Pickleball Camp in Hudson: At a unique adult pickleball camp, participants find themselves reliving their childhoods while engaging in activities typically reserved for younger campers. With workshops, communal lunches, yoga sessions, nature hikes, and evenings spent around a fire pit sharing s’mores, this adult retreat offers a nostalgic escape. Here, fully-grown campers can experience the joys of camp life, rediscovering the simple pleasures of play.
A Quest for Zen
“I’m here to find my zen,” stated Perry Nixon, a stay-at-home dad, on the first morning of this innovative camp. “I don’t get to do stuff like this, ever.” The YMCA of the North recently launched its inaugural 18-and-over pickleball camp, set against the serene backdrop of Camp St. Croix, a 400-acre haven along the riverfront. This summertime retreat, usually bustling with children, has transformed into a sanctuary for pickleball enthusiasts eager for a three-day getaway reminiscent of their youth.
The idea struck a chord with many adults longing for a return to carefree summer days spent in pursuit of fun. For the camp’s attendees, the experience echoes the adventurous spirit of childhood—a sentiment echoed by Nixon, who, like many fellow campers, is seeking joy and adventure.
“I can pretend I’m a child again,” shared 68-year-old David Smith of Vadnais Heights, a recent retiree from truck driving. The camp mirrored his newfound lifestyle. “Every morning, I grab my backpack, get on my bike and find a pickleball court,” he beamed. “It’s great because you can do anything you want now.”
Learning from the Experts
The YMCA of the North spared no effort in recruiting top-notch instructors for this first-ever adult pickleball camp. Leading the clinics was David Dutrieuille, the former national pickleball director for Life Time. As the group warmed up on the vibrant azure-painted courts, Dutrieuille adopted the role of a wise mentor, imparting the virtues of what has become the fastest-growing sport in the nation.
He encouraged the largely 55-and-over crowd by stating that engaging in racquet sports could potentially extend their lives by ten years. However, what resonated most with campers was his heartfelt observation: “Pickleball is the only sport that captures the adult heart with childlike wonder.”
Dutrieuille noted a significant difference between teaching children and adults: while kids have shorter attention spans, grown-ups can endure the learning process for extended periods. Yet, he still applied a child-centered approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of incorporating new skills into games. “It’s much like sneaking a leaf of spinach into your toddler’s grilled cheese,” he explained.
Throughout the camp, instructors moved between courts, providing personalized feedback and minor adjustments to enhance campers’ skills. After experiencing difficulties near the net, one instructor advised Nixon to keep his paddle out in front of him. This small tweak made a monumental difference, leading to newfound confidence and success on the court.
What’s Missing in Life?
The concept of adult overnight camps isn’t entirely new. Programs catering to foodies, language learners, LGBTQ+ communities, musicians, and those seeking traditional camp experiences have gained popularity. The YMCA of the North has previously offered adult camps like Y She Skis for women’s cross-country skiing and art camps in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Theresa Douglas, the business development manager at Camp St. Croix, observed a growing interest in these adult getaways. “Going through COVID was a shift for people and helped them realize what was missing from their lives,” she noted, whether that was a connection to nature or a sense of community. Nearly 40 participants signed up for the pickleball camp, with half opting for overnight accommodations—a luxury adults appreciate, the ability to choose whether to participate or retreat to their own homes.
Rob Hardcopf, who awoke in Apple Valley on the morning of camp, felt the familiar butterflies of nervous anticipation. He confided in his wife about his anxieties—worrying about how he would fare in an unfamiliar environment with new faces. “We did it all as kids, but how does it work as adults?” he mused.
His concerns quickly dissipated upon arrival. The cabins exceeded expectations, with spacious and comfortable accommodations, and the welcoming presence of clean bathrooms. An evening social featured live music, seltzers, and beer, allowing campers to bond over shared experiences.
For Nixon, who had always been passionate about pickleball, attending this camp was a dream come true. His wife recognized his enthusiasm for the sport and encouraged him to join. “We were broke,” he reflected on his childhood, noting he never had the chance to attend camps like this one. Now, with adult responsibilities weighing heavy, time rather than money poses the biggest challenge.
With the U.S. surgeon general warning about parental burnout, it’s clear that even caregivers require moments of respite and joy. “If we don’t take the time to do this as parents, it won’t happen,” Nixon asserted. “So here I am.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Camp in Hudson
The YMCA of the North has launched its inaugural adult pickleball camp at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin, where participants engage in workshops, yoga, and nature hikes while reconnecting with the joys of childhood. Top-notch instructors guide campers through clinics, emphasizing the benefits of pickleball for adults. With nearly 40 registrants, the camp provides a much-needed retreat for adults seeking fun and camaraderie, highlighting the importance of self-care amidst parental responsibilities.
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