Summer Camp Tales

Have you ever had a foil dinner? Imagine chicken and vegetables, perfectly seasoned, cooked in tin foil over a campfire. Absolutely mouth-watering. Foil dinners are one of my favorite meals, and I first experienced them at Girl Scout Camp. It was so delicious that when I came home, I showed my parents how to make it (cooked over a barbecue rather than a fire, of course). This is just one great memory I have from my time at camp.

The theme of this year’s Summer at MCPL is Telling Tales, and there is no better place to tell tales than around a campfire at summer camp. With the sun setting and marshmallows at the end of a stick, a story about a spooky ghost or a child lost in the woods is the perfect end to a day filled with canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding. Going to camp is a wonderful adventure for the kids who get the opportunity.

Unfortunately, not all children get that chance. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still go on a camp adventure. Here are some fun stories set at a variety of different types of camps, perfect for summer reading.

How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer by Taryn Souders: An underwear-eating goat and an invincible spider are just two things Chloe must contend with at career camp. Hopefully, she will learn how to make money for her new bike.

Sami’s Sleepaway Summer by Jenny Meyerhoff: Sami is nervous. She is going away to camp for the first time. And even worse, her annoying cousin Daniel will be there—a perfect tale for first-time campers.

Morgy’s Musical Summer by Maggie Lewis: Morgy’s heading to Outlook Music Camp to get better at the trumpet. He can barely read music, is stuck with a solo in the orchestra, and his best friend is in love with the Trumpet teacher. Well, maybe if he keeps practicing, things will turn out ok.

Summer at Squee by Andrea Wang: Phoenny Fang is returning as a senior camper to Summertime Chinese Culture, Wellness, and Enrichment Experience (Squee). However, with her squad of friends separated and new campers not feeling as connected to their Chinese heritage as she is, will the summer be a bust?

Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit: Maddie is heading to Acting camp, hoping to learn more about screenwriting. But her former friend, Chloe, will also be there. Can they reconnect their friendship?

Garbage Pail Kids: Camp Daze by R.L. Stine: A dead horse. Radioactive waste. A lake monster. It’s just more fun for those crazy Garbage Pail Kids.

While reading about camp doesn’t replace the experience, it can still be fun. So, if you have a child heading to camp or just want to read about it, check out these great tales available this Summer at MCPL.

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch