Adult Summer Camp Takes Californians Back To The 90s

NAVARRO, CA -- Bubble soccer, obstacle courses, improv and singing are just some of the activities you can expect at Camp Nai Nai Nai in Northern California. The camp attracts people from throughout the state for a weekend-long adventure that allows participants to connect to nature and indulge in new and unique activities.

But, there’s one requirement: You can’t be a kid.

That’s right, Camp Nai Nai Nai, organized by the Moishe House, is a part of the growing trend of summer camps geared for adults only. The camp, which takes place from Aug. 17 to 19 in Navarro, about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco, is only in its second year but is growing in popularity.

“The camp attracts people from all different backgrounds,” Abby Eisen, production designer for Camp Nai Nai Nai, said. “Some may have experienced these summer camps as a kid and wanted to relive it and others might have never done anything like this and feel like they were missing out so they want to experience it now.”

Eisen, who attended the camp before becoming an employee, said participants can expect everything from sports activities to art lessons to ziplining when they attend Camp Nai Nai Nai.

“We have quite the variety of activities,” Eisen said. “But we don’t call them workshops, we call them playshops because we don’t bring work to camp.”

The camp, which is geared toward 20- to 30-year-olds, is a part of the growing number of adult summer camps found throughout the U.S. Some camps have themes like space camp or soul camp, while others are just about unwinding.

For Camp Nai Nai Nai, the three-day long adventure focuses on Judaism and allowing participants to reconnect or learn about their Jewish roots, but being Jewish isn't a requirement, Eisen said.

“It’s important for people to know it’s designed toward the Jewish community but we welcome people of all background,” Eisen said. “(The camp) is about allowing people to develop meaningful, deep connections with other people who share similar values. We want people to build friendships and experience activities that aren’t available to them in their day to day life.”

For more information about Camp Nai Nai Nai, go to campnainainai.org.

--Photos courtesy of Camp Nai Nai Nai