S’more than a feeling…
Do you remember listening to the crickets at night, chasing fireflies, and getting lost looking at the stars? Somewhere between career paths, tax seasons, and endless notifications, we lost track of that version of ourselves—the one who lived for friendship bracelets and late nights outside.
It’s time to go back.
Trail Mix: An Adult Summer Camp is an immersive weekend designed to help you unplug from the digital world and reconnect with your wilder, younger self. This isn’t a “wellness retreat” with strict schedules and green juice; this is real camp.
The Camper Package
An incredible weekend filled with connection, nature and play to rediscover wild wonder, connect with others, and grow together.
A line up of nature-based and camp adventures led by an experienced team.
Delicious and nutritious snacks and meals, with some DIY tutorials on rustic skills for nourishment over campfires and in outdoor settings.
Unique access to overnight camping and nighttime activities to unplug under the moonlight. Tents are included in the cost of registration.
Schedule
| TIME | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
| Check in: 11am |
Welcome to Camp Trail Mix! Your adventure at Camp Trail Mix begins! Once you’re checked in, we will do a camp orientation of all things camp. This will cover: • Camp introductions • Camp tour • Camp schedule • Camp how to’s • Camp culture Pack a lunch! We will have snacks and light beverages available, but we encourage either to eat a big breakfast or pack a lunch! |
| Field Trip! 12:15-6pm Destination: |
Gone Fishin’ (and Kayaking)! Our very own fishing pro will offer a crash course on shoreline fishing. Followed by a kayaking exploration of a vast lake. Our ACA Kayak trainers will offer a tutorial on paddling, entries/exit of a kayak, turns, and more. |
| TIME | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
| Check in: 10am 10-10:30am |
Welcome back to Camp Trail Mix! We will gear up for the day with some check-in warm-ups and a little bit of art to give our camp gear some real flair. Food: Enjoy some breakfast treats with coffee and tea. |
| 10:30-11am | Field Games Galore Friendly fun in the field with some classic lawn games. |
| 11am-1pm Lunch, on us! |
Campfire Cooking Class Settle around the fire for a tutorial on cooking treats from the land best known for its campfire meats: Argentina. Take a culinary adventure to South America while learning tips and tricks for cooking over fire. Food: This meal will include meat and vegan alternatives. |
| 1-3pm | Escape the Backpack Crack the case on a mystery a-foot on the trails! |
| 3-4pm | Batty Hour Wine-down while bats wind up with a cocktail class on the reasons to cheer these furry flyers, near and far! |
| 4-6pm | Nature Photography 101 Hike with a wildlife photographer for tips on how to snap the perfect shot, with any device. |
| 6-6:30pm Dinner, on us! |
Dine on the Deck Rest, relax, and reminisce on the camp day over a catered meal. |
| TIME | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
| 6:30-7:30pm | Set up Camp Get a run-down on the know-how of camp set up, and give it a go! Leaving later? Take time to chill, or help a buddy with their setup. |
| 7:30-9:30pm S’mores, on us! |
Are you scared of the dark?! We might be, we might not. Find out through this evening of nighttime explorations. • Bat echolocation survey • Stargazing with the National Capitol Astronomers • Campfire stories • Tarot card readings (optional) Food: Fear not, to calm our nerves we’ll provide a classic campfire comfort with a glamourous twist, because you deserve it: gourmet s’mores! |
| 9:30-10pm | Campfire Cool Down Campers who will stay overnight are encouraged to begin to ease into their abodes for the evening. Those who plan to use their own accommodations are asked to leave at this time and meet us again in the morning. |
| TIME | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30am | Sunday Funday Breakfast Enjoy some breakfast treats with coffee and tea. Optional: Join a morning meditation. |
| 9:30-1:30pm | Movement Rock Climbing Gym Reach new heights in a top rope climbing class! |
| 1:30-3:30pm | Camp Celebration Join a campfire celebration of our weekend of whimsy together before parting ways from Camp Trail Mix. Guided activities around the campfire will invite reflection, artistic expression, and celebration of Trail Mix memories. |
The Field Guide (FAQ)
Camp Trail Mix is a place to set down the sense of responsibility and pick up the sense of play. We are here to relax, explore, and connect via the joy of nature and community. Our camp values are:
- Shared, good vibes. The magic of camp comes from a collective of positive energy, curiosity of self and others, and a willingness to share.
- Exploration. Camp will invite you to check out some new-to-you experiences and connect with new people. Where you feel comfortable, we challenge you to give it a go (within your limits)!
We invite all adults (21+) to join us for an inclusive experience. We celebrate all abilities, orientations, and skill levels. No judgment, no barriers—just community and play.
Come alone, leave with new friends! We see solo guests participate in programs and soar with new friends by the end. We look forward to having you join the flock! For groups, as long as there is space, each member of the party can register.
Camp paperwork will ask whether you prefer sleep alone in one of our provided tents, are open to sharing with someone, or will bring your own tent.
This camp is rain or shine, with plans to modify the schedule when needed. The nature center has shelter, air conditioning, and program space. There are safety protocols for severe storms. If needed, overnight camping will be brought inside the nature center.
Camp activities range in movement from more rigorous physical activities to more stationary activities. Rigorous activities include kayaking, high ropes course, and hikes of 1-2 miles at a time on uneven natural surface trails. Stationary activities include arts and crafts, time around a campfire, and breaks throughout each day. There are field trips to other locations in Montgomery Parks, to which guests can be driven in a Parks vehicle or drive themselves.
Campers can opt out of activities for any reason to relax on their own or rejoin the camp at a later time.
We can provide reasonable accommodations such as adaptive equipment or assisted listening devices via Program Access. This is a Montgomery Parks service that ensures individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in enjoyable leisure-time activities in accessible places and programs.
When registering for the camp, please select the entry fields to request a reasonable accommodation. They will then follow up to learn more about your request and share what kinds of modifications can support your experience.
We might experience heat, cold, rain, bugs, animals, water, and sun. We will walk on natural surface trails that are inclined, rocky, and/or muddy. Each day, there will be breaks indoors and in shade to cool off, hydrate, and reset.
Yes! There are gendered stalls and a private all genders restroom inside of our building. These bathrooms do not include a shower.
You can return to your own accommodation at the end of Saturday and come back Sunday. Whether you decide to camp with us or not, the registration cost is the same.
Full refunds are offered for cancellations no less than two weeks before the start of the camp. Please see the Montgomery Parks “Activity Withdrawals and Refund Policies”.
We have lots of yummy treats planned for you. Some meals are included, some on your own accord. The camp schedule will highlight the meals we will provide.
Staff will account for allergens. Help us offer a safe and comfortable camp by reporting dietary restrictions and allergies in the camp paperwork as soon as possible.