Granny Camp, a weekend retreat in downtown Conroe, is bringing women of all ages together for crafts, books, shopping and camaraderie, while quickly growing beyond its founders’ original vision.
In the heart of downtown Conroe, a fresh wave of adult camps is gaining momentum, providing women with an opportunity to relax, unleash their creativity, and forge meaningful connections.
“Granny Camp,” initiated by Justine Frost, the owner of The Collective—a cooperative of local boutiques—alongside Farralyn Withrow, the organizer of the city’s weekly Main Street Market, has swiftly emerged as one of the most talked-about events in the area.
This weekend retreat offers an engaging opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in reading, explore local shopping, enjoy craft classes, and connect over drinks with new acquaintances. A recent workshop captivated attendees with the creative process of transforming salt and pepper shakers into unique candlesticks. Campers are required to be a minimum of 21 years of age.
“Our goal is to create an environment where women can truly unwind and indulge themselves,” Frost stated. “At both Granny Camps, we’ve seen 84-year-olds embracing life to the fullest.” It presents a diverse array of perspectives—spanning generations from the youthful to the elderly and everyone in between.
The gatherings have exceeded all expectations, driven by the bold and ambitious attitude that Frost and Withrow embody. A gathering of unfamiliar faces, brought together by a shared camping experience, concluded their weekend adventure with a whimsical decision: they purchased coordinating granny-style muumuus to don for their brunch outing.
“It resonates deeply with people,” Frost remarked. “There is a strong desire for connection and moments spent together among friends.”
The momentum has continued to spread into various offshoots. Recently, the Granny Camp book club has been gathering on a regular basis, and just last week, the organizers put together a delightful craft night that included a screening of The Summer I Turned Pretty. According to Frost, the happenings illustrate the camp's commitment to fostering creativity and facilitating connections among participants.
Interest has rapidly gained traction across the country. Women from beyond Texas have registered, despite the absence of established lodging arrangements. The organizers are considering new horizons, as there have been inquiries about franchising Granny Camp and bringing the concept to various locations.
In a notable development, Frost and Withrow are actively working on new projects in downtown Conroe.
Exciting plans are underway, featuring “Second Saturdays,” a vibrant monthly market showcasing vintage and granny-inspired treasures. Additionally, Frost and Withrow are enhancing the experience with late-night shopping events and a variety of camps.
“Our tagline is, ‘We’re doing the things we love with the people we love,’” Frost stated. “Our goal is to fully engage with that experience.”
Blending creativity, refreshing drinks, and a sense of community, Granny Camp has swiftly evolved into something far beyond a mere weekend escape. For many women, this is an expanding community founded on creativity and connection.
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