This past weekend I was luck enough to attend a girls’ weekend away with 1o other moms from my neighborhood. We all live in Oak Park, just outside of Chicago, so making the trek to Camp Wandawega in southern Wisconsin was not too treacherous for a weekend trip. Upon arriving at the camp, just outside Elkhorn, Wisconsin, we realized we were somewhere special. For any of you Wes Anderson fans out there, it was as if we had just stepped onto the set for Moonrise Kingdom.

Camp Wandawega prides themself on not being a resort in any way, but “just carrying on the timeless tradition of connecting people to the simple pleasures of simpler times.” The camp was started as a speakeasy and hotel in 1925 as a way for Chicagoans to capitalize on Prohibition. You can still find secret hatches and passageways in some of the camp’s buildings. By the 1950s, however, it was bought by a family and turned into an affordable family retreat. In the 1960s the camp was purchased by the Catholic Church with plans to make it into a retirement community for priests, but turned back into a family camp in the 1970s. In 2003 the camp was up for sale and almost bought by a developer when David Hernandez and Tereasa Surratt, two creative directors from Chicago, jumped in and bought it and set about to return it to its former glory.

Original Bunkhouse where we stayed for the weekend.

What really struck me as I walked the grounds of Camp Wandawega that first afternoon was how much David and Tereasa valued the details and the overall guest experience. It’s true that this was not a deluxe resort by any means, but it was exactly what we were looking for. It was rustic, sparse, charming, warm, inviting, and a perfect respite from my day-to-day city life. I felt like a kid again exploring every inch of the place; fully immersing myself in the experience and being completely present in the moment. There were plenty of activities like canoeing, hiking, archery, and ax throwing, but there were also plenty of places to be alone, staring out at the lake and taking in the nature all around.

The second night we were there we got a chance to see a branded experience in action. Soho House sponsored an event for their members to come to Camp Wandawega for the evening, have a nice dinner and bonfire and then go to the legendary Elkhorn Flea Market with Tereasa who has written a book on successful flea market excursions. This is exactly the type of event we do for our clients as well, and the kind of experiences that bring your brand to life. The benefits of a branded experience like this last much longer than the event itself, and its reach extends beyond those fortunate enough to attend. When planned correctly, you can get a lot of mileage out of an event like this on your social platforms, digital content, and, of course, word of mouth. Events like these can even be tailored to be focused as an offsite for your organization or a leadership retreat to rest and recharge. The possibilities are endless.

In the end, it’s about getting together with people that matter to you. It’s about spending time talking, laughing, sharing stories and ideas, building friendships, and reconnecting with your tribe and yourself.

We would love to help you plan an unforgettable event for your brand or your team. Let’s talk!

Weekend Escape to Camp Wandawega

Medley