Adult Summer Camps Surge in Popularity as a Remedy for Modern Life's Burnout and Loneliness

The nostalgic allure of summer camp is experiencing a significant resurgence among adults, offering a unique escape from the pressures of modern life. From campfire stories and shared meals to arts and crafts and outdoor activities, these adult camps provide a space to disconnect from screens, foster genuine connections, and combat burnout and loneliness.

Aleksey Aronov, CEO of VIP's IV, recently took his New York City clinic staff to Camp No Counselors for a four-day retreat. Aronov noted that the experience helped new and shy staff members bond and become more comfortable with each other, dissolving workplace hierarchies. Similarly, Mia Morin and her husband attended YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth in Ontario, Canada, seeking to meet new people and engage in shared activities. They found that the pre-selected nature of campers provided an immediate common ground.

Once a niche offering, adult camps have seen an explosion in popularity. These retreats, ranging from weekend getaways to weeklong programs, offer a blend of traditional camp activities like campfires and sports, alongside adult-oriented perks such as open bars, wine tastings, and chef-prepared meals. Yelp's 2025 Trend Forecast indicated a 347 percent increase in searches for "adult camps" between September 2023 and August 2024. The American Camp Association (ACA) lists 85 adult camp programs in the United States, with positive growth confirmed over the past decade. The trend has expanded globally, with camps emerging in diverse locations like the Swiss Alps and the United Arab Emirates.

Yelp's trend expert, Tara Lewis, attributes this rise to a broader societal shift towards meaningful, in-person experiences. "People are looking to unplug and foster connections in shared physical spaces," Lewis stated, highlighting how these camps allow adults to "go analog, rediscover favorite activities, focus on wellness and make genuine connections." The success of Camp No Counselors, which had waitlists through 2027 after founder Adam Tichauer's initial pitch on Shark Tank in 2016, exemplifies this demand.

Experts like Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a specialist in human connection, view adult camps as a crucial antidote to modern loneliness and burnout, exacerbated by factors such as social media, remote work, and decreased community interaction. Poswolsky argues that these camps offer a vital opportunity for play and non-career-related connection, countering the pervasive feeling of disconnection many experience.

Melanie Kelly, who felt burnt out from her marketing role, found solace and rediscovered her creative "flow state" at an art-making camp at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado. Her experience shifted from constant digital engagement to tangible creation and connection with like-minded individuals, emphasizing that "rest isn't sleep; the opposite of work isn't sleep; it's play."

Camps like Camp Forever Fun in Michigan, founded by movie producer Joel Reisig, actively encourage solo campers to make new friends in a safe and connected environment. Reisig, inspired by the camaraderie among his cast and crew after filming a movie, recognized the need for adults to have similar breaks. He noted the difficulty adults face in making new friends post-college and how camps provide a structured yet relaxed setting for genuine conversations.

The increasing amount of time spent at home, as indicated by a 2024 study showing an increase in average daily time spent at home, further underscores the need for in-person social interaction. Alyx van der Vorm, founder of the social connection platform Clyx, points to the frictionless nature of modern life, from ordering food to doing laundry, as a factor that reduces spontaneous in-person interactions. This erosion of boundaries between home, work, and leisure, coupled with the rise of remote work, contributes to burnout.

Licensed clinical psychologist Matthew Leahy emphasizes that adult camps interrupt the cycle of constant productivity and digital consumption. "Instead of focusing on productivity, at camp we encourage presence," Leahy said, noting the benefits of outdoor activities, trying new things, and engaging with others purely for enjoyment. Sarah Boss, a psychiatrist, describes these camps as providing a "container" where normal rules are suspended, allowing for silliness, imperfection, and open interaction, which she believes is therapeutically beneficial.

The trend is not limited to the US. In Dubai, psychologist Sarah El Nabulsi observes similar burnout patterns, with adult camps like the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp gaining traction. The broader outdoor adventure market, including destinations like Hatta Resorts and Wadi Hub, also shows significant growth. El Nabulsi highlights that adults are often burned out from a lack of unstructured, low-stakes social contact, a void that camps effectively fill by reintroducing social structures that were once common.

Some adults attend camps to pursue long-held interests. Stephanie Hamilton, a librarian, fulfilled her childhood dream of attending Space Camp, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in space archives. Robin Soprano of Space Camp notes that many adult campers are deeply moved by challenging themselves and stepping outside their comfort zones.

Camps are also catering to specific demographics, such as Divya Vaid's Catskills Camp, designed for adult women seeking connection and adventure without the pressure of planning. The absence of clocks and the provision of various activities encourage unstructured time and shared experiences. Other specialized camps include themed getaways at Club Getaway and unique programs like the Zombie Survival Camp.

While adult summer camps offer a powerful remedy for modern ailments, they come with a corresponding price tag. Affordable options exist, such as Big Cedar Lodge and Club Getaway, while more premium experiences like Camp No Counselors and luxury glamping at The Green O can be significantly more expensive. Funding often comes from attendees themselves, employers, or grants. Brady Gill, co-creator of Camp Grounded, emphasizes the importance of accessibility and notes that company-funded camps allow broader participation.

A notable aspect of many adult camps is the inclusion of alcohol. However, with declining alcohol consumption rates in the US, some camps, like the revived Camp Grounded called The Reunion, are opting for substance-free environments to foster connection. Gill advocates for more opportunities for social interaction without alcohol, highlighting that "there is an unending amount of opportunities to socialise with alcohol … but shockingly few opportunities without it." Ultimately, the growing popularity of adult summer camps suggests a willingness among people to invest in experiences that provide the increasingly scarce commodities of unscheduled time and genuine human connection in the modern world.