If day one at Camp Yoga Florida was an introduction to what the combination of adult camping and a wellness retreat looks like, than day two was all about living it out in full swing. From sunrise to starlight, the agenda was action-packed with all sorts of exciting and new things to try. Let me take you through what might have been the most diverse day of movement and connection I’ve ever experienced—this is Day 2 at Camp Yoga Florida.
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. Check back for the final recap!]
