Adult summer camps are gaining popularity, particularly among young professionals in New York City seeking an escape from the pressures of urban life and work. These camps offer a structured environment for adults to disconnect, engage in recreational activities, and foster social connections, mimicking the experience of childhood sleepaway camps.
Club Getaway, a long-standing establishment in the Litchfield Hills of Kent, Connecticut, has been a pioneer in the adult camp scene since 1976. The all-inclusive, weekend-long program caters to adults aged 21 and older, providing rustic-chic lodging, meals, and a wide array of scheduled activities. Prices for a weekend at Club Getaway start at $559 for shared cabin space and $869 for a private cabin, with packages including lodging, food, wine with dinner, over 50 activities, themed parties, and live entertainment.
David Schreiber, the owner of Club Getaway, explained that the camp's concept originated in 1976 when founder Victor Fink transformed a struggling children's camp. The campgrounds themselves are nearly a century old, while Club Getaway's adult weekends mark its 50th anniversary. Typically, the camp hosts 200 to 250 adult campers per weekend, with the average age around 36. Schreiber emphasized that the activities, ranging from mixology classes to team sports and themed parties, serve as a means to an end: facilitating social interaction and the opportunity to 'be a kid again.' For many, the camp is a venue for meeting new people and, in some cases, finding partners.
Attendees arrive via shuttle from local train stations, often sharing a sense of anticipation and nostalgia. Upon arrival, campers check into shared cabins and are drawn into activities such as happy hour and themed parties. For many, like 34-year-old Carly Ziff from Midtown East, it's an opportunity to create childhood camp experiences they missed out on as youngsters. Ziff noted that she appreciates the experience more as an adult than she might have as a child, finding value in activities like kayaking and 'Paint and Sip' classes.
Sandra Florent, celebrating her 40th birthday, also sought the camp experience she didn't have growing up. She highlighted the ease of making new friends and bonding over activities like pizza-making and swimming, noting that forming friendships can be more challenging in adulthood. The camp offers a diverse range of activities, from tie-dye and archery to more adventurous options like ziplining and rock climbing. Campers also participate in themed nights, such as a 1920s speakeasy party, complete with costume and elaborate decor, and events like 'Bloody Mary Bingo.'
Beyond recreation, the camp has a history of fostering deep connections. Longtime staff member Lou Schioppo, 78, met his wife at the camp in 1976, and Fred Cordero, 64, and his wife met there in 1998 and are planning to renew their vows at the camp for their 30th anniversary. These stories underscore the camp's ability to create lasting relationships and a sense of community, allowing attendees to relive youthful experiences and build new social circles.