The Golden Girls, but in a Camp Cabin
At Camp Social, where grown women return to girlhood, friendship has no preamble. Within 15 minutes of meeting eight of the campers from Cabin 3, I learned this: In their 50s and 60s, they have no use for the menstrual discs in the camp swag bag; one of them found online dating so depressing after her divorce that she’s given up entirely; when they laugh, they pee a little; they feel like they’ve known one another for years, even though most of them met last night.
TL;DR
- Camp Social is an all-female adult summer camp designed to facilitate friendship formation by recreating childhood experiences.
- Activities include dancing, archery, climbing the ropes course, making friendship bracelets, and themed performances.
- The camp encourages immediate connection through a '10-Foot Rule' and a focus on reliving a childlike state of ease in forming relationships.
- Many campers are navigating life transitions such as divorce, widowhood, or empty nesting, seeking social connection.
- Founder Liv Schreiber's goal is to provide a space for women to meet and bond, with a significant waitlist for the camp.
- Friendships formed at Camp Social can be quick and deep, as exemplified by the camaraderie developed in Cabin 3.
- While many attendees form strong connections, some younger campers found it difficult to connect with others.
- The camp serves as a temporary escape and a catalyst for lasting friendships, with some groups planning reunions.