Morning of the Final Day

Breakfast was bright and early again at 7:45am, and we were all a giggle away from bursting in laughter at the memories from the previous night’s glow stick dance party. As we ate, we plotted our final day’s adventures, determined to squeeze every last drop of magic from our time together. Breakfast was the same as day two and I remembered to snap this half eaten photo of breaky. I added some oatmeal to the mix this time.

By day three, I’m not going to lie, I was exhausted and ready to take it easy, but camp had another plan.

Going High: The Morning Adventure

Although I opted out (this time!), the ropes course was open on this morning only for those daring to attempt the adventure.

The day kicked off at 8:30am sharp so everyone who wanted to get through the course could do so in time. Campers started off on the zip line. A 40-foot climb up to the slackwire where they had to cross just to get to the zipline platform. And then they were off! A few of us headed over to see what it was all about and were so proud of everyone conquering the course – a physical manifestation of the personal boundaries we’d been pushing all weekend. As we watched we all and considered and discussed our own personal fears and where our boundaries lie.

There was also a vertical obstacle course that campers were able to complete afterwards that looked equal parts fun, challenging and terrifying. I enjoyed watching the campers conquer their fears, and I may possibly attempt it next time, but for now, happy I kept my feet on the ground.

Morning Movement Choices

The 9:30am slot offered two distinctly different paths. The Spicy Colombian Yoga session, which sounded amazing, but also very tiring, brought heat and rhythm to the practice. But I opted for Natalie Oven’s “Activating Your Purpose” workshop, which invited us to dive deep into our journals and souls, getting “abundant AF” through guided meditation focused on money and how it affects all aspects of our lives. She encouraged reflection on how to be at peace with our own life choices. It was very different, but what my body and mind needed at the time.

Final Forms of Flow

At 10:30am, there was another opportunity to complete a FITBOOTS class. I started off here for a bit just to try it again since it was so much fun, but my blister was not treating me well even with a bandaid and I was also so tired, so I headed out early to make it to the 11am “Love Your Peach” session with Diana for one final flow. It was squat and booty shaking mixed with yoga and was really fun. A perfect mix of challenge and stretching mixed with Colombian flair made it a great final experience.

Before lunch I had a chance to quietly walk around the grounds and take in one final reflection on the amazing weekend in the beautiful weather.

The Last Lunch

Gathering for our final meal at noon felt like both a celebration and a farewell.

The boxed lunches were a thoughtful touch for those needing to hit the road, and it might have been one of my favorite lunches yet. A packed fruit bowl and potato salad with a pesto chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun that I devoured. As many of us lingered, exchanging contact information and Instagram handles, we promised to keep in touch and return next year. We also couldn’t forget those hugs goodbye to all the amazing hosts of Camp Yoga.

The Complete Camp Yoga Experience: What You Should Know

Throughout the weekend, I discovered there were even more layers to Camp Yoga than what appeared on the schedule. For those planning their own adventure, here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of it:

Essential Packing Tips

• Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and carry it with you everywhere
• Bring versatile clothing options:
  • Athletic wear for daytime activities (pack two outfits per day, just in case you want to change after sweaty morning sessions)
  • Sneakers are a must and are required if you are doing te ropes course
  • Cozy clothes for meditation sessions
  • A light sweatshirt, the ballrooms can get pretty chilly
  • 1 party outfit for the dance party, not fancy just fun (every other night was pretty chill, we wore comfy maxi dresses the first night and immediately changed after dinner once we saw how comfy people were dressed)
  • Swimwear for pool activities and a pool/beach towel
• Don’t forget a journal and pen for reflection sessions, if you are participating

Making the Most of Your Experience

• Push your comfort zone – try at least one class that scares you a little
• Balance high-energy sessions with restorative ones
• Connect with fellow campers during meals and transitions – some of the best conversations happen while walking between activities
• Pack in as many experiences as you can – it’s a short weekend and you can rest when you get home!
• Don’t underestimate yourself – you’re capable of more than you think, and the supportive community will help you thrive

Hidden Gems You Might Miss

Throughout the weekend, I discovered several optional experiences that added extra depth to the camp experience. These are things you can book ahead of time or on-site.

• Massage appointments (book early in the weekend – they fill up fast)
• Mala bracelet making workshops ($35) for a mindful crafting experience
• Professional tattoo artist on-site (yes, real tattoos – talk about a permanent camp souvenir!)

Day 3 at Camp Yoga Florida: Namaste to the Final Day

As we packed up our yoga mats and belongings, the impact of the weekend began to sink in. Camp Yoga Florida isn’t just a wellness retreat or an adult summer camp – it’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be serious, that fitness can be playful, and that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the pure joy of movement and community.

