Sleep-Away Camp Is Back—and It’s All Grown Up

This summer, immerse yourself in itineraries brimming with activities reminiscent of summer camp. From swimming and natural dye workshops—offering an updated twist on classic t-shirt tie-dying—to yoga sessions and communal dinners around a starlit fire, these experiences provide a taste of outdoor adventures while fostering friendships and skill development. The only requirement is a fee; there’s no need for new gear, scouting exotic locations, planning trips, or enduring grocery runs in secluded towns lacking rideshares.

There are diverse options available to fit every individual, catering to various price points, locations, and itineraries. In addition to Usal Project, Camp No Counselors offers events in New York and California, while Pennsylvania hosts a women-only experience named Camp Social. In Maine, the inclusive Camp ‘Camp’ serves as a popular summer spot for the LGBTQ+ community, among numerous others emerging year-round across the nation.

Born in Portland in 2020, Camp Yoshi was founded by Howard University alumnus Rashad Frazier, his wife Shequita, and his brother Ron, with an initial focus on inviting Black campers. Incorporating Frazier’s culinary expertise, they have expanded to encompass a variety of excursions, from day trips to week-long getaways. The specific locations are always kept under wraps. According to Frazier, their guests are drawn in by the allure of exploration and an eagerness to connect with nature. Primarily women aged 35 to 45, attendees are characterized as friendly and open-minded.

Frazier mentioned that attendees are enticed by breathtaking scenery, vibrant atmospheres, and stylish gear. Their social media presence effectively reflects their brand, providing potential participants a glimpse into the experiences offered on their trips. Both Camp Yoshi and Usal collaborate with the Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak, renowned for its thoughtful, minimalist designs, enhancing the camping experience and various social events. This collaboration allows for changing locations throughout each trip, ensuring a consistent refined aesthetic—whether featuring a bathhouse at the campground or a tent designated for necessary bathroom breaks.