Rediscovering Sisterhood at Camp Social: A Weekend of Friendship and Fun

At Camp Social, women of all ages come together to rekindle the spirit of childhood friendship. Over 400 participants, ranging from 21 to over 80 years old, gathered at a former children’s summer camp in the Poconos on August 21. Here, they bunked in cozy log cabins, formed inside jokes, created friendship bracelets, and even choreographed dances to Cher and Shania Twain, all while embracing the camp's motto: 'Every girl is a girl.'

For many attendees, like the women of Cabin 3, rekindling connections was the main goal. Having navigated life’s transitions—careers, parenting, and more—these women found it increasingly challenging to meet new friends. Jackie Prendergast, a cheerful retiree, shared that Cabin 3 adopted a flamingo as their mascot, symbolizing the vibrant friendships they hoped to revive. 'We’ve lost our color, but we’re going to get it back,' she declared, illustrating the camp’s ethos of rediscovery.

The weekend kicked off with a lively dance party, featuring cover bands playing classics from Prince to Bruno Mars. Liv Schreiber, the camp's 29-year-old founder, enthusiastically welcomed campers, emphasizing her mission to create connections. With a waitlist exceeding 60,000, Schreiber's camp stands out as an all-female space focused on fostering friendships rather than the more typical co-ed summer camp experience.

Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in activities like archery and yoga, enjoying the fun of camp life while also embracing the camp's '10-Foot Rule'—encouraging women to greet others within ten feet. Many campers, despite their varying backgrounds and ages, found a shared sense of community.

Interestingly, while women typically maintain more friendships than men, many at Camp Social expressed feelings of isolation brought on by life changes. As they embarked on this camp adventure, they sought not just a break but a chance to connect deeply with others. The average age of campers was 39, a transitional phase often filled with parenting and caregiving responsibilities that can overshadow the pursuit of friendships.

For some, the weekend provided a much-needed getaway, allowing them to enjoy activities like paddleboarding and outdoor movie screenings without the burden of planning. Yet, for many women, it was a heartfelt journey back to the joys of youth, proving that friendship can still blossom at any age. Cabin 3, with its ten spirited members, quickly became inseparable, embodying the camp's mission to recreate the ease of making friends reminiscent of childhood.

Source: www.theatlantic.com