I Want to Go to Summer Camp

I jokingly (semi) told a friend the other day that I wish I could go to rehab for a week or summer camp. Everything is done for you; you have few responsibilities. You can’t use electronic devices, but you have arts and crafts, meditation, and yoga and are surrounded by like-minded people.

I loved summer camp. Living in the country, I didn’t have many friends close by, and school breaks could get lonely. My parents would send me off for a month most summers to practice tennis, ride horses, swim, and have an active environment. It kept me out of their hair while they worked.

There are days I want to be at summer camp. I have so many fond memories of camp life, the kids, and the activities. As we get older, our responsibilities become overwhelming, and we want to eat a popsicle with our toes in the lake.

But who says such experiences are only for the young? For older women, summer camp can be reimagined as a delightful, enriching retreat that blends fun, learning, and relaxation. Creating your own summer camp experience can bring all the joy of those childhood days back into your life, but with a mature twist that caters to your interests and comforts.

Building a Strong Social Network

One of the most important aspects of aging gracefully is building and maintaining a robust social network. These simple or elaborate gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to connect with friends, share experiences, and create lasting memories.

Regardless of where you live, there are always creative ways to gather friends and neighbors. These activities offer fun and relaxation and foster a sense of community and support that is invaluable as we age. So, start planning your next gathering, and enjoy the joy and companionship it brings.

I have a friend, Stephanie Jones, who owns Me and Mrs. Jones Paints. https://www.meandmrsjonesmemphis.com

She hosted “summer camps” for craft learning over the summer, and it was so much fun. We would enjoy creating a fantastic art piece after work or on Saturdays.

This week, I’ve been thinking about how to host a summer camp next month with friends and neighbors. A pajama party would be fun even if I can’t have camp, so as a former event planner, I decided to design my fantasy summer camp schedule…and a summer camp I can pull off next month! Sometimes, reality takes precedence!

My Real-Life Summer Camp Retreat:  (But Keep Reading for my Fantasy Weekend)

Simple Ideas to Gather Friends and Have Fun

Do you wish you could have a summer camp day or weekend? Imagine the joy of rekindling the spirit of summer camp right in your backyard or local community, surrounded by your closest friends. Hosting a summer camp retreat for older women can be a delightful way to break from routine, explore new activities, and create lasting memories with those you cherish.

Poolside Potluck and Popsicles

Invite your friends for a relaxed potluck around your neighborhood pool. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a summer evening, with the gentle sound of water creating a soothing backdrop.

  • Toe Dipping and Relaxation: Encourage everyone to dangle their toes in the water, relax, and enjoy the moment.
  • Popsicles and Frosty Drinks: Offer a variety of popsicles and adult frosty drinks. For a cool treat, think fruity margaritas or refreshing mojitos.
  • Potluck Dinner: Have each friend bring their favorite dish. Set up a casual buffet where everyone can sample the different offerings.

Painting Party

Transform your backyard or living room into a mini art studio for the day. Set up canvases and paint supplies for a creative afternoon.

  • Fun, Small Paintings: Choose an easy, fun design for everyone to paint. Provide step-by-step instructions to help those who might be new to painting.
  • Creative Expression: Encourage everyone to add their spin to the painting. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the creative process.

Mah Jong Sleepover

Host a Mah Jong night where friends can enjoy the game, snacks, and socializing, but everyone will probably want to sleep in their beds at the end of the evening.

  • Mah Jong Games: Set up a few tables for Mah Jong. If some friends are new to the game, start with a quick tutorial.
  • Comfortable Atmosphere: Create a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and background music.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Provide light snacks and beverages to keep everyone refreshed.

Tea Party

Invite friends for a classic tea party with delicious treats and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Setting the Scene: Set up a table with a lovely tablecloth, fine china, and a selection of teas. Fresh flowers and candles can add a charming touch.
  • Tea and Treats: Offer a variety of teas, including herbal, green, and black. Provide an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and small pastries.
  • Relaxed Conversation: Encourage everyone to dress up a bit for the occasion. Enjoy relaxed conversation, sharing stories, and catching up in a serene setting.
  • Activity: Consider incorporating a light activity, such as a poetry reading or a discussion on a favorite book, to add an engaging element to the afternoon.

