by Megan Jones
Did you attend summer camp as a kid? Never went, but begged your parents to go? From bunking down with best friends to sharing scary stories around a campfire, relive the joys of summer camp (with some cocktails or yoga thrown in) through experiences designed specially for adults. Read on for top adult camps and retreats for summer 2017. [Image credit: iStock.com/nd3000]
Squamish, BC: May 19-22, 2017
This Victoria Day weekend camp combines healthful excursions – such as forest boot-camp and bouldering – with nostalgic activities including arts & crafts, team sports, campfire songs and hikes in the local mountains, to name but a few. Throw in some craft beer and plenty of new playmates and you’re bound to write home about this all-inclusive experience, which truly captures the essence of summer camp – with all the benefits of being an adult.
Bowen Island, BC: Year-round retreats
Just over an hour away from the city, this seaside B&B offers weekend retreats during spring and summer that teach lessons in yoga, detoxing and above all, the art of letting go – of city life, work stress, relationship woes – you name it. Highlights include a spectacular “geodesic yoga dome,” where teachers lead cutting-edge practices beneath fairy lights; a private garden, and delicate meals. Be sure to book early as space is limited.
Lindell Beach, BC: July 23 – July 25, 2017
Can’t find a sitter for the weekend? Stillwood offers a solution: their Single Parents Family Camp allows you to spend quality time with your kids while enjoying some sweet solitude in a remote, lakeside location. During the day, workshops and relaxing activities keep mom or dad engaged as kids hike, swim and more with experienced camp staff. Meet up in the evening for food and fireside games. Everybody wins!
Denman Island, BC: Year-round retreats
If meditation is your thing, you had best check out B.C. institution The Hermitage, where all retreat options – including silent meditation for beginners – take place at their pristine Gulf Island facility. After class, rest in your kutis, a hut modeled after a monk’s monastery cell, but with a comfier bed and electric heater. Or enjoy a locally sourced vegetarian meal and a walk in pastoral surroundings. Either way you’ll return to the city calm and collected.
Cortez Island, BC: Long weekends, May to October, 2017
This non-profit institute – which specializes in cultivating societal and personal wellbeing – offers restorative getaways one long weekend each month, from May through October. Highlights include 3-nights accommodation at their stunning Gambier Island campus; two private yoga sessions; a guided kayaking session; morning meditation; group talks and ocean-view hot tubs. On-site meals are not included in the package – but boy are they good.
Whistler, BC: August 3-6, 2017
Wanderlust combines the infectious culture of yoga with Whistler’s crisp mountain air and spectacular scenery. Suitable for beginners and professionals alike, group classes in all forms of yoga – from aerial to hatha to dancer’s pose on a paddleboard – relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. But the best part is the music. Most daytime sessions feature live acts, and after dark highly sought-after DJ’s keep your chakras pulsing late into the night.
Gambier Island, BC: June 30-July 3 and September 1-4, 2017
Are you too busy searching for the next “like” to notice the world around you? Reconnect with yourself – and with nature – at The Wild Rumpus: an adult summer camp pledging to “re-wild” campers through authentic, face-to-face interactions, outdoor adventures and child-like fun. Activities include anything from archery to paddleboarding, zip-lining to beach volleyball and much, much more.
Whether you’re looking to sing songs around a campfire, craft beer and marshmallows in hand – or meditate amidst the misty mountains – there’s certainly a camp experience for everyone this summer. The only problem is deciding which adventure to embark on first!
