Adult Pickleball Camp at Camp St. Croix: A Playground for Grown-Ups
Adult Pickleball Camp Offers Grown-Ups a Chance to Play and Connect
HUDSON, Wis. — The YMCA of the North has introduced its first 18-and-over pickleball camp, giving adults the opportunity to relive the joys of summer camp in a unique way. Nestled on 400 acres along a scenic riverfront in Hudson, Wisconsin, Camp St. Croix has been transformed into an adults-only playground for pickleball enthusiasts.
Campers packed their sleeping bags, bug spray, sunscreen, and pickleball paddles for a three-day getaway filled with workshops, clinics, and social activities. For many participants, like stay-at-home dad Perry Nixon, this experience was a rare chance to focus on themselves and their passions.
“I’m here to find my zen,” Nixon said. “I don’t get to do stuff like this, ever.”
The camp featured top-flight instructors, including former national pickleball director David Dutrieuille, who emphasized the health benefits and joy of playing pickleball. Participants were able to improve their skills while connecting with like-minded individuals in a supportive and fun environment.
Adult overnight camps have been growing in popularity, offering a variety of experiences for individuals looking to reconnect with nature, learn new skills, or simply have a good time. The YMCA of the North has previously offered camps for women’s cross-country skiing and adult art near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
With nearly 40 people registered for the pickleball camp, the demand for adult getaways continues to rise. Campers found comfort and camaraderie in the shared experience, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to take a break from their daily responsibilities and focus on themselves.
For Nixon and others, the camp provided a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life. As the U.S. surgeon general warns about parental burnout, experiences like adult pickleball camp offer a chance for caregivers to recharge and prioritize their own well-being.
“If we don’t take the time to do this as parents, it won’t happen,” Nixon said. “So here I am.”
