June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Is adult summer camp a fun getaway for outdoorsy people? Or is all the macramé and archery just an excuse to party in the woods for a week?
That depends on where you go. We’ve rounded up several of the best summer camp experiences for grown-ups.
Some people learn outdoors skills when they’re young, from parents or troop leaders. What about the rest of us — the city kids who only went camping in the backyard and don’t know how to tie a square knot? It’s never too late to learn at the Pursuit Series, an outdoor adventure camp that takes place over three days in locations around the United States.
The Pursuit Series gives participants a chance to try outdoorsy and wellness pursuits they’ve never done before. Experienced instructors teach sessions on mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fly fishing and more. You can also learn the basics of setting up camp, administering first aid, and backcountry cooking. Choose from more than 100 options to build your own schedule. All the gear’s provided, and meals and drinks are included, so this adult summer camp is a pretty good deal. Lodging is extra, however, whether you set up your own tent or go for full-on glamping.
“Play like a kid, party like a grownup.” That’s the tagline of Camp No Counselors, a weekend sleepaway camp for adults that’s held at various locations in the United States and Canada. The all-inclusive rate covers lodging, activities, nightly theme parties and meals. A few summer camp sessions are just for single adults over 40.i
True to its tagline, Camp No Counselors combines traditional summer-camp activities, like making friendship bracelets and canoeing, with adult fun: a morning mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, an open bar at mealtimes, and themed dance parties. Despite the name, there are staff on site to ensure everything goes smoothly and participants stay safe. The use of technology is permitted, although gently discouraged.
Unlike some of its competitors, Camp Bonfire prominently posts its rules. No cell phones or other tech use outside of a designated area. No bringing your own alcohol. No illicit drugs. The goal of this adult summer camp is to foster an inclusive community and encourage stepping out of your comfort zone. “When you shine your best self onto camp, others will be inspired to do the same,” the camp says.
Activities include a mix of classic pursuits (wood-burning, embroidery, talent shows and swimming) and others that are decidedly quirkier, like “human hungry hungry hippos,” Quidditch and lemon jousting. Participants stay in cabins with indoor bathrooms, and food is included. Drinks are served only in the evenings.
Were you so jealous in junior high when your best friend went to space camp? Here’s your chance: Adult Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Over a weekend, participants discover what it takes to be an astronaut. Learn teamwork on a ropes course, engage in a simulated space mission and try not to get dizzy on the spinning multi-axis trainer.
For musicians, the famous Interlochen Center for the Arts hosts Adult Band Camp. Take private lessons with well-known instructors, practice as an ensemble, and then perform in concert with 69 new friends. If you’re more into guitar-shredding than tuba-tooting, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp gives you the chance to take master classes and jam with real rock stars. Past headliners have included Dave Navarro (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Roger Daltrey (The Who) and Joe Perry (Aerosmith).
A few adult summer camps are just for women and people who identify as women. One is Camp Yes! in Oregon, an annual four-day retreat for women entrepreneurs and leaders. Activities include “untalent shows, pj parties, arts & crafts, personal development playshops, solo reflection time, yoga, music, rock climbing & challenge course… and all the s'mores.” Sounds good to us!
A more traditional, less intensive camp is the Women’s Getaway Weekend at Camp Emerson in Massachusetts. Over three days, women partake in line dancing, tennis, swimming and sailing as well as some little luxuries: massages, wine-tasting and yoga.
As delightful as these grown-up summer camps can be, they’re all about organized fun. What if you just want the simpler things? Creaky cabin bunks, a fragrant campfire, morning mist rising from the lake?
Check out Camp Wandawega in southern Wisconsin. Founded in 1925, Wandawega has been a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a house of ill repute, a 1950s resort for Chicago families and a Catholic retreat. Today, Wandawega hosts weekend gatherings for artists, musicians and makers of all kinds. Its vintage cabins can also be rented on Airbnb. Just read the “Manifesto of Low Expectations” first, which outlines the reality of spiders in showers, no air conditioning and lumpy mattresses.ii And if the nightly rates are a little too high, why not create your own grown-up summer-camp experience at your local state park?
Ready to roll up your sleeping bag and roast some marshmallows? Remember that travel insurance is a must . Adult summer camps aren’t cheap, and insurance can protect your vacation investment. And if something goes wrong when you’re in the wilderness, travel insurance can help. Compare plans and get a quote!
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