AUGUST Moodboard - Summer Camp

Jonathon Engelien
Aug 4
2 min read

When I don’t put out a Monthly Moodboard, time seems to move faster than I can enjoy it. I originally made these just for myself, then started posting them on my blog from time to time. I know everything can feel a little cringy online, and sharing these has sometimes felt hard. Am I being too consumeristic? Is it authentic to post this kind of content on an art website? Or do people just find it annoying?

It’s been a couple of months since my last moodboard, and I’ve realized that when I make time for them, I feel that spark of intention — followed by the satisfaction of following through. These moodboards have become a quiet ritual for me. They’re a way to sit down and reflect on the life I want to create.

August 1st arrived, and with it came a small panic thinking about how little time I had left to finish out my summer dreams.

I’ve been feeling nostalgic this year, thinking about camping and my boy scout adventures growing up. I can’t believe it’s been over a decade since I last planned a tent camping trip for myself and my family. A few weeks ago at my corporate job, I was waiting for the elevator when someone said, “Jonathon, I love that you always look like you’re ready for a hike.” I glanced down at my yellow-and-khaki New Balance shoes, wide wool dress pants that could pass for an army uniform, and my vintage Banana Republic canvas backpack. I chuckled as I didn’t think anyone would typically be seen as ready to hike in a formal cut-away-collar dress shirt — but if anyone was going to do it would be me. And I would be the sharpest looking hiker if it meant I could escape quickly to nature. (I do want to note: I am often seen as an overdresser).

Weeks went by after this interaction and I never took action to be the hiker or the backpacker. Now, finding the vision and the time for the things I love doing, will inherently result in my August feeling lived in.

So this moodboard is steeped in my plan to take action on that summer camp feeling. August is my favorite summer month: the humid days have mostly passed (with a few here or there), and the drier air helps tamp down on the explosion of bugs that made July a little unbearable. What’s left in August is the chance to live out the pure dreams of summer.

Nights under the stars, with fire sparks and toasted marshmallows.

A duffle bag always packed, stuffed into the corner of a tent as the weekend begins.

The return of a good blanket in these cooler mornings, steam rising from the coffee mug.

Afternoons drinking and fumbling through the house rules of the dominos game you only play this time of year.

Product Staples for August

Below are some of the items that I’m recommending and working with this month. With all product recommendations, most things I own, but there are a few aspirational purchases that I’m looking to make the investment. Life isn’t lived through consumerism, but I think quality items can enhance the story that we’re living out.