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Once upon a time, in the faraway land of 2008, my mom signed me up for sleepaway camp. Now, it seems like it would be every 12-year old’s dream to spend an entire summer with a bunch of kids their own age, where they can cause mischief on the soccer fields or braid lanyards for their besties all the lazy days of summer long.

But not me.

As a true introvert at heart, I was mortified by the very thought of sharing a cabin with a group of total strangers, while spending every single last solitary waking moment with a massive group of tweens.

Hyperventilating, I begged my mom to cancel my registration. I wanted my own cushy bed at home, rather than some rackety bunk bed I’d be forced to share with a snoring stranger. I wanted access to a fridge stocked with my favorites, like bagel bites and mac-n-cheese, as opposed to the gross mystery meat I’d heard horror stories about from friends who went to different overnight camps. But most of all, what I wanted more than anything, was my precious introverted heart’s desire: Alone time. Lots and lots of alone time.

That is, of course, until I actually stepped foot on the wood-chip grounds of summer camp. In a matter of seconds, I’d already made three friendships (at least) that I was certain would last a lifetime. I was swept away by the camaraderie, the camp songs around the crackling bonfire, and endless round after round of s’mores. It seemed like every single day was another grand adventure, filled with laughter, and chicken fights in the pool, and ghost stories told by firelight under the starriest sky imaginable.

Photo Credit: Courtney Cook (Unsplash)

By the time camp had ended, I was now hyperventilating again, but for a very different reason. Now, I was begging my mom to find some way for me to stay at the camp forever. I was suddenly a summer camp fanatic. At home, my bulletin board was plastered with the Polaroids I’d snapped with all the best friends I’d made that summer. And when the school year rolled round, all I’d do was count down the days till I could return to summer camp and be reunited with my best-ist friends.

Even now — close to two decades later — I sometimes feel an ache of nostalgia for those sun-soaked, carefree days. Back when my friend Hannah made me laugh so hard, bugjuice would snort out of my nose. Back when my friends and I came up with secret handshakes on the tire swing, and invented secret languages, and pinky-promised we’d never reveal our crushes on the boys in the other cabin.

And although I still identify as a steadfast introvert, I’m gonna admit something crazy: I’m at my absolute happiest when I’m surrounded by a group of people. But not just any people — they’ve gotta be the right kind of people. People who are wacky, and open-minded, and willing to goof around. People who — despite being adults now — are still children at heart. And the good news? These are the exact sort of people you’ll find at adult summer camp.

If you want to connect to such kindred spirits, look no further. Pack up your swimsuits, bug spray, sunblock, and a deck of playing cards, because we’re on our way to the top trending adult summer camps, strictly reserved for grownups!

Camp Halcyon

Photo Credit: Vailant Made (Unsplash)

Imagine all the sun-soaked joys of summer camp, but with alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. (Sure beats bug juice, if you ask me!) Located in Wisconsin, Camp Halcyon is a fan-favorite for adult summer camp junkies due to its friendly people, thrilling activities, and inclusive amenities. (Did somebody say all-day mimosas? Sign me up!)

Activities include themed dance parties, cigar and whiskey tastings, campfire lounges, karaoke sessions, yoga and archery just to name a few.

P.S.: They’ve added Camp Halcyon spots in Michigan and the Poconos, making it easier than ever to relive your childhood.

Camp No Counselors

Back in the day, us campers always tried to outsmart our poor counselors as the little mischievous tween villains we were. We’d sneak in our Razor cell phones (I’m getting old), we’d sneak boys into our cabin, and we even once snuck out to Tee-Pee our rival cabin.

Of course, we were never as sneaky as we thought we were — basically we always got caught. But imagine a version of summer camp where no sneaking around is necessary — ‘cause there’s no counselors to be found.

At Camp No Counselors — located in New York and California — people from all walks of life come together to let loose and have some fun.

What I really like about Camp No Counselors is that this isn’t just an excuse for you to snap pics for your next Instagram reel. In fact, they encourage campers to put their phones away, detox from their socials and start living again. I don’t know about you, but I can sure use a break from scrolling. Why stare at the screen when you’re surrounded by twinkling skies, beautiful trees, and potential lifetime friends?
Camp No Counselors’ activities include kayaking, beach volleyball, pool games, arts and crafts, archery (just to name a few). Oh, and how could I forget . . . Painting and Prosecco?

Club Getaway

Photo Credit: Michael McKay (Unsplash)

East Coasters, where yah at? If you wanna cannonball into the lake waters of a thrilling adults-only adventure, splash right into the depths of Club Getaway. Here, you’ll find awesome people, waterfront adventures, rock climbing, zip lining, themed dance parties, and rustic, chic cabins. Say goodbye to thin, mismatched bedding and not-so-great bathroom facilities of summer camps of yore. Club Getaway instead offers memory foam mattresses, private bathrooms, and daily housekeeping.

Visitors Center Artist Camp

Do you feel like you personally identify with the likes of Frida Kahlo or Vincent Van Gogh? Have you read the works of Edgar Allan Poe and thought, “wow, he’s just like me, forreal.”? If so, Visitor’s Center Artist Camp is the perfect place for all you tortured poets and starry-eyed painters to gather ‘round the campfire and wax poetic about the best minds of our generation.

Live out your dreams of being a member of The Dead Poet Society (I know I have!) you’ll absolutely love this haven located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Surrounded by the gorgeous blue skies and lushest dark greenery, you can get lost in your artistic vision as you paint, write, sculpt, and create by the bonfire. This is a two week summer program, giving you more than enough time to form friendships that can last a lifetime. Applications open in January, so get on it!

Sorrel River Ranch

Photo Credit: Tabitha Turner (Unsplash)

Let’s head over to Utah’s majestic landscapes featuring winding canyons,and stunning red-rock mesas. Sorrel River Ranch is a luxury resort that has custom-built cabins that offer well-deserved comfort and quietude. Oh, and the activities are pretty thrilling, too: they’ve got horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and even hot air balloon rides. Ummm, sign me up, yesterday!

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