by José Gonzalez
If you're nostalgic for summers jumping into a lake or partying with your friends, these camps for adults will let you relive some of those memories, and make a few new ones. These are some of the most popular adult summer camps across Southern Ontario, most within driving distance of Toronto! This makes them easy enough to get to, but you might have a little trouble heading back to the world of grown-ups when it's all over. [Photo credit: Camp Reset by Andrew Williamson]
Two Islands Weekend
This camp for adults of all ages offers a number of activities, catered meals, and plenty of alcoholic beverages over a weekend away from the city. Camp favourites include plenty of sports, special classes, fireside singalongs and talent shows, but a word of caution, this camp sells out quickly, so buy tickets sooner rather than later.
Camp No Counselors
Open to campers 24 to 40 years of age, one of the highlights of this camp is its hearty menus for each of the day's meals and an open bar all weekend. And you'll need to be well fueled to partake in archery, sailing, craft-making and over a dozen other activities to make the most of the summer. Nights feature some great music provided by onsite DJ's and themed costume parties. The party's theme is announced well before the camp, so you'll have time to get the right costume.
Zombie Survival Camp
A summer camp for anyone needing a primer before the zombie apocalypse, this outdoor adventure teaches you the skills you'll need to survive against the hordes of the undead. A series of workshops on Saturday prepares would-be survivors before you're left to fend for yourselves on Sunday. Try not to get bitten, or you'll end up one of the zombies.
Camp Reset
Relive summer camp by not just getting away from the adult world, but the connected world entirely. This four-day experience lets you have fun in the outdoors without worrying about the modern demands of e-mail, texts and the high-tech demands of the modern world. This camp forbids talk about work, has everyone refer to each other by nicknames, and activities that will help you shed whatever burnt out feelings you may have.
Lake Field Music Camp
Whether your jam is classical, jazz, pop, or maybe something else entirely, this camp has all your musical dreams covered. Held at the Lakefield College School campus, adults and teens of all skill levels are invited to pick an instrument, or warm up their vocal chords, to improve their musical acumen in this week-long camp.
Canadian Adventure Camp
Most of the year this camp caters to children, but during the Labour Day weekend the kids are cleared out, and the adults get their chance to have some fun. Being on a private island also means there's a lot more water-based fun than your average summer camp. There's canoeing, climbing walls, surfbikes, and even a Tarzan Swing.
Jamboree LGBTQ Summer Camp
Near the southern reaches of Algonquin Park, you can join 250 LGBTQ adults at this summer camp for some swimming, kayaking, hiking, crafts and other fun activities. Spread across 300 acres on a private lake, it offers a chance to meet new friends in a positive environment. There are also subsidies available for those who might need a little help covering the cost of the camp.
Freedom Fields Naturalist Ranch
There's nothing quite like camping in the buff for complete freedom. Yes, this adults-only camp lets you put on your birthday suit for summer fun that will give you a tan all over. You can stay in comfy cottages or rough it outside in a tent, and the camp has plenty to do, from putting on concerts to riding horses. There special weekend events throughout the summer, so check their website for specific details.
Ontario Vipassana Centre
With all the hustle and bustle of life in the city, maybe you need to take some time out to connect with a more peaceful state of mind. This ongoing camp offers adult courses running for three, 10 and 30 days through the summer that offer meditation, and two courses offer instruction in English and Hindi or Farsi, respectively. Each course is considered a gift from former students to new, but donations are appreciated.
Fireside Conference
Just because it's a camp vacation doesn't mean you need to leave your entire life behind you. This camp invites any folks involved in start-ups, business, investor and media communities to unplug from the digital world, connect to the real world and enjoy a few special speakers. This all-inclusive cottage weekend is also particularly exclusive, only offering spaces to those approved for an invite. The first round of applications has passed, but keep your eyes peeled for any further ones.
