Baseball fantasy camp? Rock ‘n’ roll camp? Ballroom dance camp? Oh, man up. If you’re an adventurous guy looking for a summer camp, you need to check out the Arizona Cowboy College.
Cubicle jockeys can learn cowboy skills at one of the week-long sessions held in September, October and November ($2,250). The days are packed with riding, roping, horseshoeing and more riding. Students also learn about ranch operation, cattle breeds, cattle diseases, shipping, pasture rotation and more.
Yes, there are bunkhouses.
The first two days are spent at Lorill Equestrian Center in Scottsdale; then the scene shifts to a working cattle ranch (the location varies by session). The Cowboy College provides horses, saddles and gear, though students can bring their own, provided they meet the camp’s safety standards.
This is not a week for wimps. Warns the website: “This is very hard work and can be very dangerous to both you and your mount. You must be in good health. If you are injured, help is very far away. However, we do carry a cellular phone for major emergencies.”
Not everyone gets excited about saddle sores, though. Her are five more specialized adult-oriented camps:
Surfing. The week-long Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla Shores, Calif., is for women 18 and over at all skill levels. A pink bus takes campers to the beach for twice-daily surf lessons. The overnight camp session is scheduled for July 10-16; cost is $1,485.
Iron athletes. If you’re competing in the Ironman distance race Sept. 11 in Madison, Wis., the Madison Iron Distance Camp (Aug. 11-14 in Madison) serves as a solid tuneup. Troy Jacobson and his National Triathlon Academy associate coaches help athletes preview both the bike and running courses for the event. The $395 fee includes a goodie bag, cycling jersey, T-shirt, coaching, lectures and group dinner (transportation and lodging not included).
In-line skating. Polish up your in-line skating skills at Zephyr’s inn-based tour Aug. 3-7 in Minnesota. The state has miles of paved trails for cyclists and skaters, and Zephyr’s five-day tour takes participants through urban parks, over prairies, and into small towns and large cities. The camp is aimed at beginners and advanced beginners and is priced at $1,600.
For the crafty. Vashon Island Sewing Retreat, Sept. 25-28 on Vashon Island in Washington, This “sewing vacation” offers lessons and camaraderie. The retreat is sponsored by the nonprofit Stitching Girls Society, which aims to further the art of sewing. The $420 price includes classes, meals and cabin lodging at scenic Camp Burton. (There’s a discount for society members.)
Bring your pet. Camp Unleashed, Sept. 22-25 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is designed for dog owners and their pets to enjoy together. There are activities, presentations and workshops. Costs range from $799 to $999, depending on accommodations.
