One of the happiest places on Earth is right here in Connecticut

Gayle and I had this vision, that we wanted to create a place where people could connect and bonds would be strengthened with one another through shared experiences - and frankly, why should the camp magic be limited to just children?

- David Schreiber, co-founder, Club Getaway

Don’t think life is about fun and games? Think again.

One of the happiest places on Earth is less than an hour north of Ridgefield in the Berkshire Mountains of Kent, Connecticut.

Enter Club Getaway.

With a breathtaking backdrop of the great outdoors, this getaway land promises restorative fun, freedom, friends, and adventure - for people of all ages.

The Camp masterminds are Ridgefielders David and Gayle Schreiber, who purchased the camp in 2012 with a vision of creating a place where people could connect, and form bonds strengthened by sharing unforgettable experiences.  In 2017, Club Getaway welcomed more than 65K people to camp, many of whom were families.

Here, we talk with David Schreiber about the happy campers at Club Getaway, his mission behind the magical experience, and the acclaim the camp has earned from attendees who can’t seem to get enough.  

You and your wife, both Ridgefield residents, are the visionaries and founders of Club Getaway, located in Kent, Connecticut. Tell me how this happened.

Gayle and I were directors of a children's summer camp for 10 years before purchasing Club Getaway. We witnessed our campers developing such strong bonds and connections with each other. We witnessed (and now see with our children at camp) that the connection between the campers was so positive, the kids would really look out for one another.

The key question, is why? What does camp create, that develops such strong bonds? We would get the question, so many times from our campers parents, "You should do this strictly for adults" or "We should be able to bring our whole family to camp".  Gayle and I had this vision, that we wanted to create a place where people could connect and bonds would be formed and strengthened with one another through shared experiences, and frankly, why should the camp magic be limited to just children?

Club Getaway has been around for 40 years as a resort. In 2012 we purchased Club Getaway with our vision to create a magical camp experience for everyone, not just the lucky few who got to experience camp as children. It is our goal, that no matter what stage you are in life, you have the option to go to camp, escape the craziness for a short period of time and connect with new people. In 2017, we have had over 65k guests share in this experience.

You’ve been written up in Forbes, Business Insider, The Huffington Post (to name a few). Tell me about the media buzz?

I think in this day an age, as a society we are yearning for an escape. We are addicted to screens, we are addicted to cable news, working more hours than ever before, people just need an escape! I think the idea to get out in the woods, try new activities that you have never have done before, meet people that you would never meet and just connect on a deeper level has really resonated with the media. Our core values of FUN, FREEDOM, FRIENDS, and ADVENTURE in the great outdoors has real staying power, and tells a great story!

Let’s talk about Club Getaway for Families. What happens?

As a father of an 11 and 13-year-old, this next comment may be biased, though family camp is my absolute favorite program we run! What happens?  Imagine being at camp with your family!

The fun begins immediately upon check-in, with a carnival, teen program, and yes a bar for the adults! We offer a camp for children 6 months old to 16. Each group is broken up by age, with a counselor, and has a set activity schedule. Over the past several years we have found the trend that families would like to do some activities together, and some activities without the kids and have fun knowing that they are well supervised.

Activities include Mountain Biking, High Adventure Ropes course, seven zip lines, Giant Swings, Trapeze, Hiking, Geronimo Jump, Bungee Trampoline, Inflatables, The BEAST Climbing Challenge, and of course our waterfront.

Fun events include; Family Olympics, Family Wiffle Ball, Archery Tag, New this year is Family Zombie Tag, family happy hour, Morning time SHAKE AND WAKE which includes smoothies and a really fun morning time dance party to wake everyone up!

In the evening, we have family fun entertainment such as a magician, the Harlem Wizards, Square dancing and a nightly costume themed party.

It would not be camp without a nightly campfire, and of course SMORES.

Does your family attend?

YES! My kids have so many friends they are excited to see at Family camp. It is great, because they are home for several weeks in between then end of their summer camp, and the beginning of school. This really helps fill the time with quality family time.

Does Family Camp cater to all ages?

All ages. Every year we have one family that comes up and has four generations, including little children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Camp Counselors?

We have over 100 counselors working with the campers. Our crew staff makes the experience so special. By the end of camp, families will have created a very special bond with our staff. They are truly fantastic, well trained, and only want to share the camp magic with our campers.

Do the families sleep in cabins together? How does it work?

Our cabins sleep up to four or five people comfortably. They are all air-conditioned and have heat.  Each family will get their own cabin, sometimes two. Of course, family friends can request to be near each other.

Anything you wish I asked?

FOOD!

Oh, my gosh, of course - food! How could I forget? 

We believe the way to a person's heart is through food. We only serve the highest quality and can cater to any needs. This is not your typical camp food. We serve wine with dinner and have many different options. Of course, we offer kid friendly food as well. I promise you will leave here with a happy stomach!

How do families preserve their spot or weekend?

They can click HERE.

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Submitted by Darien, CT

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