Adult summer camp: why grown-ups are going back to camp

Adult camp is exactly what it sounds like: a weekend or a week at a real summer camp, with cabins, a dining hall, a lake and a schedule full of activities, for people who are old enough to have forgotten how good that felt. Many run at children’s camps before or after the kids’ season.

What a weekend looks like

• Arrive Friday, get your cabin and bunk, meet your group at dinner.
• Saturday is packed: canoeing, archery, swimming, hiking, crafts, yoga, a talent show or color war, and a campfire at night.
• Sunday is slower: one more activity, brunch, goodbyes.

Most camps include meals, lodging and every activity in the price. Many ask you to put your phone away for the weekend, which turns out to be half the point.

How it differs from a retreat

A wellness retreat is usually quiet and inward, built around practice and rest. Adult camp is social and playful, built around doing things together. Some camps blend the two, with yoga in the morning and capture the flag in the afternoon. Women’s camps, sober-friendly camps and camps for specific communities are all out there.

How to choose one

• Age rule: most are 21+, some 18+, and some are built for specific ages, such as 30-somethings or 50+.
• Group size: 40 people feels like a big family; 300 feels like a festival.
• Sleeping: shared cabins with bunks are normal. Ask whether private rooms or glamping tents are available if that matters to you.
• What’s included: meals, linens, transport from the nearest city and any extras.
• The vibe: some camps are wholesome and outdoorsy, others are mainly a party. Read the schedule and the photos closely so you pick the one you want.

What to pack

• A sleeping bag or bedding if not provided, and a pillow.
• Layers and a rain jacket. Nights at camp are cold.
• Swimwear, sunscreen, bug spray and a headlamp.
• Something to wear for theme nights, if the camp has them.