When you’re a kid, the whole point of summer camp is to pack in so many campfires, late nights and outdoor activities that, at the end, you flop into your parents’ minivan, tired, dirty and changed by a taste of independence.
Adult summer camp operates a little differently. While some offer those classic camp staples, others provide a chance to immerse yourself in a passion or quest — and, it’s safe to say, all these experiences welcome better hygiene.
From music to language to yoga, check out some of our adult camp picks and get ready for a throwback to the good ol’ days of summer.
Some people come to Camp Yoga for a string of yoga classes. Others arrive with a hammock, book and the goal of moving as little as possible.
“It’s 50/50,” says Kirsty Flaxman, owner of Camp Yoga Inc., which runs adult summer camps across Canada and the U.S. “Some people want to come and get all the movement in with all the different instructors and some just want to play fun games and do fun activities.”
After several years based in Sylvan Lake, Camp Yoga Alberta is moving to the mountains from Aug. 14 to 16 at Goldeye Lake Mountain Resort in Nordegg. Alongside yoga, it offers kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, ropes courses, dance classes, archery, and various wellness and fitness classes. Campers can choose a luxury RV or go old-school with bunkhouses and tents.
“I think people like getting to tap back into the parts of our lives where we didn’t have the same level of responsibility and we got to just be in a space and play,” Flaxman says. “It’s a choose-your-own-adventure-style weekend.”
Camp Yoga Alberta
Nordegg, Alberta | Aug. 14 – 16, 2026 | Goldeye Lake Mountain Resort | campyoga.ca
“Summer camp” might not conjure up images of wind instruments and sheet music, but the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Rusty Musicians Summer Camp Orchestra offers a chance to focus on nothing but music for five days — which, for musically inclined adults, is a luxury.
Musicians of all levels (who are 18 and over) have a chance to pick up their instruments — in some cases, for the first time in many years, and focus on developing their skills. It all culminates in a performance on the fabled Winspear stage.
“It’s a big commitment to take time off of work to do five full days and we want to make it an experience that’s about playing music in a community and enjoying the experience,” says Lilian Belknap, associate director of musical creativity with the ESO. “It’s not about competition or playing every single note. It’s about showing up and participating in the best way you can and learning to love music again.”
Musicians are, however, expected to bring their own instruments — with limited spots for each part of the orchestra. While there is a full complement for some — like flute, clarinet, french horn and harp — several other spots are still available.
This year, there is also space for a conductor to learn under ESO assistant conductor Shah Sadikov. “If there’s somebody who’s always wanted the opportunity to learn to conduct, maybe a choir conductor who wants to try conducting an orchestra or a band teacher, that’s another space we offer,” Belknap says.
Rusty Musicians Summer Camp
Downtown | July 8 – 12, 2026 | Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Churchill Square NW, Edmonton | winspearcentre.com
After a successful group trip to France earlier this year, Alliance Française of Edmonton decided to try replicating the immersive experience a little closer to home.
To their surprise, the five-day Adult Summer French Camp in Edmonton has nearly sold out for its July 6 to 10 run. “We were very surprised and delighted,” says Emma Huet, cultural coordinator with the non-profit organization that focuses on promoting French language and culture.
Each day, the group will spend mornings in the classroom and afternoons out in the city, using what they’ve learned. They’ll visit cafés and museums and even take part in a cooking class. (Campers will be split into groups by skill level to ensure everyone has a successful experience.)
“It’s summer, so we don’t want to only sit in a chair and learn French,” Huet says. “The idea is to also to highlight our partners and to show we can practise French in Edmonton outside of the classroom.”
If you miss out on registration in July, AFE is working to add another session in August soon.
Adult Summer French Camp
Westmount | July 6 – 10, 2026 | Alliance Française d’Edmonton, 10424 123 St NW, Edmonton | afedmonton.com
