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Are you ready to rough it? With all the hype surrounding this booze-soaked summer camp—Camp No Counselors—it's no wonder the grown-up event sold out before summer in New York officially started. The good news? The buzzy, super-fun excursion just added another New York weekend (Sept 8–11), so if you're dying to go, now's your chance! In case you can't afford the three-day affair or if you're interested in exploring other adult summer camps near the area, these four outrageously fun hideaways either located in or near NYC are still accepting campers!
Camp Grounded
This serene, cabin-filled sleepaway camp is not for the indecisive. Why? Because there are practically over a bazillion activities to choose from. Typical camp programming like zip-lining, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, tie-dyeing and ropes courses are, of course, on the sign-up list. But unique workshops in truffle making, laughter yoga, comic-book drawing, ukulele playing and hip-hop dance are the real draw. When you’re not busy starting new hobbies, there’s plenty of time to eat s’mores and bond with your fellow campers/new besties. Surprise Lake Camp, 382 Lake Surprise Rd, Cold Spring, NY (campgrounded.org). Fri 10 at 12:30pm; $595. Through June 13.
Camp Lawless
One of the many wonderful things about camp is leaving the grounds as a better version of yourself (awww), and folks who are looking to hone their poetry skills will surely transform at this local camp, led by Amy Lawless (My Dead and I Cry: The Desire to Be Rejected). The 11-week experience will do more than teach you all about iambic pentameters. You can immerse yourself in all forms of the art by learning from visiting poets while actively writing and performing your work in front of an audience. Don’t worry—you won’t be stuck indoors all day. Hell, it’s summer! Enjoy outdoor excursions to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and poetry bookstores while snacking on pizza and watermelon. The Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (617-921-3736, bowerypoetry.com). Sun noon–2pm; $600. Through Aug 21.
OutdoorFest Campout
If you’re a wannabe camper on a budget, OutdoorFest is the perfect penny-saving alfresco adventure. The program is all about celebrating open-air fitness, which is why you can go on a hike with the Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy, practice your ohm with Pop Up Yoga and partake in a woodsy 5K Night Trail Race. You can still relive the glory of traditional camp activities but with a mature twist—think stargazing with legitastronomers, rocking out to a live concert by Americana group Silver City Bound and listening to podcasts around a campfire. Just make sure to BYOT (bring your own tent). Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, 1215-1251 Manor Rd, Staten Island (outdoorfest.com). Sat 11 at 6pm; $50–$65.
Zombie Survival Camp
Walking Dead diehards (and those preparing for the imminent zombie apocalypse) aren’t the only ones who benefit from this action-packed weekend getaway. You’ll adopt valuable survival and team-building skills while being a total badass. Learn how to build shelters and perform first aid among more intense and nightmarish activities, like knife throwing and using a crossbow. (Y’know, casual camp stuff.) Oh, and there will be “zombies” on-site, so you can test your bravery. Pine Barrens, NJ, address to be announced with purchase (zombiesurvivalcamp.com). Fri 10–Sun 12; $450.