Itineraries full of summer camp activities like swimming, natural dye workshops to replace childhood t-shirt tie-dying, yoga, and group meals around the fire under the stars allow people to microdose being outdoorsy while making new friends and learning new skills. The barrier to entry is simply a fee—no new gear, no location scouting, trip planning, or extra grocery store runs in remote towns where Uber doesn’t exist.
Photo: Courtesy of Usal
And there are options for nearly every person varying in price point, location and itinerary. Beyond Usal Project, Camp No Counselors hosts weeks in New York and California, Pennsylvania has a women’s only version called Camp Social, Maine’s ‘Camp’ Camp is the go-to LGBTQ+ adult summer camp, and more are popping up throughout the country year round.
Camp Yoshi started in Portland in 2020 by Howard University graduate Rashad Frazier, his wife Shequita, and brother Ron. Initially, they focused on inviting Black campers. Always food forward with Frazier’s culinary background, they’ve evolved into diverse excursions from day trips to week-long retreats. While the region is shared, the exact location is always kept a secret. Frazier says they attract people who are “curious, gregarious, and ready to touch some grass.” Their attendees are 35 to 45, mostly women, and very open-minded.
Photo: Courtesy of Camp Yoshi
Photo: Courtesy of Camp Yoshi
Frazier said people are coming for the views, the vibes, and the gear. Obviously, their socials support their brand and give campers and would-be attendees a look at what happens on their trips. Both Camp Yoshi and Usal partner with Japanese camping and outdoor gear brand Snow Peak, bringing their thoughtful, minimalist design to the campsites and subsequent social activities. This affords a change in location for every trip and a refined, consistent aesthetic, whether there’s a bathhouse at the campgrounds or a tent over a hole in the ground for when nature calls.