[Editor’s Note: This concludes my three-part series on Camp Yoga Florida. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, adventure seeker, or someone just looking to reconnect with their playful side, I hope these posts have inspired you to consider your own camp experience. Until next time, keep flowing and glowing!]

Check out my day one recap post and my day two recap post to follow the journey!

The post Day 3 at Camp Yoga Florida: Namaste to the Final Day appeared first on Jane Erica.

Sunrise Start: Fueling the Journey

The day began with a 7:45am breakfast in the ballroom, where we fueled up for the day with eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, potatoes, bagels and toast, and lots of coffee. Everyone was buzzing with excitement as we all reviewed the schedule of events and tried to decide where we should go first.

Morning Choose-Your-Own-Adventure

With so many amazing options starting at 9am, it was really hard to choose which class we wanted to go to. There was an activity for every camper to follow their path, whatever that may have been.

If it was a peaceful day on the water, canoeing and paddle boats might have been calling their names at the Lake Boat House.

We decided to try YOGALATES with Vanessa and we’re glad we did. She led us through a challenging yoga class fused with pilates moves that really got us feeling the burn. Lots of campers opted to start with Jessica’s Happy Hips Yoga session, which I am sure helped to release both physical and emotional tension, especially after the previous day.

Kelly and I loved starting with a more challenging class that got our body temp up, and then followed immediately with a guided Feel Good Yoga Flow class with Asia Roth that was equal parts challenging and completely restorative.

Mid-Morning Movement Magic

At 11am, there was another choose-your adventure crossroads as the camp’s energy shifted into higher gear. Ozzy Bingham introduced the camp to Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that made dancing feel like a warrior’s ritual. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephanie Nairn’s GROOVE session threw out all dance rules, creating a judgment-free zone where every body could move authentically.

From a dancer’s background for both Kelly and I, we appreciated the concept of this class, but it was definitely not what we expected. It was more about feeling comfortable in your own skin, not caring what anyone thinks and moving with the music. We went along with it, and the smiles in the class were absolutely contagious because the company was exceptional. But we were definitely ready for it to be over and for some grub after all that movement.

Break for Lunch

By noon, we were starving and ready for a delicious lunch. And it did not disappoint.

It was good ‘ole BBQ and it was so yummy. The ribs were fall off the bone delicious, I had to go back for seconds!

Afternoon Adventures: From Manifestation to Movement

After lunch, we were so ready to have an outdoor adventure and headed back to our “outdoor studio” under the tree’s for Alex’s “Manifest That Shit” session at 1:15pm. It was a beautiful blend of movement and intention-setting, to the sound of nature around us. We experimented with some partner work and manifested our biggest goals and dreams in life, at that moment in time.

And the action did not stop there! At 2:30pm, we headed up to a wildly different but equally engaging class called FITBOOTS. Imagine a trampoline on your feet, high-energy music and a cardio workout that gets you sweating like crazy without even realizing it.

It was such a fun class and I was drenched in sweat by the end. I would definitely love to try this class again.

Tip: Bring high socks to this event. I was wearing my low cut socks and I got a really bad blister on my ankle that still hurts. I would have taken the class again if I didn’t have that.

Pool Party Perfection

We only had time for a short rest in the room before getting ready for the pool party shenanigans. By then I was ready to relax with a cold drink and watch the adult recess begin. There were relay races, limbo, a rock paper scissors tournament, and a DJ. The pool was the perfect temp and the entertainment was top notch. It proved that wellness doesn’t always have to be serious – sometimes it’s about feeling like a kid again.

The Last Dinner

The last dinner of the weekend was another hit. Fresh fish, chicken, rice and veggies and a scrumptious pineapple salsa that I mixed up with everything making into a yummy sauce. And for dessert, Key Lime Pie, which is one of my faves.

Evening Reflection and Celebration

As the sun began to set, the energy shifted once again. After dinner, Yuky Angulo led us through “Integrate That Shit,” a powerful community meditation that helped us process the day’s experiences and educate us on herbal medicines.

We each pulled a card before the practice and it was a guiding mantra for each of us, which I thought was really interesting. I pulled “Anahata Kali” and read in Yuky’s book a little about it. Here’s an excerpt: “Beautiful, powerful Mother of the Sacred Universal Heart, who lives within our hearts as the wisdom and healing power of love. Your heart knows how to heal, and how to open, how to break and repair itself to become stronger and wiser than before.” I thought that was lovely!

After our calming meditation and conversation, the night was far from over. The evening transitioned into another round of Silly Wine Tasting (because why not?) before culminating in what might have been the highlight of camp: a Glow Stick Dance Party that transformed the Ballroom into a neon-lit celebration of movement, music, and newfound friendships.

