We have long believed that summer camp is for kids and teens. We know that summer camp has a significant impact on young people. The experience encourages new encounters, forages new friendships, teaches new skills, and provides fun and faith formation in a welcoming community.

In these days, adults are also craving and seeking these same experiences. At a time in history when global awareness, news, and virtual communication come at us at a rapid pace, it is imperative that adults have opportunities to gather for more relaxed and low-pressure happenings that loosen our tightly wound minds and bodies allowing us to focus on a self care retreat. 

The following points are ideas that are currently being identified as essential for providing year-round adult wellness retreat programs: 

• Self-Care & Rest
  Everyone needs time to rest. Weary people often do not make adequate time in their busy lives to rest deeply and practice self-care. Getting away from our daily routine can help us rest when relaxation is a part of the program. Tip for retreat planners: Make sure to build in real rest time throughout the day for reading, napping, and gentle strolls through the grounds. Though self care ideas are plentiful, it helps to make a few suggestions to our participants.

• Immersed in Nature
  Spending time in nature is renewing. Trees provide oxygen and creation can provide a solace of serenity. 

• Unplug
  Turning off our phones and computers periodically is good for us. Not being available to the outside world 24 hours a day is a respite from the constant chatter and buzzing. Taking breaks from the electronic stream of information allows the mind and body to feel a more grounded spaciousness and an awareness of our current presence in space and time. Unplugging is a great first step toward practicing mindfulness. 

• Connecting More Deeply with Others
  Providing opportunities to delve into deeper conversations and sharing with others in a relaxed and peaceful setting can be a meaningful, even life-changing, experience for many people. Often, these kinds of encounters are not planned but emerge in unhurried times and provide much needed mental-health and wellness for us all.

• New Perspectives
  Often times being away from our daily routines and stepping out of our ordinary bubble can provide us with a new perspective. Taking time to be on retreat allows us to absorb new thoughts and feelings, observe and hear about how others live and think. Sometimes we need a fresh outlook, a new viewpoint, a changed attitude. 

• Play & Fun
  Adults need to have fun too! Group games, talent shows, and laughter are good for the mind, body, and soul. The act of playing has been identified as a vital activity for health and creativity. Whether it is a corn hole competition, water balloon toss, or a game of cards, it is good for us and not often thought of as self-care activities as an adult.

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When looking for a location to host your adult retreat, take a tour first to make sure it's right for your group.

Camp & Retreat Centers

California

Monte Toyon Camp
Aptos

Camp Lodestar
Wilseyville

Camp Arroyo
Livermore

Community of the Great Commissions
Foresthill

Applegate Jesuit Retreat Center
Applegate

Loch Leven Camp & Retreat Center
San Bernardino Mountains

Colorado

Highlands Camp & Retreat
Allenspark

Blazing Mountain Retreat Center
Crestone

Michigan

Crystal Conference Center
Frankfort

Massachusetts

Craigville Retreat Center
Centerville/Cape Cod

Less is More Suggestion 

For retreat & camp planners, the tendency is to pack as much as we can into the time schedule. May we suggest, when planning an adult retreat or camp, that plenty of non-scheduled time be included in the time frame for the event. Afternoons can be free with some optional activities. Evenings can be for group games, fun or a campfire. Make space for people to unplug and really be on a restful and restorative retreat. 

Finally, here are some ideas for optional activities for adult camps and retreats: 

• Have massage therapists available during specific times. Guests pay the therapists directly. 

• Gourmet coffee tasting 

• Cooking class 

• Horseshoe competition 

• Ping Pong tournament 

• Nature crafts 

• Plein Air watercolor session 

• On site service project 

Written By Tina Heck
Tina has led an adult summer camp weekend each year since 2013 and is our in-house expert on retreat planning.