Our society is currently grappling with a fascinating trend among adults.

Initially, there was the rise of “Disney Adults,” who flock to parks, replete with childlike enthusiasm, while also pushing for amenities like alcohol outside of just Epcot. But now, it seems they’ve turned their sights on summer camps.

The number of adults attending summer camps is on the rise as they claim it’s a way to relive simpler times and make new friends. However, if they were to be truthful, many might acknowledge that these nostalgic experiences serve as a means to sidestep actual growth.

As highlighted in a report by the Wall Street Journal, “Sleepaway camp is no longer just for kids.” It’s evolving into an adult social retreat.

For instance, Joselyn Benson recounted how she formed a lasting friendship at sleepaway camp, engaging in various activities like hiking and cheering during competitions, surrounded by fellow campers.

Nostalgia can be quite powerful. Just the sight of an old Ford truck, with its worn leather seats baking under the Texas sun, can instantly transport me back to my childhood.

Yet, there’s a distinct difference between that youthful nostalgia and what I experience now. I realize that those moments from my eight-year-old self cannot be replicated. I can sit in my dad’s old truck and reminisce, but I can’t revert to being a child with a completely different view of life.

It feels like they take the most cherished parts of their youth and try to relive them, pretending that the emotions are just as profound. Sleeping under the stars holds a different magic for kids than for adults. Those seeking refuge at Disney or adult camps often find themselves just delaying the realities of adulthood. Eventually, the camp experiences may not provide the deep satisfaction they’re looking for, leaving them yearning for more nostalgia.

A tweet from Sheel Mohnot captured this sentiment: “Summer camp for adults is the best. I went to camp in 2017 and have been chasing that magic ever since… Adulthood is richer when we embrace our inner child.”

If we were honest with these adult campers, we might suggest they embrace their identity, seek out excitement in activities like hiking and canoeing, and focus on creating fulfilling lives. Ultimately, there’s something quite disheartening about using childhood memories to navigate adulthood. Yes, adult life can be complex and demanding, but if one finds a true sense of purpose and joy, the challenges of adulthood can transform into exhilarating new adventures.