Summer Camp for Grown-ups!

Key Takeaways:

The camp menu for adults is vast and diverse.
There is something for everyone, from boot camp workouts to arts and crafts.
Rustic "sleepaway" camps help you relive your childhood.

Remember when grownups used to tell kids, "Enjoy your summers now because they're not as fun when you're an adult!"? Yeah, well, those days are over. Now, summer camps are breaking the age barrier and letting adults in on the action.

Once the kids ship off to their lakeside camps with marshmallow roasts and kumbaya sing-alongs, parents sneak off to their adventure-filled escapes. Think less "parenting duties" and more "let's relive the good ol' days." From adrenaline-pumping outdoor quests to laid-back artsy retreats, there is a camp for every grownup looking to reclaim summer.

Heads up, though—these camps can be pricey. With some costing between $5,000 and $10,000, it is an investment in your fun and sanity. For those ready to pick up a bow and arrow or make a splash dock-diving, it is money well spent.

Adventure Experiences

Ditch the couch and dive into the wild. Adventure camps call all brave souls to push their limits with hardcore survival skills.

Outward Bound is the ultimate playground for grownups, offering epic experiences from the Maine coast to the Rockies. You can enjoy days or even weeks of rugged challenges designed to build physical and emotional stamina.

For instance, the Northwest Sea Kayaking trip for women is a seven-day paddle fest around the San Juan Islands near Seattle. It's open to women aged 30+, costs just over $2,500, and promises a blend of camaraderie and nature. Then there's the Southwest Alpine Backpacking, Canyoneering & Rafting camp, targeting the 18-25 crowd. This three-week endurance test costs nearly $7,000 and promises a deep dive into the wild.

And nope, this isn't glamping. It's back-to-basics, old-school camping.

If you want to be a cowboy or cowgirl, you could volunteer at the Fostering Heroes Cowboy Camp, where part of being a hero is having a spirit of adventure. Cowboy Camp offers foster youth a unique cowboy experience at an authentic Arizona dude ranch. The camp allows these youth to build trust, share their dreams, and enjoy new activities like horseback riding and desert adventures. Cowboy Camp creates lasting positive impacts by introducing foster youth to new experiences and fostering personal growth.

Arts and Crafts Camps

If you were a kid who loved making friendship bracelets and painting, arts and crafts camps are going to feel like they were designed for you personally. These retreats focus on creativity, minus the physical grind.

For example, Squam Art Workshops in Rhode Island offer lakeside retreats to "nurture and inspire creativity." Think sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more for $1,000 to $2,000. Outdoor classes make the most of New England's charm.

Other artsy options include:

Gardening and Landscaping: Perfect for your green thumb and design skills.
Cooking and Culinary Exploration: Elevate your kitchen game from sauce-making to sous vide.
Brewing and Winemaking: Master the alchemy of hops, malt, and grapes.
Photography: Learn darkroom secrets and digital camera tricks.
Boatbuilding: Craft seafaring vessels and channel your inner shipwright.
Band Camp: Live out your rock star fantasies or join "Rock' n' Roll Fantasy Camp" for jam sessions with music legends.

Boot Camps for Wellness and Fitness

If your idea of a summer camp involves more burpees than bonfires, there are fitness boot camps that will whip you into shape.

The Ranch in Malibu is where luxury meets hardcore fitness. Their seven- and nine-day camps start at $11,200 for singles. Days begin with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call packed with mountain hiking, strength training, and yoga. It's a rigorous routine with stunning views and plant-based meals to keep you going.

Traditional Summer Camp Experiences

For those craving a classic summer camp vibe, traditional camps offer lakeside lounging, horseback riding, and campfires.

Consider:

Club Getaway: This Connecticut camp offers over 50 activities for $500-$1,000 per person.
Camp No Counselors is located in Texas (with similar spots in LA and NY). It's a three-night rustic getaway that starts at $800.
Camp Grounded has locations in North Carolina, California, Texas, and New York. Prepare to surrender all electronics for a digital detox, keep your age and occupation to yourself, and focus only on having fun. People ages 19 to 75 have attended these camps.

These camps are perfect for anyone wanting to relive the nostalgic magic of childhood summers. Adult camps offer everything from revisiting your youth to discovering new hobbies and pushing your limits. There's bound to be a camp to help you live your best summer. So, pack your bags and get ready to camp like a kid again!