The Surprising Attractions of Adult Summer Camps

By Kaelie Piscitello

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who attended summer camp as children and those who did not. However, there is another pair of opposites: those who attend camp as adults and those who do not.

Though sleepaway camp is an experience typically allocated to children, adult summer camps have emerged over the past few years. The purpose? Some adults may want to relive a positive childhood memory. Others could need a break from their busy lives. However, there are more reasons for attending adult summer camp than one would think.

The Obvious Reason: To Revive Childhood Memories

Most adult summer camps offer the traditional summer camp experience but gear it towards adults instead of children. Camp No Counselors, for example, offers “public camps” in New York, California, and Texas, for adults to partake in the traditional camping experience mixed with adult partying.

At Camp No Counselors, guests can make new friends no matter their age and engage in socials packed with costume themes, live bands, and campfires. Of course, traditional summer camp groups and individual activities, such as climbing, are also included in the experience.

Though adults may feel too old to engage in childhood games, no one is ever too old to make new friends and attend parties.

Expanding Imaginations

It’s healthy for people to explore their creativity at every age. Some companies, such as The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans or Stitching Fox Needlepoint, offer skill-based summer camps, or retreats, where people can come and learn different ways to express themselves creatively.

For example, theOgden Museum’s summer camp invites campers to explore 2D and 3D design through different modes of art, including painting and sculptures. Stitching Fox Needlepoint, on the other hand, offers customers the opportunity to expand their stitching skills with the help of instruction from a trained professional.

Opportunities for Learning New Hobbies

Other camps offer other lessons in more practical skills, such as cooking and surfing. Those looking to take up a new hobby feel excited at the opportunity to explore different options through proper training and supervision.

Endless Summer Surf Camp, with locations in California and Costa Rica, offers adults (and children) the opportunity to learn about the basics of surfing, catching waves, surf etiquette, and more while engaging in other camp activities, such as board games and interacting with other campers.

Summer camp is the perfect opportunity for people of any age to dive in, try something new, and learn about a new interest.

Relaxation

Those looking to escape and take a break from the daily struggles of life will appreciate the relaxation element many adult summer camps offer. Camp No Counselors is starting to host health and wellness retreats called Recharge in the Pocono Mountains, located two hours from New York City. This way, customers can disconnect from the real world with the help of activities such as stargazing and meditation.

Unlike other adult camp experiences offered by Camp No Counselors, Recharge does not provide alcohol, and many of the activities center around personal reflection and a focus on campers’ physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Non-Relaxation, Camp for Adult Athletes

Those interested in sports can attend summer camps geared towards any athletic activity they are interested in.

Around the United States alone, many summer camps center around specific types of games, including tennis, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Those looking for a more positive vacation experience will enjoy taking lessons and plunging into a sport, old or new.

The Body Holiday in Saint Lucia is one camp that offers many athletic focuses, such as kayaking, fencing, scuba diving, and archery. Guests can also partake in the themed months the company offers, the next being “June Jive,” or a month dedicated to dancing. There is something for everyone, and camp can help people broaden their horizons about which exercise suits them best.

Getting Hitched

Of course, a summer camp for adults wouldn’t be appropriate without a grownup twist.

Though it’s common for adult summer camps to offer alcohol and party experiences, some provide unique event options.

Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, offers a getaway wedding venue for couples in addition to the typical camp activities.

Brides and grooms can relax or experience adrenaline before their big day by enjoying the lake, doing arts and crafts, or engaging in exciting sports like ziplining and the Giant Swings. Then, they can party all night in the beautiful campgrounds with catering and a beautiful venue.

In addition to weddings, other adult camp companies, like Camp No Counselors, also provide options for bachelorette and bachelor parties to celebrate new chapters.

Exploring Space: Perfect for Star Wars Fans and Teachers!

Space camps exist for adults too, and NASA is the company that hosts them. NASA offers several adult space camps, including a three-day Adult Space Academy and a 5–6-day advanced version for returners.

During this unique experience, campers can construct and launch rockets, fly aircraft simulators, and train like astronauts. Customers also have the option to engage in a custom training program by setting up team-building activities within companies and hosting athletic events.

Adult space camp also offers a version for educators, perfect for those wanting to bring space exploration into their classrooms. Teachers will be surprised to learn lessons and activities proposed during camp align with the National Science Education Standards.

Teachers receive 45 hours of continuing education credits they can put towards their pensions and the experience of a lifetime dedicated to helping them facilitate a love of the unknown in students.

Click here to read about the best ways to stay organized during camping trips.

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