Camp Social: A Much Needed All-Women’s Sleepaway Weekend

If you read my recent blog about wandering around New York in 7 hours, you might remember that my friend, Jenna, and I were headed to an all-women’s camp afterward. That plan came from a simple question we asked each other while I was spending the holiday weekend in Toronto. She mentioned that her two lovely boys recently returned from camp, which made us both wonder, “Is there an adults-only camp?” Growing up, neither one of us went to camp, and we thought it would be a fun shared first-time experience for us. We were both open to trying out a co-ed kind of camp. However, after her research, she pitched Camp Social.

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What is Camp Social?

A fun and empowering 3-day women’s retreat at Camp Social in the Poconos.

📍 Location: Equinunk, Pennsylvania – in the Poconos
📅 Length: 3-Day All-Women’s Retreat
👯 Vibe: “99% arrive solo, 100% leave as friends.” — Founder Liv Schreiber
🚌 Transport: Round-trip bus from NYC included

We stalked their socials (as one does), but even after all the research, nothing prepared me for how empowering, emotional, and energizing this weekend would be.

We took a rideshare from our hotel in Lower Manhattan to the designated bus meeting point — where we instantly saw women with backpacks, water bottles, and excited smiles.

Liv and her staff enthusiastically welcomed us and provided us with our lunch to munch on during our 2.5-hour commute to the Poconos. It was a healthy and delish rice bowl that was more than enough to get us through our commute. The drive was lovely. As a SoCal woman who rarely sees seasons change, I couldn’t stop admiring the vibrant fall foliage out the window — reds, oranges, golds. Already magical. Also, along the drive, we saw a handful of cars with women wearing their Camp Social gear! We know where they’re hearing.

As soon as we arrived, we were escorted to check in and see which bunk we were assigned to. As we made our way to the barn area to check in, we were taken aback by how gorgeous Lenape Lake was.

After a few detours, we finally arrived in our bunk, which was situated on a fairly steep incline. I must say, as an elder millennial, I was not expecting to go on a mini-hike with luggage to get to my bed for the next few days. After somewhat settling in and meeting some of our bunkmates, we made our way back down to the Pavilion to get a tour of this massive property and intel on what’s truly in store for the weekend.

In the middle of our walking tour, we saw the rock walls and ropes course and decided to stay to try it out as our first camp activity. Jenna introduced me to wall climbing in our early 20’s…and that was the last time I’ve done it. I remember being excited trying it out back then — fear wasn’t a factor. But this time, a little nervousness set in. Needless to say, I barely got up halfway up the wall as my arms and grip gave up. However, Jenna is a badass and rang the bell at the top of the wall! [Side note: I’ll post a separate blog about all the different activities, aka sesh, we did at camp.]

Next, we found the archery range. THANK GOODNESS — something I’ve actually practiced. It had been a few weeks since I shot my bow, but the confidence came right back. 🏹 [Side note 2: Another blog coming soon about my archery journey!]

By the time we looked up, hours had passed — and happy hour had begun. 🍷✨

Wine, beer, cocktails, mocktails — check.
Aesthetic charcuterie table — check.
Table dedicated to food sensitivities — love that.

You know how, at lunch back in grade or high school, you dreaded asking a group if you could sit at their table? Guess what, zero awkward “lunchroom” vibes. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and open to connection — exactly the Camp Social vibe.

It didn’t take long before we were called to head to the Lodge for dinner. It was buffet-style, and the presentation was on point. The atmosphere was lively; the music was blaring (but at times a bit too loud), people were dancing, and overall, it was a fun and engaging meal.

With our stomachs full, we headed back to the bunk to rest and get a chance to freshen up for the night activities back at the barn. Before arriving, Camp Social emailed us about a friendly competition throughout the weekend. All campers were assigned a team color. Most of us bunkies were Team Purple. What I didn’t expect was that the night activities were the start of the said competition: a lip-sync battle, with a fashion show and cheer competition.

Teamwork, energy, and creativity were fire! Four teams went head-to-head. Each team brought unique presentations to the table. At the end of the night, Team Purple led the pack! It felt good to be on a winning team.

After munchin’ on some s’mores, we headed back to the Lodge where a band was playing live music. They played pretty music from 80’s to the present. The dancing and sing-along continued past 11 pm. We retreated to our bunk with a little bit of sore throat from all the continued laughing and singing throughout the night. What a perfect end to Day One.

After grubbing on some breakfast and reviewing the activities offered for the day, we chose to head to the Gallery for some arts and crafts. It turns out everyone else had the same idea. We managed to create a bookmark, albeit simple, it’s a useful one.

We were also lucky enough to get in the last paint and sip session before lunch. With the view of the lake, mimosas on hand, a blank canvas, some brushes, and paint, we all got to create something special to commemorate the weekend.

Afternoon activities kicked off with the main event — the finale of the team competition. Sporting our team colors, we headed to the tennis center and were given instructions on how the game would proceed. Each of us had to do the most random challenge to score a point for our team. I had to read a sentence backwards and balance a book on my head. Not skills that will go on my resume, but points were definitely earned! After that fun, chaotic madness, the Blue Team won the whole thing. We’ll allow it. 😉

Since the water activities were open in the afternoon, I got to do two things I never thought I’d do, water slide and tubing.

Women who did the morning cold plunge water slide gave tips:

“Plug your nose!”
“Close your eyes!”
“Hold on tight!”

I did… most of that. My landing was dramatic and resulted in a tiny scratch on my face… and it was worth it. And to the women who took part in the cold plunge, I salute you.

As we headed off back to the other side of the lake to stand in line for tubing. For those unfamiliar, like me, tubing consists of an inflatable with handles attached to a speed boat and glides you around the lake. Initially, Jenna was only going to watch, but camp magic convinced her otherwise. However, that boat did not glide; it sped us around the lake! Not only were we getting an arm workout as we held on to the inflatable for dear life, but an ab workout too from laughing and crying for two straight minutes.

After dinner, most of the bunkmates got dressed for the Hoedown Throwdown — live DJ, free-flow drinks, dancing nonstop like we were clubbing in heels again. Except now… comfy sneakers.

Late-night snacks followed, and while others watched a movie outdoors, we continued bonding with our new friends.

We packed mostly the night before — pro tip. After breakfast, we squeezed in a final meditation + yoga session to reset before heading home.

And with calm and zen in mind, we took our last set of photos with our bunkmates, hopped on the bus back to New York, and head back to reality.

👟 Wear comfy clothing and shoes. You’ll never know where your assigned bunk will be or what activities you’ll end up doing.

🔌 Bring a power strip. Our bunk had minimal outlets and had to share two with all the devices we had to charge daily.

📧 Check your emails for packing recommendations, but make sure to bring what you NEED. You know yourself best.

🛍️ Be on the lookout for giveaways. One thing we weren’t expecting was the number of brand deals that took part in this event. My favorite was the Native Shoes since it’s practical and I got to use it right away.

🛄 With that said, leave room in your luggage to bring the ones you like and give away the ones you don’t need. For example, another camper had an idea for the feminine products we couldn’t bring. She took them with her to donate to a women’s shelter.

😃 Be open-minded. Whether it’s to make new friends or try new activities, you’ll never know if you like someone or something until you’re faced with it.

One thing that resonated with me was when Liv mentioned that flamingos regain their pink color after taking care of others, specifically their young. That hit home. Most of us women tend to be nurturers of our family and community. We forget to refill our own joy. It reminded me what connection feels like and what being seen without the day-to-day responsibilities feels like. This weekend was the beginning of getting my pink back. 🦩💗

As always, friends, I hope this inspires you to keep wandering and making new connections, friends.

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