Have you ever heard about Camp Yoga? Imagine sleep away camp for adults, but in style, yoga under enormous Oak trees, and a weekend full of memories with new friends. I had the most amazing time at Camp Yoga Florida this past weekend and I am so excited to share my experience with you on the blog. It was a combination of summer camp nostalgia and mindful wellness in an all-inclusive 2-night stay at the Florida Elks campground. I’ll be breaking down my experience day-by-day, so welcome to Day One at Camp Yoga Florida, where wellness travel takes on a whole new meaning.
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 our Day Two here! Day three coming soon.]
