Adult Summer Camps Are Having a Moment — Here Are 5 Worth Booking
Our take
The resurgence of adult summer camps isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a poignant reflection of our collective yearning for simplicity, connection, and a deliberate disconnect from the relentless demands of modern life. The article’s focus on these escapes, offering structured nostalgia and curated experiences, speaks directly to a generation grappling with burnout and a pervasive sense of isolation. This desire to recapture the carefree spirit of childhood, albeit in a more sophisticated and intentional way, aligns perfectly with the ethos of quiet luxury we champion. We've seen this desire manifested in other realms of late – consider the recent, exquisitely understated wedding of Dua Lipa and Callum Turner Dua Lipa Marries Callum Turner In Schiaparelli Couture, a celebration of enduring love shorn of ostentation. The adult summer camp phenomenon builds on this same principle: a yearning for authentic experiences, beautifully rendered, rather than performative displays of wealth or status. It’s a turning away from the constant pressure to project an image, and towards a quiet enjoyment of the present moment.
The appeal extends beyond mere escapism, however. These camps offer a tangible antidote to the digital fatigue so many of us experience. The invitation to shed the constant connectivity – the phantom limb of the smartphone – and engage in activities that foster genuine human interaction is profoundly appealing. The very premise of “nostalgia-maxxing,” as the article points out, suggests a desire to return to a time when leisure was less curated and more organically unfolding. This resonates with the broader trend of revisiting classic beauty rituals, exemplified by Icon Skincare's recent updates to their iconic formulas Icon Skincare Is Updating Classic Formulas For A Modern Audience. Both trends are about finding grounding and authenticity in a world saturated with fleeting trends and manufactured experiences. Further, the careful curation of visual storytelling, evident in Rachel Zoe's work with Essie Rachel Zoe's Essie Shoot Was A Masterclass In Telling Visual Color Stories, demonstrates the power of aesthetics in creating a cohesive and evocative experience, mirroring the thoughtfully designed atmosphere of these adult summer camps.
Ultimately, the success of adult summer camps lies in their ability to offer a carefully constructed sense of belonging and purpose. These aren't chaotic, all-inclusive resorts; they’re intentional spaces designed to cultivate connection, encourage creativity, and foster a sense of self-discovery. The emphasis is on the *feeling* of summer camp – the camaraderie, the exploration, the simple joys – rather than the superficial trappings. It’s about tapping into a universal longing for a time when life felt less complicated, and when the greatest adventures could be found in a field of fireflies. This aligns beautifully with the introspective and emotionally-driven content we cultivate, focusing on inner states rather than external achievements. It’s a shift towards a lifestyle that prioritizes presence, freedom, and self-connection – values that resonate deeply with our audience.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how these adult summer camps evolve. Will they become increasingly personalized, catering to niche interests and offering bespoke experiences? Or will they retain their core appeal as accessible escapes for those seeking respite and reconnection? The industry's ability to maintain its authenticity and resist the temptation to become overly commercialized will be key to its long-term success. One can only imagine the potential for thoughtfully designed offerings that blend mindful wellness practices with creative workshops, further amplifying the sense of intentionality and self-discovery that defines this burgeoning trend.
The smell of campfire smoke, the feeling of dewy grass under your feet, the blinking of fireflies against the night sky. All these things transport you straight back to summer camp. To a time before cellphones felt like an appendage, and when days were spent beading bracelets and swimming instead of glued to a desk. In the age of “nostalgia-maxxing,” the loneliness epidemic, and the desire to unplug, adult summer camps are becoming a way to remedy all three.
“Adult summer camp is having a moment because people our age are craving the kind of connection and simplicity that used to happen naturally when we were younger,” says Emma Topp, head of social at EF Ultimate Break. “Summer camp was one of the few places where you showed up not knowing anyone, and by the end of the week, you had inside jokes, traditions, and a whole new group of friends. As adults, those environments are harder to come by.”
This adult vacation trend is particularly popular among Gen Z and millennial women looking to make friends and build bonds. Combine that with the benefits of being in nature while channeling some of your favorite childhood memories, and just like when you were a kid, traditional sleepaway camp may become your yearly ritual.
The Zoe Report rounded up five summer camp experiences — sans bunk beds — for adults to channel the wonder and joy of summers spent surrounded by the great outdoors and new BFFs.
Club Getaway: Connecticut
New England shines in the summer, and so do its camps. Marketed as an “escape for your inner child,” Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, is an all-inclusive blast from the past. There are a whopping 50-plus activities you can choose from, spread across its 300 wooded acres. Straight out of the ’90s, campers can tie-dye T-shirts, zipline through the canopies, participate in the “crazy Olympics,” and jump around on the lake’s inflatable water park. There are also dozens of adult-centric options like paint and sips, mixology classes, and themed parties. The only thing that doesn’t mirror your childhood camp experience is the cabins. The rustic, knotty-wood accommodations include memory foam mattresses, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping.
EF’s Camp Ultimate: Switzerland
As the top tour operator for Gen Z and millennials, EF tends to be on top of the trends. Enter Camp Ultimate. Taking place in the Swiss Alps, this brand-new summer camp experience is replacing mac n’ cheese with Swiss cheese tastings and bug juice with locally made wine. Don’t worry, this weeklong summer camp also hits on peak nostalgia with activities like s’mores by the campfire, ziplining through treetops, and splashing in the lake. Campers spend two nights by the picturesque lake in Lausanne and four nights in a Swiss chalet tucked among the alpine forest of Engelberg. Things get a bit more adult with hikes to mountain cheese houses and verdant vineyards, Swiss chocolate workshops, morning yoga, mountain-view barbecues, and stargazing sessions.
Camp Château: France
Created specifically for women, Camp Château offers croissants and camaraderie in the French countryside. Owned and operated by a cooperative of hundreds of women, this all-inclusive summer camp allows you to choose between staying at its 800-year-old castle or 19th century farmhouse. With its design to give women some R&R, reading by the pool and sipping on French wine is encouraged. As part of the experience, campers are allotted four to eight electives per day, including flower pressing, candlemaking, French cooking classes, horseback riding, hiking, journaling, kayaking, badminton and much more. And at the end of the day, gather around for a three- to four-course French meal, brimming with local wine and all the freshly baked French bread you can devour.
Camp Social: Pennsylvania
On the border of New York and Pennsylvania, up to 300 women gather for the three-day, all-inclusive summer camp that is Camp Social. With 99% of campers coming solo, it’s all about socializing (it’s literally in the name) with women of all ages and leaving with more friends than when you arrived. During the day, it’s total freedom. Campers can do morning yoga, Pilates, meditation, and journaling. Then, they can make friendship bracelets, vision boards, or tie-dye T-shirts, as well as trying archery, pickleball, or canoeing. At night, things are known to get a bit wild with DJ sets, outdoor movie nights, cocktail hours, and dinners that end with dancing on tables. One caveat: You will be bunking in the same cabin with multiple women you’ve never met, so coming with an open mind is key.
Cabot Citrus Farms: Florida
Things get fancy schmancy at this new summer camp experience. Golf has long been the main draw at Cabot Citrus Farms, but this resort in Florida’s Nature Coast has just unveiled a Camp Cabot package. This two-night escape swaps a wooden cabin for a bright and breezy two- or four-bedroom cottage to share with your closest friends. Campers can go bass fishing on the resort’s private lake, partake in a round or two of golf at its world-class courses, or try their hand at axe-throwing and clay shooting. After a day of activities, sit down for a smoked BBQ dinner, paired with bourbon, cigars, and s’mores around a glowing fire pit.
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