraub, Robert

Alice Marble was the biggest tennis star of the pre-war era, famous for overcoming serious illness to win the biggest tournaments including Wimbledon. She was also a fashion designer, a contributor to a pioneering new comic called Wonder Woman, and friend to the biggest names in Hollywood. She helped integrate tennis and even coached Billie Jean King and Sally Ride. Yet her private life provoked constant speculation, and her memoirs added layers of legend upon stories. This fascinating biography reveals her mysteries and contradictions, and the truths of her unforgettable life.

All In: An Autobiography by King, Billie Jean

"In this spirited account, Billie Jean King details her life's journey to find her true self. She recounts her groundbreaking tennis career--six years as the top-ranked woman in the world, twenty Wimbledon championships, thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and her watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous "Battle of the Sexes." She poignantly recalls the cultural backdrop of those years and the profound impact on her worldview from the women's movement, the assassinations and anti-war protests of the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and, eventually, the LGBTQ+ rights movement"--. Provided by publisher.

Unstoppable: My Life So Far by Sharapova, Maria

In the middle of the night, a father and his daughter step off a Greyhound bus in Florida and head straight to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. They ring the bell, though no one is expecting them and they don't speak English. The two have arrived from Russia with only seven hundred dollars and the conviction that this six-year-old will be the next tennis star. Amazingly, they are right.

Young Maria Sharapova went on to win Wimbledon at just seventeen years old, in an astonishing upset against the reigning champion Serena Williams--the match that kicked off their legendary rivalry and placed Sharapova on the international stage. At eighteen, she reached the number one WTA ranking for the first time, and has held that ranking many times since. In this gripping autobiography, the five-time Grand Slam winner recounts the story of her phenomenal rise to success, narrated with the same no-holds-barred, fiercely provocative attitude that characterizes her tennis game. Full of thrilling, insightful episodes from her beginnings in Siberia, from career-defining games, and from her recent fight to get back on the court. Unstoppable is an inspiring tale of persistence, pulsing with fearlessness and candor. Sharapova's is an utterly unforgettable story.

Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession by Skidelsky, William

The influential sportswriter traces the career of Roger Federer and his own story against a history of professional tennis, exploring such topics as the psychology of fandom and the techniques that shaped Federer's victories and rivalries. --Publisher's description.

King Richard - DVD

Based on the true story that will inspire the world, follow the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever.

Camping

 

This year will mark my family's first camping trip in several years.  We will be camping with friends.  I will most likely be overheated, cranky, and paranoid about my kids getting too close to a river; it should be fun.   I've always had a weird relationship with camping; I enjoy it sort of, maybe, well parts of it.   I recall Indiana beach being fun until my parents discovered that our tent had been vandalized.   Wisconsin Dells was a blast, except for tiki torches nearly setting the tent on fire... The last time we attempted camping it stormed a majority of our time there.  From 7th grade through my senior year, I'd spend a week at a camp.  It was a school trip taken at the beginning of each school year and the best part of those trips was just being in Wisconsin.  I think my most successful camping trip, was when my parents would pitch a tent in the backyard and let me sleep out there, (so long as the yard was skunk free for a night).  Seriously though, this trip should be fun, really it will.

Not only is June National Camping Month but the last full week of June is National Camping Week. .  The general hope is that camping will allow people to cultivate an appreciation for outdoor activities; especially for kids.  This did not work for me but, other people may have more luck.

A Book of Camping and Survival Projects for Kids Who Love to go Wild by Owen, Ruth

"Could you survive in the wild? Young readers will be able to answer yes after tackling these engaging and educational DIY projects focused on survival. Each project is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, allowing young learners and reluctant readers to feel accomplished as they complete each achievable task. In addition, safety tips and materials lists help readers practice being prepared--a truly essential skill for survival! Featuring vivid photographs and a high-interest topic, this guide is sure to spark creativity in readers at a variety of levels"--Provided by the publisher.

Camp & Cabin Cookbook: 100 Recipes to Prepare Wherever You Go. by Bashar, Laura.  

When it's time to head out for a camping weekend, there's no reason to compromise on great food. It's easy to whip up delicious meals with the recipes in this book: instructions include supply lists and prep work that can be done ahead of time and options for cooking both out- and indoors. The Camp & Cabin Cookbook is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous photographs of every dish, from breakfast to snacks to dinner. Don't leave home without it!

Field & Stream's Guide to Camping by Nickens, T. Edward

Camping is one activity that's much more fun when one has the right skills and know-how for the outdoors. Field & Stream's editors have collected 87 essential pieces of advice about camping that will make readers into leaders of the campground. Pitching a tent, making knots, building a fire, and cooking a delicious outdoor meal are all part of this wide-ranging guide. Visual aids and numbered directions make each skill comprehensible, while beautiful color photographs will inspire readers to pack up and head outside.

