I Went to a Summer Camp for Nurses — and It Was the Burnout Cure I Never Expected
Image Source @nurseconoffical
When nurses talk about burnout, we don’t often imagine the cure could look like summer camp—but Camp NurseCon at The Acres in Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains proved otherwise. Nestled in 400 acres of rolling hills, lakes, and wooded trails, The Acres is a retreat center that feels like it was made for community, creativity, and rediscovering joy. This August, hundreds of nurses boarded buses bound for the campgrounds—and we left with more than just CEUs. We left refreshed. We left renewed. But most importantly, we left reminded that burnout isn’t just a personal failing—it’s likely a systemic problem nurses are facing everywhere. Too often, we push through shifts exhausted, give until we’re empty, and feel like no one notices. At Camp, for once, we weren’t told to “tough it out.” We were given space to breathe, to be cared for, and to heal.
The Journey to Camp & First Impressions
Day one began with a 3-hour tour bus ride that set the tone: laughter, singing, games, and instant bonding. By the time we rolled into The Acres, we already felt like kids heading to summer camp—minus the juice boxes and plus a whole lot of nurse humor.
We were greeted with swag bags full of creative goodies, including the adorable “Emotional Support Tote.” After a tour of the sprawling campgrounds, we settled into our cabins—12+ beds per room, 2 private bathrooms, and each one unique. Meeting cabinmates and exploring the space brought out our inner campers, and it was surprisingly comfy—definitely a step up from tent camping.
Image Source: WeCare Boxes
Rallying Against Burnout
That first evening, we gathered at the flagpole with Nurse Blake and his team for the official kickoff rally. The entire camp vibe centered on burnout, resilience, support, and finding joy in nursing again. The kick-off wasn’t just powerful—it set the heart of camp: support, laughter, and healing together. Dinner followed, and then came our first theme night: Camping vs. Glamping. With a DJ spinning, nurses danced until late, proving that joy is the best antidote to stress. That night closed with s’mores around the fire pit and Blake himself telling ghost stories under the stars.
Image Source @nurseconoffical
Learning With Laughter
Day two brought a full lineup of educational sessions with five speakers offering multiple CEU-earning tracks all centered around burnout, navigating grief, and practical strategies to help combat compassion fatigue, having boundaries and being resilient in nursing. Sessions took place in gorgeous indoor and outdoor camp venues, blending professional growth with camp fun. Between classes, nurses had access to outdoor sports like archery, rock climbing, paddleboarding, kayaks, water slides, trampolines, and more. The afternoon pool party with Nurse Blake—complete with the iconic PureWick pool floatie—was a highlight. That night brought trivia battles between nurses and students, a talent show, karaoke, and endless laughter
Rain or Shine: We Made it Fun
Day three brought rain, but spirits stayed high. Nurses filled the day with mixology, jewelry making, painting, and even content creation workshops. The NurseCon Amazing Race capped off the afternoon, with winners snagging tickets to Nurse Blake’s comedy tour. Dinner that night was followed by CampChella—a live band, karaoke, and dancing into the night.
Food Worth Talking About
Meals were chef-inspired and Instagram-worthy: Mediterranean spreads, Italian favorites, burrito bowls, wraps, ribs, baked chicken, and a nightly dessert bar of cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. The final night featured a custom Camp NurseCon cake and ice cream—a sweet ending to an unforgettable week.
The Heart of Camp: Connection
Beyond the fun, the heart of Camp NurseCon was connection. Nurses opened up about burnout, shared tears, hugged strangers-turned-friends, and left with new support systems. Some came alone and left with lifelong friends. Others came ready to quit the profession but left feeling renewed, supported, and ready to thrive.
Voices of Camp NurseCon: Nurse Testimonials
- “Nurse Camp was truly an unforgettable, life-giving experience… It was more than just camp. It was a week of joy, connection, and memories that I will carry with me forever.” Emily P. IG@emilypanakos
- “After years of carrying the weight of burnout, being surrounded by other nurses who truly understood what I was going through felt like a breath of fresh air. CAMP gave us the chance to laugh, connect, and remember that we’re more than just our jobs.” Brittany G. IG@thatmagicalnurse
- “The opportunity to teach here was a dream come true. The NurseCon team was fantastic, and the other educators are now lifetime friends. There’s something magical about camp, and teaching there was just the cherry on top.” Jen J. (Educator) IG@ernursejenn
- “I’m incredibly grateful for Camp NurseCon. The connection with fellow nurses lifted our spirits in a way that was truly palpable. There’s something uniquely energizing about being surrounded by people who understand your experiences firsthand” Krisi G IG@ krazie.krisi
- “Walking away from NurseCamp, I realized I gained something priceless–friendships, laughter, and the feeling that I’m not alone in my nursing journey. It was an experience I’ll treasure forever.” Jesus A. IG@travelmursechronicles
- “Between CEU courses, hikes, kayaking, campfires, and the amazing friends I made, Camp NurseCon reminded me that learning can be joyful and connection can be healing.” Chris H. IG@chrishernandezRN
- “Camp NurseCon was everything nurses needed—from morning yoga, sound therapy, and relaxation to pool parties and Amazing Race relays. The education focused not just on the clinical but on the heart, body, mind, and spirit.” Maggie V. (Educator) IG@maggiev509
- “Attending NurseCon Camp was one of the best experiences of my life. From CEUs to epic theme nights, I felt myself laughing, letting loose, and creating memories that will stay with me forever. If you get the chance, go—you’ll leave with CEUs, new friends, and memories that last a lifetime.” Nico P. IG@nurse.nico
- “As an educator, helping nurses leave not just inspired but equipped with practical tools to regulate was profoundly moving, and CampNurseCon provided the powerful container that made that possible.” Giovanna N. (Educator) IG@giovannavarrorrn
- As an educator at Camp Nurse Con, I was thoroughly impressed by the entire event. Every detail was meticulously planned, creating a perfect balance between serene, restorative moments for reflection and high-energy activities that got the adrenaline flowing. What truly moved me was witnessing the profound impact on the nurses themselves—many were visibly touched, some moved to tears, experiencing deep healing through the education and sessions. The food was exceptional, the site was beautiful, and overall, this was a highly successful and transformative event. I feel honored to have been a part of it. Kasey P. (Educator) IG@kasey.pacheco.holistic.
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Saying Goodbye
On the final morning, we gathered one last time at the flagpole. Nurses shared stories, gratitude, and promises to carry their renewed energy back to the bedside. Camp wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reset button. A reminder that we’re not alone in this work, that joy is still possible, and that community can heal in ways CEUs alone never will.
Camp NurseCon stands apart from traditional nursing conferences by blending accredited education with classic camp adventures—think sunrise yoga, team relays, lake kayaking, and nightly campfire gatherings, all set in a relaxed, nature-filled retreat. Instead of formal seminars in hotel ballrooms, learning at Camp happens lakeside, on hiking trails, and during hands-on wellness sessions, fostering authentic connections and joy in a way conventional conferences rarely match.
If you ever get the chance to go to Camp NurseCon—or NurseCon at Sea—take it. It’s not just about education or fun. It’s about remembering why you became a nurse, and finding your people again. Join the waitlist for Camp NurseCon 2026 here!
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