Feel Like a Kid Again at These 5 Adult Summer Camps Near Philly
Take a short road trip to unleash your inner child at these adults-only summer camps.
Tap into your carefree childhood days at these five adult summer camps near Philadelphia. / Photograph courtesy of Connection Camp
Many of us couldn’t wait for adulthood. As kids, we thought being grown-ups meant more freedom and independence, fewer homework assignments and forced naps. But as they say, the grass is greener on the other side. As adults with countless responsibilities and deadlines, we often miss the carefree moments of our youth.
If you’re seeking a fun, stress-free getaway from all the chaos, check out these five adults-only summer camps. Whether you need a weekend-long wellness retreat or a day’s worth of outdoor activities and adult beverages, each will help you unleash your inner child and recharge your current self. Plus, you won’t have to travel too far, as they’re all under a three-hour drive from Philadelphia.
Camp Chaddsford
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Good for: Campers who enjoy daytime fun (and want to sleep in their own bed)
When: July 20th and July 27th from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Cost: $65
Camp Chaddsford, held at Chaddsford Winery, offers two Saturdays full of outdoor games, food, and alcohol tastings. Campers can arrive anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and partake in activities at their leisure. That’s right: You don’t need to follow any kind of schedule, which is perfect for enjoying the burger bar, corn hole, kickball, tie-dye station, and beer and wine tastings at your own pace. After you visit each activity station, be sure to get your Camp Badge stamped to earn an extra drink ticket. Camp concludes at 6 p.m., meaning you can easily make your way back to your own bed or book a room at Chaddford’s partner hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn at Kennett Square, for a discounted rate of $159 per night.
Camp No Counselors
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Good for: Feeling like a kid but drinking like an adult
When: August 30th to September 2nd and September 19th to 22nd
Cost: $550 to $700, depending on time of registration
The motto of Camp No Counselors is “play like a kid, party like a grown-up,” so gear up for a weekend of nostalgic camp games mixed with spring-break vibes. As an all-inclusive, weekend-long sleepaway camp, CNC includes the essentials like lodging and three meals per day, plus daytime and nighttime fun. When the sun’s out, you can expect land and water activities — archery, rock climbing, kayaking, Slip ‘N Slide, and a human version of Hungry Hungry Hippos — and arts and crafts. At night, enjoy an open bar and epic themed parties. As for distance, CNC is nestled in the northeast tip of PA’s Endless Mountains (right near the site of the historic Woodstock), making it about a three-hour drive from Philly.
Camp Runabout
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Good for: Runners and outdoor lovers
When: June 13th to 16th and September 5th to 8th
Cost: $550 (general bunk), $650 (private room)
At Camp Runabout, all campers have one thing in common: They love to run. No matter your running skill level, Camp Runabout offers activities — both running-related and general outdoorsy — that’ll keep you on your toes the entire weekend. A typical day at camp starts with your choice between a morning run or yoga class and breakfast (with the option to make it boozy) and continues with an array of camp activities, including ziplining, fishing, pottery classes, a flying trapeze, and sports. Something that sets Camp Runabout apart is that it offers featured speakers each day to educate and inspire you on topics like Nutrition for Runners and Sports Psychiatry. In the evenings, let loose with casual dinners, campfires, DJ-driven dance parties, and open bars. Camp Runabout is held on the grounds of Camp Lindenmere, in the heart of the Poconos.
Connection Camp
Collaborate and build community at Connection Camp. / Photograph courtesy of Connection Camp
Good for: Forming bonds IRL
When: June 13th to 16th
Cost: $660 to $2,020 depending on lodging type
Connection Camp is all about forging connections in every sense: with oneself, with others, and with nature. For four days, Connection Camp invites you to put down technology and form real-life bonds through collaboration, community, and play. You’ll participate in master classes and activities such as group scavenger hunts, acro yoga, and sound therapy, while also taking time for yourself through journaling, pool lounging, and visits to the healing pavilion. Connection Camp takes place in Sussex, New Jersey, just off the Appalachian Trail. Registration ends Friday, June 7th, so don’t sit too long on this one.
Deerfield Health Retreat and Spa
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Good for: Choose your own wellness adventure
When: Ongoing throughout the summer
Cost: Varies depending on length of stay and room type. View rates here.
If you’re in need of a well-cation (a wellness vacation) that doesn’t involve an itinerary, Deerfield Health Retreat and Spa will be your oasis. Situated on 12 acres of a serene and lush part of the Poconos, the wellness center serves as a getaway from everyday stressors and a place to develop positive self-care habits. As an all-inclusive retreat, Deerfield offers comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, unlimited fitness activities, nutritious meals, guided hikes, and wellness workshops. At Deerfield, your stay can be anything you want it to be — relaxing, extremely active, focused on nutrition, or nature-based. Plus, you decide the length of your getaway, with durations ranging from two nights to a week.
