The Excerpt Adult sleepaway camp and the high cost of feeling like a kid again
Oct 24, 2025
Rachel Hale, a Mental Health reporting fellow at USA TODAY, shares her eye-opening experience at Camp Social, an adult sleepaway camp designed for adults seeking connection. She discusses the unique atmosphere of these retreats, where 99% arrive solo and leave with friends. Rachel explores the nostalgic pull of childhood camps, the demographics of attendees, and the health implications of loneliness. Her adventure includes thrilling activities like cold plunges and archery, highlighting the potential for forming lasting friendships in a fun, supportive environment.
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Weekend Recreated As Grownup Camp
- Rachel Hale attended Camp Social, a women-only adult sleepaway camp billed as "99% arrive solo, 100% leave as friends."
- She stayed in age-based bunks, tried early-riser activities like a cold plunge and joined archery, rock climbing, and arts-and-crafts.
Women-Only Positioning Lowers Barriers
- Camp Social differentiates itself by being women-only and explicitly marketed for solo attendees.
- That positioning made the experience less intimidating and attracted many women who wanted to meet new friends.
Nostalgia And Social Discovery Drive Demand
- Attendees sought camp for nostalgia, healing their inner child, or to find friends as adults.
- Many discovered Camp Social via social media or curiosity about offline ways to meet people.
