Bummer Camp: A Summer Escape for Bookish Ladies
Step into the enchanting world of Bummer Camp, a readers' retreat designed exclusively for bookish ladies who crave connection, laughter, and the simple joys of summer. Created by bestselling author Ann Garvin, this unique weekend getaway is set in the serene woods of Wisconsin and offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nostalgia, and literary fun.
At Bummer Camp, you’ll join fellow book lovers in a cozy cabin setting, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the stories that bring us together. This isn’t a writers' retreat—it’s a haven for readers who want to explore new books, share favorite stories, and connect with like-minded women over bonfires, arts and crafts, and other classic camp activities inspired by Ann’s novel Bummer Camp.
Ann will be joined by four bestselling guest authors and Bummer Camp alumni authors who participated in 2024, offering an even richer experience filled with author discussions, book signings, and exclusive insights into their works. Whether you're diving into a new book, enjoying a peaceful morning walk in the woods, or laughing around the fire with new friends, Bummer Camp is the ultimate summer escape for those who cherish the written word.
Come for the books, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with memories that will warm your heart all year long. Join us in 2025 for a weekend of literary magic, unforgettable moments, and the chance to connect with fellow readers and renowned authors. Sign up early to secure your spot, and get ready to celebrate everything you love about books!
Pack your best comfy camp attire and join us from Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 24, in the beautiful deep woods of Wisconsin.
Sign up to be notified when registration opens for the 2025 event.
Cost: $379 USD (includes all meals & lodging)
Dates: 4:30 PM CT on Friday, August 22 - 3:00 PM CT on Sunday, August 24
Includes: A unique and exclusive Bummer Camp bookish camp experience with Ann Garvin and four featured guest authors. Immersed in the Wisconsin woods, attendees will participate in book club-style discussions and activities from the Bummer Camp novel. Two nights in a shared camping lodge with all the modern immentities including AC and indoor plumbing plus all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch (meals will be camp favorites inspired by Bummer Camp!) are included.
What to Expect: Laughs, relaxation, time to read, author discussions, arts + crafts, bonfires, old-fashioned camp fun. Please note that because cabins are shared - this event is only open to women.
Getting There: Stevens Point, WI is a 1:45 minute drive north of the Madison, WI (Dane County Regional) Airport. Driving? The camp is located 3.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN or 4 hours from Chicago, IL.
From Past Campers:
"What. A. Weekend. This was, hands down, the most immersive, awesome and nostalgic experience!! I signed up for Bummer Camp on a wing and prayer, hopeful to have a fun time and maybe meet a couple new book friends. What I got, couldn’t have been better!! @anngarvin_ and @sarahalicekeiser thought of seriously everything! The Wisconsin Lions Camp was an amazing venue and all the activities went right along with the theme of the book #bummercamp And I meet so many cool and fun book-loving friends! The amount of laughter and book talks, good vibes and camp-fun was the perfect recipe for one last AMAZING summer weekend!" - Brittany Battermann
"Being at @wilionscamp, the place that inspired Bummer Camp, and getting to participate in activities that happened in the book made for a fun-filled immersive experience 🧡 Ann was joined by four talented authors — @christinaclancyauthor, @thishammer (& 1/2 of @alibradybooks), @jessicastrawserauthor, and @maggie.ginsberg. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was meeting them and seeing how they support each other’s writing careers 🧡 Thanks to @lakecity.books, I was able to support an indie bookstore and leave with books by each author ☺️ @sarahalicekeiser put so much care & detail into this launch event weekend and I wouldn’t have changed a thing! It was an incredible group of 60 women who came together to support Ann & made this the most magical reader retreat 🌲📚 Can’t wait for Bummer Camp 2025 🏕️🌲📚" - Brynn Teaman
About Bummer Camp, Ann Garvin's Sixth Novel:
Two sisters scramble to save their family’s legacy in a funny, huge-hearted novel about grandiose plans and summers to remember by the author of I Thought You Said This Would Work.
