In a world where notifications never sleep and work emails bleed into weekends, adults are flocking to summer camps designed just for them—reclaiming the joy of childhood summers minus the curfews and bug spray mishaps. According to fresh data from Yelp’s 2025 Trend Forecast, searches for adult summer camps have skyrocketed by a staggering 347% compared to last year, outpacing even fitness retreats (up 83%) and wellness escapes (up 58%). This surge isn’t just nostalgia on steroids; it’s a deliberate unplugging from the digital deluge that’s left millions feeling more connected to screens than to people.
Picture this: thirty-somethings trading Zoom calls for zip lines, millennials swapping TikTok scrolls for talent shows, and Gen Xers rediscovering archery without the fear of losing an eye. Venues like Camp No Counselors in New York’s Catskills and California’s Russian River Valley are booking up faster than a sold-out Coachella afterparty, with weekends starting at around $800 for all-inclusive stays packed with paddleboarding, pool parties, and—yes—boozy s’mores sessions. “It’s like hitting pause on adulting,” says attendee Mia Reynolds, a 32-year-old marketing exec from Chicago. “No Wi-Fi pressure, just real conversations around a bonfire. I left feeling recharged, not drained.”
The appeal hits harder in the post-pandemic era, where remote work blurred boundaries and social isolation spiked. Over 26 million children and adults now dip into camp experiences annually, per the American Camp Association, but the grown-up segment is exploding. A CBS News report from mid-summer highlighted spots like Club Getaway in Connecticut, where campers in their 20s and beyond dive into rock climbing and kayaking, often with a craft beer chaser. “We remember the freedom of those early camps—the laughter, the scrapes, the friendships forged over capture the flag,” explains camp owner David Schriber. “Adults crave that now more than ever, especially with everyone glued to their phones.”
Market watchers see this as more than a fleeting fad. The global summer camp industry, valued at about $15 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a 5-7% clip through 2033, with adult-focused adventures leading the charge. Specialty twists are fueling the fire: think surf camps in Malibu for wave-riding pros-in-training or mindfulness retreats blending yoga with forest bathing. Even postnatal getaways for new parents have surged 475%, offering baby-free bonding and sleep workshops. “People aren’t just escaping screens; they’re rebuilding communities,” notes Yelp trend expert Emily Carlin. “These camps tap into that primal need for shared stories and spontaneous fun.”
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and relay races. Skeptics point to the price tag—averaging $800 for a weekend, with premium options pushing $2,000—as a barrier for cash-strapped millennials facing student debt and housing woes. Yet, 25% of parents (and by extension, adult campers) are budgeting over $2,000 for such escapes this year, per NerdWallet surveys, viewing them as essential mental health investments. And the ROI? Campers report lasting boosts in creativity and connection, with studies showing affinity for nature and openness to new experiences lingering three years post-visit.
As 2025 wraps, the trend feels like a cultural exhale. In an age of algorithm-driven isolation, adult summer camps remind us that the best escapes aren’t found in apps—they’re built around campfires. Whether you’re plotting your 2026 getaway or just daydreaming of dodgeball glory, one thing’s clear: growing up doesn’t mean leaving the playground behind. It’s time to pack your bag, ditch the charger, and let the games begin.