The wine tasting crew headed back to our rooms to get in our bright colors, tutu’s and glow in the dark accessories before heading to the party. It was the perfect end to the night.

Day 2 at Camp Yoga Florida

Day 2 at Camp Yoga Florida was everything I could have asked for, and more. It was such an amazing feeling to be around so many like-minded people, and to focus on our bodies and our minds with such open hearts. As I fell into bed that night, glow sticks still pulsing on my nightstand, I couldn’t help but marvel at how this adult summer camp had managed to create such a perfect blend of wellness and playfulness.

With one day left to go, I was already dreading having to leave this magical space where adults are encouraged to play, grow, and glow – sometimes all at once.

[Editor’s Note: This is part two of a three-part series about Camp Yoga Florida. To check out Day One at Camp Yoga Florida, click here. To continue to Day Three, click here.]

The post Day 2 at Camp Yoga Florida: A Full Schedule of Flow & Connection appeared first on Jane Erica.

Morning Arrival and Check-In

The camp ground was about an hour drive from Winter Garden and check in was at the the Smith Center at 10:30am.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I walked in the main entrance, but I could tell that the energy was palpable, even in the parking lot. Fellow campers were unloading their cars, with their yoga mats tucked under their arms and excitement written across their faces. I checked in with the staff and got the key to my room, which was down a hall in the Smith Center. Most everyone stayed there so it was a great central location to everything.

The room was so nice, too. It was more like a hotel than a campground cabin.

The room was stocked with towels, shampoo/conditioner/soap, a coffee maker, fridge and microwave. It was very comfortable, and definitely the way I like to “camp.”

Setting the Tone at Opening Ceremonies

After checkin and getting settled in the room, it was time for the opening ceremonies at 11:30am. This was one of my personal highlights of the trip. Everyone at Yoga Camp gathered for an introduction to the CY staff and the fitness instructors. We were all still so new to each other, so we started off with a fun little ice breaker with a nearby camper. It was not awkward at all either, it was such an enjoyable time getting to know everyone, and everyone I met was awesome. Then we took a class that served as a sneak peak of all of classes, giving the teaching staff a chance to introduce themselves and each bringing their unique energy and style to the experience.

Tip: When they say bring water and sunscreen, they mean it. The Florida sun doesn’t mess around, even in the morning. I brought my water bottle with me everywhere and constantly filled it up at the water stations throughout the Smith Center.

Fueling Up with A Mindful Lunch Experience

Following immediately after our energizing opening session, lunch in the ballroom wasn’t just about refueling – it was another chance to connect with fellow campers. Yogis came from near and far, as far as California and Canada! And there were tons of Floridians as well which was so fun to connect with others who were local to me. I was so curious about what the food was going to be like on this retreat, and I was really impressed! They catered to all dietary restrictions and made sure that those who registered as vegetarian, gluten free etc. had options to choose from.

Lunch on day one was a hot dog and burger bar, with grilled chicken thighs and broccoli salad. It was really delicious and just the right amount of filling. Because the afternoon was packed with tons of activities.

Afternoon Adventures: From Zen to Bullseye

At 2:30, you could choose between multiple options, like Firey Funky Yoga Flow, canoeing and paddle boating, FITBOOTS or unleashing your inner Katniss Everdeen. Which is what I opted to do. Day one was the only day that Archery was on the schedule, because they had an Elk staff instructor there to guide us. Who knew that archery could be so meditative? And hard! I had a blast learning the basics and channeling scenes from my favorite book, The Hunger Games. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the focus required to hit a target – it’s mindfulness in action, just with more arrows than usual.

After several attempts, I hit an amazing shot right in the center bullseye! And drop the bow!

Afternoon Yoga Sessions

The afternoon brought two distinctly different but equally amazing yoga experiences. First up was the “Let That Shit Go” yoga session with Alex Tacket on the Lake View Patio, where my Yogi in crime Kelly met up with me for the weekend. Picture this: a kickass playlist, zero judgment, and the kind of freedom that comes with being told there’s no wrong way to let it go. It was exactly what my soul needed. And you could not beat this view.

Following that was a completely different vibe with Kristen Achitz’s Yoga Nidra session. If you’ve never experienced “yogic sleep,” imagine the most relaxing guided meditation while lying in savasana. Kristin’s voice was so calming, it was a delightful session.

Evening Festivities: Where Wellness Meets Fun

Dinner at 6:00 PM was another opportunity to share stories and laughs with new friends. It was so much fun finding a new group of people to sit with at each meal and continuing conversations started with other friends met along the way. Dinner was a taco bar with ground beef and chicken tacos and the most delicious cinnamon churro cake with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, that I could not stop eating.

