Missed Out on Adult Summer Camp? A Fall Retreat Could Be Your Second Chance

Did you watch summer slip by without roasting marshmallows or kayaking on a lake? Adult summer camp is officially a thing now, and it’s not just for kids. Searches for “adult summer camp” have surged this year as people look for community and nostalgia. Adults across the country are heading to camps to disconnect from daily stress, make new friends, and relive the carefree fun of childhood, with a few adult perks.

If you’re feeling a twinge of regret for missing out this year, don’t worry. Summer may be over, but your chance for camp fun isn’t. Here’s why adult camps resonate, how fall eases the FOMO, what makes autumn retreats special, and how you can experience it at NaCoMe’s Adult Fall Retreat on October 3–4, 2025. Grab a cozy sweater and settle in.

Why Adults Are Going Back to Camp

Adult summer camps have surged in popularity recently, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some big reasons grown-ups love the idea of going back to camp:

• Nostalgia & “Being a Kid Again”: Many adults want a simpler time and the carefree fun we remember from childhood camp. Some went to camp as kids, others only saw it in movies. Cabins, campfire songs, and friendship bracelets bring back warm memories. Adult camps let you be a kid again with playful activities done purely for fun. No one cares if you miss the target at archery or sing off-key. It’s about relaxing, laughing, and enjoying moments that feel like life was simpler.

• Disconnecting from Screens (Digital Detox): We spend a lot of the day glued to email, news, and smartphones, and it’s tiring. About 66% of workers report burnout. Adult camp gives you a clean break. Many sites have limited signal and encourage phones away, so scrolling turns into hiking and notifications turn into real conversations. Stepping back from constant digital input helps you reset, sleep better, and be fully present.

• Community & New Friends: Making friends as an adult is tough. Work, family, and set routines get in the way. Adult summer camp makes it easy to connect. You arrive as strangers, then shared activities like ropes courses, hikes, meals, and campfire games quickly build real bonds. All weekend you meet new people and grow closer through simple, shared adventures. Camp traditions such as team games and talent shows can seem cheesy at first, but they break the ice and help you form a circle of friends in a day or two. The sense of belonging and camaraderie is what brings many adults back.

• Outdoor Fun & Adventure: Most of us spend too much time indoors and sitting. Adult camp gets you outside and active. Think canoeing on the lake, rock-wall climbs, archery, crafts in the art room, and games on the field. Mornings might be a hike in the woods, afternoons a zipline or a low-ropes challenge, then a swim or paddle to cool off. The schedule is full, so you never have to plan your own fun. Try something new or keep it easy and enjoy the fresh air. No experience needed. It’s simple, carefree time in nature for adults of any age.

Adult Summer Camp is Over... Now What? (Fall Is Your Second Chance)

Missed adult summer camp? You still have time. Fall retreats pick up right after Labor Day, when calendars calm down and weekends are easier to plan. Many programs expand adult offerings in September and October, so a quick getaway becomes realistic for you and your friends.

Fall also feels like a reset. Cooler air, changing leaves, and campfires make it easy to unwind, reflect, and reconnect. If July slipped away, an October retreat can deliver the same camp-style fun with fewer crowds and a cozier vibe.

The Magic of a Fall Camp Retreat

Why consider a fall retreat instead of waiting until next summer? Autumn camps have their own special charm that might just make them your new favorite tradition. Here are some reasons fall camp retreats are awesome:

• Gorgeous Autumn Scenery: Step outside your cabin to golden, red, and orange leaves. Fall lights up the forest, calm lakes mirror the sky, and trails crunch underfoot. It’s a photo-friendly season that feels fresh compared with late-summer green. Hikes, porch coffee, or quiet devotions under a maple all feel special because the foliage adds a sense of wonder. Familiar spots look new, and camp in the fall is simply beautiful.

• Cool, Comfortable Weather (No More Mosquitoes!): Say goodbye to sticky heat. Autumn brings crisp air that’s ideal for getting outside. You can hike, paddle, and play without overheating, and you won’t end the day drenched. Bugs drop off in the fall, so mosquitoes and flies are far less of a hassle. That means fewer bites and a more relaxing time on the trail or by the lake. Nights are cooler too, which makes for great sleep. Grab a blanket, crack a window, and enjoy the kind of rest that’s tough to get in July.

• Cozy Campfire Vibes & Longer Evenings: Fall and campfires go hand in hand. Earlier sunsets give you more time for s’mores, stories, and stargazing, so the fun can start by dinnertime. Pull on a hoodie, grab a warm drink, and settle in by the crackle of the fire. Cooler nights make the sky clearer and the mood relaxed, which invites easy conversation and big laughs. For many adults, those fireside hours are the highlight of the retreat.

• Time for Reflection & Renewal: Fall retreats move at a calm pace that supports personal reflection and spiritual growth. After a busy summer, the season invites you to slow down and breathe. The camp setting helps you reconnect with yourself and with God, with time for devotionals, prayer, and quiet moments by the lake. A simple morning walk in the woods can clear your head and steady your heart. Away from phones and chores, it’s easier to practice gratitude, gain perspective, and strengthen community. Many adults head home feeling refreshed, refocused, and closer to their church friends, which fits the harvest and gratitude spirit of autumn.

NaCoMe’s Adult Fall Retreat (Oct 3–4, 2025)

NaCoMe’s Adult Fall Retreat flyer proudly declares, “Camp isn’t just for the kids anymore!” – inviting adults to enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun and fellowship on October 3–4, 2025. This special fall retreat is designed for church groups in our presbytery to come together at camp and relive the magic of the camp experience as adults.

If all this talk about adult camp has you thinking “I’m ready to go!”, then mark your calendar. NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center is hosting an Adult Fall Retreat on October 3–4, 2025 (Friday–Saturday), and it’s the perfect opportunity for you (and your church friends) to get that camp fix.

Here are the key details and highlights:

• When & Where: October 3–4, 2025 at NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center, Pleasantville, TN. A quick Friday–Saturday getaway with early October foliage and a peaceful setting.

• Who Can Attend: Adults 18+ from churches in our presbytery. Sign up through your church and come as a group.

• Outdoor Activities: Hiking, canoeing or fishing, archery, field games, and a campfire with s’mores. Options may include ropes elements and quiet nature paths. All skill levels welcome.

• Fellowship & Faith: Time for devotionals, prayer, small-group conversations, and possible vespers under the stars. Share meals, swap stories, and build deeper friendships.

• Lodging & Meals: Rustic lodges with hot showers and comfy camp vibes. Homemade meals in the dining hall are included.

• Cost: $120 per person covers one night of lodging, activities, and 3+ meals.

• How to Register: Contact your church office or leader to join your group. Space may be limited, so add your name early. Questions: retreats@nacome.org.

If summer slipped by, this is your fall chance to unplug, enjoy nature, and strengthen the community. Pack your bag and join us for a refreshing weekend.