Beach perfect temperatures and gulping down tall glasses of lemonade, the sweltering days of summer are almost upon us. What does this mean? This is a time for kids and adults alike to pack up and head off to camp. That’s right, adult summer camp is all the rage these days.
Letting Loose
Traditionally thought of as an activity for children, adult summer camp means different things to different people; some chose this option to relive the nostalgic events of adolescent camp. But, most of all it’s a time for adults to live out a childhood fantasy or explore a new hobby, according to The Wall Street Journal. Just think of adult summer camp as adult camp, but with a twist to it.
If you’re considering attending adult summer camp this year, you are not alone. A tally by the American Camp Association reveals 1,000,000 adults went to camp last summer. Camps for adults also have expanded roughly 10 percent each year over the past decade or so. What does this equate to? That’s about 800 in total.
Nancy Diamond, marketing consultant to camps offers her take on why adult summer camp is so popular. Says Diamond, “It appeals to the inner child in all of us.” “We participate in activities, develop new skills, and cultivate new friendships.”
Adult summer camp accommodations can range from being very luxurious to rustic. You also can pick sessions that are adventurous or more reserved in nature; it simply depends on what your likes and dislikes are. The sky literally is the limit when it comes to adult summer camp ideas. With that said, below is five adult summer camp suggestions.
A-Camping We Will Go
Happenings: A five-day camp allowing players to develop (and/or fine-tune) their technical and tactical moves. Coaching will take place with the help of former professionals from both the U.S. and Europe.
Location: Westminster, MD.
Dates: July 7-11.
Cost: $685, accommodations are included.
Level: Any skill level is welcome.
Happenings: You will spend five days learning ballroom dancing from world-renowned ballroom instructors for up to seven hours per day. (Please note: Female participants may have to sign up with a male partner.)
Location: Provo, UT.
Dates: July 29-August 2.
Cost: $460, meals or lodging is not included.
Level: Any skill level is welcome.
Happenings: This camp is for women only. It consists of a long weekend of yoga and horseback riding at a Montana ranch. And, instructors will train you in poses and breathing techniques to help improve balance and posture.
Location: Wilsall, MT.
Dates: Aug 22-25.
Cost: $895–$1,350.
Level: Any skill level is welcome.
4. Space Camp:
Happenings: Adult Space Academy is an adventurous, two night experience allowing trainees to assume roles in hands-on, interactive space missions and learn what it’s like to train as an astronaut. Visit the Web site for more info: www.spacecamp.com/ages/adult#camps.
Location: Huntsville, AL.
Dates: Call for more information, (256) 837-3400.
Cost: $499 per person for three days or $599 per person for four days.
Level: Any skill level is welcome.
Happenings: Vista Verde’s Fourth Annual Cattle Round-Up is this summer. Campers can ride over the ranch’s 16,000 acres searching for 400 head of cattle.
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO.
Dates: Call for more information, (970)-879-3858.
Cost: A weeklong stay (Sunday to Sunday) costs $2,700 per person; also included are luxurious accommodations in private cabins plus gourmet meals paired with exquisite wines.
Level: Any skill level is welcome.
Leveling the Playing Field
Overall, all camps are not created equal. As you can see from the above list, all you need is a little creativity and the willingness to branch out to try something new. You can also use this opportunity to accentuate what you already are familiar with. Either way, your inner child will thank you for it later.
*Please note that the organizations and summer camps should be thoroughly researched, as some organizations may have moved or are no longer available (this may include websites).
Web Links:
http://www.parade.com/news/2012/07/22-summer-camps-for-adults.html;
http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-06/summer-camps-cater-grown-ups
-Kimberly Williams
KWLMS 