The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids: How to Plan Memorable Family Adventures and Connect Kids to Nature by Olsson, Helen

Outlines economical options for family camping vacations, sharing irreverent, anecdotal, and practical guidelines for families with young children while explaining how to select gear and address needs with a minimum of stress.

Once in a Blue Moon Lodge: a novel by Landvik, Lorna

Set adrift when her mother sells the salon that has been a neighborhood institution for decades, Nora Rolvaag takes a camping trip, intending to do nothing more than roast marshmallows over an open fire and under a starry sky. Two chance encounters, however, will have enormous consequences, and her getaway turns out to be more of a retreat from her daily life than she ever imagined. But Nora is the do-or-die-trying daughter of Patty Jane, who now must embrace the House of Curl's slogan: "Expect the Unexpected." With her trademark wit and warmth, Lorna Landvik follows Nora and an ever-growing cast of characters between city and wooded retreat, Minnesota and Norway, a past that's secret and a future that's promising, but uncertain. Responding to a mysterious letter with a Norwegian postmark, Nora's grandmother Ione travels to her native land to tend to a dying cousin and her husband-two people who played a painful, pivotal role in her past. Nora accompanies her and is surprised by her grandmother's long-ago love story-but even more surprised by the beginning of her own.

The Clover Girls by Shipman, Viola

"Elizabeth, Veronica, Rachel and Emily met at Camp Birchwood as girls in 1985, where over four summers they were the Clover Girls--inseparable for those magical few weeks of freedom--until the last summer that pulled them apart. Now approaching middle age, the women are facing challenges they never imagined as teens, struggles with their marriages, their children, their careers, and wondering who it is they see when they look in the mirror. Then Liz, V and Rachel each receive a letter from Emily with devastating news. She implores the girls who were once her best friends to reunite at Camp Birchwood one last time, to spend a week together revisiting the dreams they'd put aside and repair the relationships they'd allowed to sour. But the women are not the same idealistic, confident girls who once ruled Camp Birchwood, and perhaps some friendships aren't meant to last forever..."--. Publisher's description.

The Daydream cabin by Brown, Carolyn

"A headstrong woman discovers it's never too late for change in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown's spirited novel about lost hope and second chances. Substitute counselor for wayward teens isn't how public-school teacher Jayden Bennett planned to spend her summer vacation. However reluctant, she's hiking up her jeans and heading for remote Piney Wood Academy in north Texas. Two months. Seven days a week. Few amenities. And three troubled girls daring Jayden to make a difference. She understands what she's up against. She has her own burdens to bear. Jayden's not in it alone. The devoted elderly couple who run Piney Wood trusts in Jayden's tough-love approach to get the job done. So does drill instructor Elijah Thomas, whose hardened boot-camp hide conceals a heart broken one too many times. Jayden is making it beat again. For both of them, falling in love is a risk. Because all summers must come to an end. But with each new sunrise on these rustic acres, Jayden."-- From publisher's description.

Just A Boy And A Girl In A Little Canoe by Mlynowski, Sarah

"Nineteen-year-old Sam's summer isn't off to a great start. Her boyfriend, Eli, ditched her for a European backpacking trip and now she's a counselor at Camp Blue Springs: the summer camp her eleven-year-old self swore never to return to. Sam expects the next seven weeks to be a total disaster. That is, until she meets Gavin, the camp's sailing instructor, who turns her expectations upside down. Gavin may have gotten the job just for his abs. Or that smile. Or the way he fills Sam's free time with thrilling encounters--swimming under a cascade of stars, whispering secrets over s'mores, embarking on one (very precarious) canoe ride after dark. It's absurd. After all, Sam loves Eli. But one totally absurd, compeltely off-the-wall summer may be just what Sam needs. And maybe, just maybe, it will teach her something about what she really wants."--publisher

Nothing Happened by Booth, Molly

Bee and Hana Leonato have lived their whole lives at Camp Dogberry. Their parents own the place, and every summer they look forward to leading little campers in crafts, swimming in the lake, and of course, throwing legendary counselor parties. This year Bee and longtime counselor Ben have a will-they-or-won't-they romance that's complicated by events that happened-- or didn't happen-- last summer. Meanwhile, Hana is falling hard for the kind but insecure Claudia, putting them both in the crosshairs of resident troublemaker John, who spreads a vicious rumor that could tear them apart. At the Fourth of July sparkler party, will the all find the courage to untangle the truth?

Camp by Miller, Kayla

"Olive and Willow are happy campers! Or are they? Olive is sure she'll have the best time at summer camp with her friend Willow - but while Olive makes quick friends with the other campers, Willow struggles to form connections and latches on to the only person she knows - Olive. It's s'more than Olive can handle! The stress of being Willow's living security blanket begins to wear on Olive and before long ... the girls aren't just fighting, they may not even be friends by the time camp is over. Will the two be able to patch things up before the final lights out?"--Provided by publisher.