Promising All the Fun

Elachee Nature Science Center has broken the mold on what a fundraising event can be with a grown-up camp experience, like no other at Camp Elachee for Adults.

September 28, 2023 (Gainesville, Ga.) – In answering the question, “Why should kids have all the fun?” Elachee Nature Science Center has responded with an innovative concept, Camp Elachee for Adults. In its second year, this ‘Adult Camp’ is a way to informally introduce individuals to Elachee and reacquaint others. Through this nostalgic experience, Elachee seeks to extend and grow a community of people who value nature and their roles in protecting it.

“Every year during children’s summer camp season parents ask when we plan to have a camp for adults,” explains Sarah Bell, Elachee President and CEO. “We listened, then re-imagined our annual fundraising party to fit the bill!”

Thanks to invaluable input from many of last year’s partygoers, the 2023 event will build on the success of the inaugural adventure with the addition of several new activities.

Camp Elachee for Adults takes place Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. (for ages 18 and up) at the Nature Center on Elachee Drive in Gainesville, off Atlanta Highway. Hosted by the Elachee Board of Trustees, and presented by Elachee Platinum Annual Sponsor Northside Hospital, the 2023 Camp Sponsors and Elachee Annual Sponsors are making this outdoor party one that appeals to every walk of life with high energy activities, as well as areas to socialize and listen to live music.

“I am absolutely thrilled that for the second year, we are presenting this unique camp-like experience, and making it better,” states Mandi Whiting, Elachee Trustee and Volunteer Chair for this event. “If you didn’t come last year, you really missed out on a great time!”

Joining the fun activities last year were longtime Elachee supporters Cathy and Tony Herdener and Kathy and Richard Oates. “Getting to do all the hands-on activities last year at ‘Camp Elachee’ made it a night of laughs and camaraderie!” Cathy comments. “It was refreshingly different and memorable.”

“Richard and I had a blast at ‘Adult Camp’ last year,” shares Kathy Oates. “We met friends there and laughed continuously as we tried axe throwing, archery, and even crawled our way into Starlab. It’s such a fun, new way to introduce others to this fabulous community jewel. We are looking forward to this year’s event with even more activities and live music!”

Among those having newer associations with Elachee, Elyse and Lee McDowell and Julia and Mike Kollar also had memorable experiences at last year’s event. “We had a great time; such fun activities that took us back to childhood,” says Elyse McDowell. “We enjoyed meeting new people, had a great night of smiles and laughter and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2023!”

Julia Kollar shares, “We genuinely had a great time last year, thoroughly enjoying a date night with fun activities, and plan on attending this year.”

If you are an adventurous person, planned activities at the 2023 Camp Elachee for Adults include axe throwing, archery, tree climbing, along with an abundance of competitive yard games. Visit the Bat Rave Cave for a glow party, explore the constellations in Starlab, and join a guided ‘Ghosts of Lake Lanier’ hike.

For those seeking a more laid-back outdoor experience, live music in the Camp Elachee Beer Garden on the incomparable Elachee patio sets the vibe. Socialize while making s’mores or claim one of the many Adirondack or rocking chairs with views of Chicopee Woods. Take your party indoors to the tailgate lounge to check football scores or indulge in board games with your friends.

Drastic Aztec and TapIt! Pints & Growlers will serve from their mobile kitchens at Camp Elachee for Adults, and Doublecakes by Chris will offer gourmet sweet treats.

This year’s event also offers a raffle and a silent auction. Event proceeds benefit Camp Elachee and children’s education programs. Elachee’s nature-inspired silent auction features nearly two dozen curated adventures and excursions, outdoor living packages and fine art. Bidding will be available to those attending the event.

Anyone may enter the raffle for a chance to win an Eagles Concert Package to see the band’s performance at State Farm Arena on November 2, 2023. Limited raffle tickets are available for purchase at www.elachee.org/adult-camp. The drawing for this package is October 21.

Elachee Nature Science Center promotes environmental understanding through education and conservation by getting children outside, by building bridges between people and nature, and by caring for Chicopee Woods so that it is accessible to the community now and into the future.

Extending an invitation, Mandi Whiting encourages our community to, “Come out and enjoy a fun, adventurous date night or bring your favorite friends to have fun as a group.”

Tickets are available now. Buy Camp Elachee for Adults’ tickets at www.elachee.org/adult-camp through Friday, October 20, 2023. General admission tickets will be available at the gate on event night.

“My co-workers and I had a blast during our ‘team bonding’ night out at Camp Elachee for Adults,” confides Lauren Hunter, Jacobs Media Consultant. “We took advantage of everything Elachee had to offer and felt like kids again! We also got to explore parts of Elachee that we hadn’t seen before, even as kids. We’re all looking forward to going back again, including some new additions to our crew!”

Meet Elachee’s 2023 Sponsors

Elachee thanks these amazing sponsors who are making it possible for the 2023 Camp Elachee for Adults to come to life on October 21.

Elachee Nature Science Center is a privately owned and operated 501c3 not-for-profit organization nestled in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, one of Georgia’s largest protected and ecologically diverse green spaces. Learn more at www.elachee.org.