After dinner, Kelly and I took a walk around the grounds before the real fun began at 7:15 PM, with what might have been the most unique wine tasting I’ve ever experienced. For $30, we got to participate in an event that was equal parts wine appreciation and impromptu show. We were put into groups, red wine versus white wine, and it was like an open mic night at a comedy show as our hosts asked questions of the participants and the spectators.

The night wound down with board games and casual conversation on the SC Patio. It was a early day the next day and a jam packed schedule of fitness classes so we headed to bed around 9:30pm.

The Unexpected Magic of Adult Camp

And that’s day one of Yoga Camp in the books! What struck me right off that bat about day one at Camp Yoga Florida is how it managed to balance wellness with pure, unadulterated fun. It wasn’t about perfect poses or strict schedules – it was about finding your tribe while finding yourself. Between the structured activities and the organic moments of connection, something special started to take shape.

Day one down, and already I could tell: this isn’t just a yoga retreat – it’s an adventure in rediscovering joy through movement, mindfulness, and maybe a little mischief.

It was such an exciting day, but it only got better. Continue the journey with me and check out day two’s chronicles and where it gets even more epic.

[Editor’s Note: This blog post is part one of a three-part series chronicling the full Camp Yoga Florida experience. Check out Day Two here! And check out Day Three here.]

The post Unrolling the Journey: Day One at Camp Yoga Florida appeared first on Jane Erica.

Looking for a unique date night idea? Try planning a surprise traveling dinner date for your special someone! Instead of going to one restaurant, a traveling dinner date takes you on an adventurous tour of restaurants for every course of the meal.

Brett and I did something like this for our second wedding anniversary and had such an amazing time, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share our experience as a unique Valentine’s Day date idea.

I realize that some people may not be able to plan a night like this in the current situation as many states are still on lockdown, Florida has been open so I have to keep reminding myself of that! But when things are back to normal, it’s a great and exciting way to plan a night out.

Planning a Unique Traveling Dinner Date

There are so many variations for how this night could go, and planning the stops on the adventure is half the fun! You can start the night off with your go-to for crafted cocktails, then venture off to a great place known for starters. And don’t forget to choose an extra special place to enjoy dessert.

Here are my tips for planning a unique traveling dinner date!

Choose a location with multiple venues that are close by each other.

There are many destinations that have lots of dining options available in close proximity to each other. Finding a place like this with lots of options will make going from place to place more convenient by being able to walk to a few. When I planned this for Brett, I took him to a place in Orlando called Restaurant Row, which as you can imagine has tons of dining options. I definitely want to plan this again now that we are in Winter Garden—Plant Street would be the perfect place!

Find places that are meaningful to you and your significant other.

Restaurant Row was a special place for us because it was close by where we got our first apartment together. On our route we stopped at Melting Pot where we had our first date ever and Seasons52, where Brett proposed to me. Adding in special locations like this will really make the night feel extra special.

Choose tapas or smaller portions for the Main Course.

The great part about this date is you can experience a combination of foods you could never get at one place. And it’s so much fun to enjoy all different cuisines. When choosing the location for the main course, it’s also a good idea to try a place with smaller dinner portions or tapas so you can enjoy every stop, as it’s an indulgent night of good eats.

Try going off the beaten path.

This is a food adventure after all! Maybe there is a place in the general location that you picked that you would never have gone to if you weren’t there already. Do some research and pick a really unique and adventurous place for one of the courses that you can try out together.

A traveling dinner date is not an adventure without a map.

There’s plenty of ways you can draw a map of your adventure and leave hints for your loved one for the adventure ahead. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to put something together that will be unique and fun to follow. You can do it all for free with mymaps.google.com, PowerPoint and a little Google image search!

Be creative and have fun with it!

This is an example of a map with the route I made for our date night. You can even add a QR code with directions if you want your partner to drive!

Make it a surprise.

Not only is a map fun, keeps your special someone guessing, and is helpful for you to remember the stops you planned, but it’s also a great way to gift them your surprise. You can make it part of your card or put it in your card and leave it for them the morning of the date to keep them clueless all day and excited to find out more.

This Traveling Dinner Date idea was so much fun and we got to eat some of our favorite foods all in one night. Brett also said that this was such a great idea for a special event, because it made the night and the celebration feel like it lasted so much longer than a normal dinner date. I’m so happy that it turned out great and I can’t wait to plan my next Traveling Dinner Date!

For more on the blog about keeping your relationship healthy and happy check out my 5 Reasons Why Date Night is So Important blog post!

Thanks for reading!

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