The Best Adult Summer Camps That Throw Back to Your Childhood
Who says grown-ups can’t have fun?
Summer isn't over yet, so don't table new plans. Instead, why not savor what's left of these long, sun-filled days and explore some summer travel options to squeak in one last vacation? We've got a brilliant idea for you: Sign up for an adult summer camp or some other type of dedicated retreat for grown-ups.
Yes, adults can go to summer camp, too. These one-of-a-kind destinations are instant mood boosters, with throwback elements to transport you to the good old days—like the blob on the lake, ropes courses, or campfires complete with acoustic summer song sing-alongs. In some cases, there are also empowerment activities, like networking sessions to help further your career, or physical training, like yoga or golf.
Depending on your personal style, you can opt for a variety of accommodations. While there are plenty of adult summer camps where you can expect to climb up into your bunk or pitch a tent in the wilderness, there are just as many for those who prefer more of a glamping experience—and still more that set you up in cozy five-star digs. And though these retreats can be pricey, they're often all-inclusive, so you don't have to worry about à la carte activities or dining out.
At the end of the day, none of these adult playgrounds are exactly alike, but they all have one important common denominator: They give you the opportunity to use all those vacation days you've saved up for something really fun. The getaway with the kids and that couples resort will just have to wait.
Social Summer Camp
Head to Camp No Counselor's Los Angeles location for the weekend of August 18 to 21, or opt for their Big Apple experience September 2 to 5. Either way, you'll find a coupling of traditional daytime activities (ropes courses, kayaking, and more) and nightly socials complete with foam parties, live music, and other fun things to get into.
From $850/person
Traditional Summer Camp
Only 90 short miles from NYC in Kent, Connecticut, sits an old-school summer camp just for adults. Days at Club Getaway are spent rock climbing, mountain biking, zip-lining, or simply lounging lakeside. Nights are filled with happy hours, live music, campfires with s’mores (of course), and themed dance parties. Choose from a variety of themed weekends August through October.
From $325
Needlepoint Camp
Stitching is making a comeback as one of the most popular hobbies, and the 2022 Tony Minieri Needlepoint Retreats at Stitching Fox—taking place September 16 through 18—will help you hone your skills while socializing with other like-minded individuals. Not to mention, you'll spend the weekend in Mill Spring, North Carolina, surrounded by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
From $495/person
Space Camp
Always wanted to be an astronaut? The Adult Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, is quite literally out of this world. During the two-night weekend—offered once per month from May through September—you'll learn what it takes to be an astronaut with hands-on experience navigating interactive space missions.
$649/person
Women's Adventure Camp
At Camp Chief Ouray in Granby, Colorado, women will spend the weekend of August 26 learning how to navigate the great outdoors, while gaining access to a wide range of activities, including archery, fly fishing, mountain biking, outdoor survival, Pilates, and...goat yoga.
$325/person
Dude Ranch Camp
Six times each year (twice in May, once in June, twice in August, and once in September), Black Mountain Ranch, nestled in the mountains of McCoy, Colorado, offers a more intimate experience for adults only. The all-inclusive stay includes unlimited horseback rides, whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, shooting, fishing, and swimming, paired with gourmet meals and live music.
From $2,850
Golf Camp
The Lake Placid Resort & Spa golf camp is a three-day school (dates flexible) in Lake Placid, New York, where players are coached through all facets of the game—from full swing to putting—by a top team of LPGA and PGA instructors.
From $1,600
The Hotel Experience
Prefer to sleep in a plush bed and have access to luxuries like room service? You'll love this Martha's Vineyard-based hotel, aptly called—what else—Summercamp. Stay whenever you please, and choose from a variety of room types. Then, indulge in fun throwback activities like Twister or snack on nostalgic treats like Cracker Jacks at the canteen.
From $166/room
Camp in the Woods
This traditional-style summer camp, nestled just outside of Portland, Maine, brings the LGBTQ+ community together for a full week of sleep-away camp, where camp-goers can experience a wide range of arts and crafts, outdoor activities, camp games, cantina-style meals, and—of course—bonfires.
From $1,775/person
Surf Camp
Hang loose on the beaches of California at a five-day camp where you'll learn how to ride the waves, plus get the unique experience of camping on the beach at night. Camps run from May through September each year on a bucolic, less-frequented beach in between Los Angeles and San Diego.
From $1,295/person
Cooking Camp
What better place to hone your cooking abilities than at one of the Culinary Institute of America's numerous outposts? In one of their two- to five-day programs, you'll work with trained chefs to sharpen your knife skills and learn more about a variety of cuisines. Needless to say, you'll be well-fed.
From $1,050
Band Camp
In the upper peninsula of Michigan sits a band camp for adults. At the Interlochen Center for the Arts, musicians who play woodwinds, strings, percussion, and more come together from August 9 through 14 to hone skills, enjoy the beautiful setting, and give a concert at the end of the week.
$625/person
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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