Forget Cringe: Why Grown Ups Are Unashamed To Say They Love Adult Summer Camps

Adulthood comes with some major advantages. We can decorate our homes however we choose, spend Saturday mornings lounging in our pajamas, travel to far off destinations without asking for parental permission, and we can even have ice cream for dinner if that's our vibe. Sadly, all of the independence in the world doesn't make up for the daily stresses, pressures, and responsibilities — which is probably why some of us spend hours daydreaming about the carefree days of our youth. If you've ever found yourself wishing you could re-experience some of the joy and fun you enjoyed as a kid, then attending an adult summer camp might be exactly what you need.

Summer camps originated in the United States during the 1860s. An abolitionist and teacher named Frederick Gunn took a coed group of students to a Connecticut beach and spent 10 days preparing them for future service in the Union Army. During the industrialization that followed the Civil War, summer camps became even more popular. By the late 1800s there were summer camps all over the east coast. Over 150 years later, kids around the world are still attending sleepaway camps — and so are some grown-ups.

For those of us who attended, summer camp served as the perfect container for our real-life coming of age stories. At camp, we experienced our first taste of independence. Free from the watchful gaze of our parents, we tested our bravery, indulged our adventurous spirits, and forged lifelong friendships. Summers at camp were where we enjoyed some of the best days of our lives. Now, with the rise of adult summer camps, we can experience the magic all over again, and plenty of attendees agree that adult summer camps are an awesome alternative to a traditional vacation. 

In my experience, the best part of attending camp was making new friends and trying new things — which are exactly the same reasons why I find adult summer camp so appealing. As a kid I was able to try out new hobbies, like archery, horseback riding, and jewelry making. I was also able to meet kids from all over the country even though I lived in a small, rural town. As kids, most of our friendships were the result of proximity — we became friends with our classmates, teammates, or neighbors. Camp friends were different. At camp, our friendships were forged over late night talks in the cabin, thrilling adventures, and learning new skills together.

Similarly, at adult summer camps, you'll be able to make friends with people you wouldn't ordinarily meet. In an article published by Business Insider, Julie Chang Murphy described attending an adult summer camp in her 40s, and most other campers were much older. "I felt uncomfortable at first, like maybe I was too old for friendship bracelets but too young to join the wisdom circle," she wrote. "Spending time with these women ended up being exactly what I needed, though."

After researching family camp experiences for her sister, a Reddit user called casava17 was "feeling a little bummed" that she didn't get to go to camp when she was a kid. She asked whether anyone had attended camp as an adult. Around 32 people responded to tell her about their favorite summer camp experiences for adults offering recreation and fun in the sun. "I went to a women's warrior camp once," u/Odd-Faithlessness705 wrote. "It was a weekend thing, they taught us archery and horse[back] riding and did a lot of yoga and meditation. There was naked swimming, it was really awesome."

Perhaps you're looking to relive the old glory days or give yourself an opportunity that you weren't afforded as a child. Maybe, like Murphy, you're simply "chasing the kind of clarity only strangers and nature can offer." Whatever your reasons, it's a good idea to do a little research in order to choose the right adult summer camp. Naked swimming might not be for you — and that's okay. There are adult summer camp options for everyone.

If thrilling outdoor adventures are your idea of fun, consider signing up for a camp that is centered around a particular activity, like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or surfing. "White water rafting camp was pretty awesome. You get a few days of instructions and a few days riding rapids," Redditor rjwyonch wrote. "Super fun and [I] highly recommend, if you like adrenaline, outdoors, and a workout." In the r/AskWomenOver30 subreddit, there were some more great suggestions. At YMCA adult camps, which LeaJadis described as "kid camp but with coffee," you can enjoy activities like hiking, games, crafts, and stargazing. Visitor Center Artist Camp in Michigan or Pinewoods Camp in Massachusetts could be great options if you're more into art or folk dance (respectively) than heart-pumping thrills. Camp No Counselors is another popular choice.  

Some experiences are geared toward partiers, and others are more like wellness retreats in nature. Wherever your passions lie, and no matter your age, you can still have an unforgettable summer camp experience. According to Julie Chang Murphy, it's never too late. "Under the shade of centuries-old trees, I'm the girl learning a new song, a mom crafting something just for herself, and an elder sneaking dessert," she wrote. "I thought I was late to camp, but maybe I arrived right on time."