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New summer trend for Gen Z and millennials is breaking popularity records
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Poland /Culture & Society

New summer trend for Gen Z and millennials is breaking popularity records

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • "Adult summer camp" experiences are surging in popularity among Gen Z and millennials, with Google searches up 350%.
  • This trend sees young adults choosing rustic camps over luxury hotels for a more engaging and authentic experience.
  • Participants seek a return to simpler times, focusing on nature, community, and unplugged activities.

A new vacation trend is captivating Generation Z and millennials: the "adult summer camp." This nostalgic escape is rapidly gaining traction, with Google Trends data revealing a staggering 350% increase in searches for the term, signaling a significant shift away from traditional poolside resorts.

Journalists who have experienced these adult camps report them as more relaxing than stays at prestigious international hotels. The appeal lies in the communal aspect; activities like preparing meals, once a hotel service, become opportunities for genuine human connection. Evenings are spent around campfires, fostering conversations that extend late into the night, surrounded by nature.

While the trend originated in the United States, Poland is quickly embracing it. Organizers are offering a diverse range of activities, from sports and art workshops to yoga and surfing. For many in Gen Z and millennials, these camps represent a deliberate step back from the constant connectivity of modern life, offering a chance to reclaim unstructured time filled with simple joys like nature walks or campfire chats.

Experts suggest this surge in popularity stems from a deep-seated desire for authenticity. In a world saturated with digital noise and performance pressure, adults are seeking spaces free from the need to prove themselves. The core attraction, according to Ewa Skirmuntt of the Wolf Zone Foundation, is "the longing for good, simple being with people in nature." While structured activities are offered, the true value is found in the spontaneous interactions and shared experiences that unfold between participants.

The longing for good, simple being with people in nature.

โ€” Ewa SkirmunttSkirmuntt, an organizer of adult summer camps, explains the fundamental appeal of the trend.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.