A tea party is a delightful way to spend time with friends, offering a mix of elegance and relaxation that everyone will enjoy.

Cooking with Herbs (or Italian, Bread, Canning) Class

Host a cooking class in your kitchen or outdoor area. Focus on recipes that highlight fresh, flavorful, and healthy herbs.

  • Herb-Based Recipes: Choose a few recipes that feature different herbs. Think herb-infused oils, fresh pesto, or an herb-crusted main dish.
  • Hands-On Cooking: Have everyone participate in the cooking process. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn new recipes and techniques.
  • Shared Meal: Sit down together to enjoy the meal you’ve created. It’s an excellent opportunity to chat and bond over delicious food.

Learn a New Game Afternoon

Invite friends over for an afternoon dedicated to learning and playing new games. If the weather is nice, this could be board games, card games, or even outdoor games.

  • Game Selection: Choose a few games that are easy to learn but engaging. Provide clear instructions and a quick demonstration.
  • Friendly Competition: Organize mini-tournaments or team games to add a bit of friendly competition.
  • Refreshments: Keep the atmosphere light and fun with plenty of snacks and drinks.

Weekend Cabin Retreat

Invite several friends to share a cabin at a nearby lake. Each person can sponsor an activity, ensuring a diverse and engaging weekend.

  • Sponsored Activities: Have each friend plan and lead an activity, such as a hike, a craft session, a cooking demonstration, or a game night.
  • Relaxation and Fun: Mix structured activities with free time for relaxation, reading, or exploring the area.
  • Meals Together: Plan meals together, with everyone contributing to the cooking and cleanup. It’s a great way to bond and share the load.

My Fantasy Summer Camp

Day 1: Arrival and Opening Night

  • Afternoon Arrival: Welcome everyone with a casual check-in and a setup tour. If it’s a sleepover, show them their cozy sleeping arrangements. For those staying at home, ensure they have the schedule and know when to return.
  • Potluck Dinner: Begin with a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish. Encourage attendees to come in their pajamas to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
  • Ice Breakers and Storytelling: Share stories about past camp experiences and what everyone loved about summer. This is a great way to bond and set a nostalgic tone for the retreat.
  • Ice Cream Sundaes: End the night by making ice cream sundaes together, offering a variety of toppings for a personalized touch.

Day 2: Outdoor Fun and Bonding

  • Morning Yoga and Breakfast: Start the day with a gentle yoga session to wake the body and mind, followed by a pre-made breakfast casserole.
  • Nature Walk: Enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings in a nearby park.
  • Discussion Session: Talk on an interesting topic that sparks conversation and engagement among the group.
  • Box Lunch Picnic: Enjoy delivered sandwich lunches with apples and cookies, reminiscent of traditional camp meals.
  • Afternoon Games: Spend the afternoon playing games like Mahjong, promoting fun and mental stimulation.
  • Bonfire and Ghost Stories: As night falls, gather around a bonfire to tell ghost stories and share memories. For those bunking together, continue the conversations into the night.

Day 3: Creative Expression and Learning

  • Morning Yoga and Breakfast: Begin with another relaxing yoga session followed by breakfast.
  • Arts and Crafts: Participate in a pre-planned art project, such as painting, knitting, or another craft. Provide all necessary materials and instructions.
  • Educational Talk: Invite a guest to discuss cutting gardens and bird watching, or hold a cooking class to learn new recipes.
  • Cookout and Campfire: End the day with a cookout followed by another evening around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter.

Day 4: Relaxation and Farewell

  • Morning Yoga and Breakfast: Kick off the final day with yoga and a nutritious breakfast.
  • Spa Day: Treat everyone to a spa day, offering manis, pedis, facials, and massages. This can be held at an offsite spa that provides a soothing environment with calming scents, tastes, and music.
  • Farewell Dinner: Conclude the retreat with a special farewell dinner. Reflect on the experiences shared, the new friendships formed, and the relaxation achieved. Celebrate the journey with a sense of renewal and joy.