On the balmy evening of Monday, August 19, as the Sturgeon Blue Super Moon gradually rose over the misty peaks of the Olympic Peninsula, I embarked on an adventurous journey. The trek up to Deception Pass was reminiscent of a mythical storybook — one filled with child-like nostalgia, natural wonder and just the right touch of that green goddess we have all grown to love. Nestled in the serene beauty of old-growth trees, the ZoZ Adult Summer Camp is a hidden gem that offers a joyful and enriching experience.
I recently had the privilege of attending this unique adult summer camp, and I can confidently say it was a rewarding excursion that armed me with a new sense of community and friendships I will cherish for years to come. The camp, curated for a 21+ experience, is an all-inclusive haven open to the public with a special focus on budtenders — the unsung heroes of the Cannabis community. It aims to provide a place for people from all walks of life to gather, bond, spend time in nature and soak in the vibes.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sense of family that Camp ZoZ fosters. It’s a place where all people, Cannabis enthusiasts or not, come together to connect, have fun, learn and find inner peace. Wrapped in the warmth of a campfire glow and seasoned with the vibrant flavors of infused cuisine, the hard-working pioneers behind this Cannabis-inspired wellness movement have created an unforgettable, interactive experience.
The camp’s itinerary was a perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, with activities designed to nourish both body and mind. The infused cooking class, presented by Chef Unika Noiel of LUVN Kitchn (luvnkitchn.com), was a highlight, offering an educational opportunity to learn how to craft tasty, Cannabis-infused meals that delight both the palate and spirit. Chef Unika prepared three delicious meals a day while grooving to soulful music for all to enjoy. Beyond the kitchen, the camp offered a diverse range of activities that catered to wellness. Early morning yoga overlooking the serene Puget Sound set the tone for a day of tranquility, while evening singing bowl classes created a symphony of soothing vibrations that resonated deep within. For those seeking adventure, outdoor hikes through the lush trails of Deception Pass revealed a breathtaking path to connect with nature. For the artistic, the crafts corner provided unique supplies for memorable take-home creations. When it was time to unwind, fun yard games brought out the inner child in everyone, with laughter echoing across the campgrounds and into the night of campfire s’mores and intimate conversations.
Accommodation options were just as thoughtfully curated, with the choice of cozy cabin bunk-style housing for those who prefer a bit more comfort or outdoor tent camping for a rustic, fully immersive experience in the lush green surroundings. The outdoor environment played a significant role in creating an atmosphere that encouraged reflection and mindfulness. It’s not just a retreat; it’s an adult summer camp where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself.
As a woman-owned business, Camp ZoZ is breaking new ground for the wellness and Cannabis community. Co-founder Natali Schutz and her brilliant team are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all. This is evident in the multiracial and diverse age range of attendees. This adult summer camp is a place where everyone is family — no judgment, just a celebration of life, love and the pursuit of enlightened memories.
If you’re seeking a retreat that offers more than just relaxation, then ZoZ Adult Summer Camp is the place for you. So, roll up, tune in and let the good times flow. This is one adventure you’ll be talking about long after the haze clears.
Read on for a Northwest Leaf exclusive conversation with Co-founder Natali Schutz:
What inspired you to create The ZoZ Adult Summer Camp, and how did the idea evolve into what it is today?
Seeing the growing need for mental and physical wellness in our communities, the inspiration stemmed from a deep desire to curate a Cannabis lifestyle retreat that was welcoming to all while promoting wellness and community. My team and I dreamt up an all-inclusive experience packed with a collection of Cannabis-friendly activities, wellness and community bonding; where individuals could melt into a relaxing art project, have fun playing games or moving their bodies outdoors — all enhanced by the benefits of Cannabis. [We’re] bringing back the nostalgic vibes of the iconic childhood summer camp experience.
How do you see the role of Cannabis in enhancing the wellness experience at ZoZ Adult Summer Camp?
Cannabis amplifies the vibe at our Adult Summer Camps by making everything more relaxed, joyful, vibrant and creative. It’s the perfect companion for our activities — from yoga to art sessions — helping campers connect, unwind and fully embrace the camp experience with open hearts and minds. It fosters a relaxed and open environment where meeting new people and engaging socially becomes effortless.
As a woman business owner in the wellness and Cannabis sector, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
From facing biases in a predominantly male industry to dealing with regulatory hurdles unique to Cannabis, our team has certainly encountered a fair share of challenges. Breaking into a male-dominated industry like Cannabis wasn’t easy; one of the primary difficulties has been establishing credibility often overshadowed by larger, male-led enterprises. To overcome these obstacles, we’ve focused on building a strong network of female entrepreneurs and advocates who support one another and who focus on transparency and education. Our resilience and commitment to wellness and inclusivity have helped us grow and thrive in this space.
What is the most rewarding aspect of running ZoZ Adult Summer Camp?
It’s incredibly fulfilling to see individuals reconnect with their authentic selves, explore new interests and bond with community. Each story of resilience, creativity or a meaningful new connection drives me to continue fostering this supportive space. Knowing that our camp plays a vital role in promoting an inclusive space for wellness
and joy in the lives of others makes every challenge worthwhile. I’m inspired by the profound impact we can have when we come together in a spirit of openness and acceptance.
Looking to the future, how do you envision ZoZ Adult Summer Camp, and what new experiences can our readers look forward to?
We plan to expand our programming, introducing even more diverse activities and workshops that cater to various interests. Additionally, we will strive to prioritize sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices into our operations and sourcing local ingredients for our all-inclusive meals. We will continue to engage our growing community by inviting them to year-round events, including Fall and Winter Editions of the Adult Summer Camp, as well as Indulge, our infused dining series, and our LivWell international wellness retreats. Come join us on this exciting journey as we continue to evolve and offer new experiences for all attendees to enjoy!
You can still sign up for the ZoZ Adult Summer Camp Autumn Retreat in Sequim, Washington, September 26-29 and our November Camp as well. Register at livwellretreats.com/zozsummercamp and we hope to see you around the campfire soon!
