Camp Runamok is the first summer camp designed for bartenders. With a focus on education, charity, and community building, Camp Runamok is dedicated to bettering the craft bartending world in an engaging and approachable environment.
SPRING SESSION
May 17-24, 2025
SUMMER SESSION
June 21-28, 2025
2025 Applications open Tuesday, December 3, 2025.
2025 Applications close at 11:59 pm ET on January 23, 2025.
We will announce the first round of 2025 Campers by February 10th, 2025.
The best way to be the first to know when Camp applications open is to be on the Lush Life mailing list.
Camp Runamok is a six-day adventure in the heart of Bourbon country, brought to life by the Lush Life Productions team. You'll spend your days touring Kentucky's finest distilleries, afternoons by the pool, and nights participating in paintball, talent shows, and campfires with 200 new friends.
Camp Runamok is an experience that extends beyond the time you are with us on-site. Camp extends beyond Crescendo, beyond Kentucky, to anywhere you can find a friendly fellow Squirrel.
Camp Runamok changes lives through connecting like-minded and ambitious bar professionals from around the country and offering a safe space for them to network, collaborate, and learn.
Camp Mission
Host bar professionals in an inclusive annual summer camp setting that fosters community building, networking, friendship, all while exploring Kentucky through a series of tours, education, dinners, campfires, and activities.
Squirrel Goals
Instill a sense of community and connection between bartenders from around the world.
Provide an opportunity for professional bartenders to network.
Educate bar professionals about sponsor beverages, particularly American whiskey.
Offer experiences that foster friendship, interaction, and cultural understanding.
Expose and educate bar professionals to the American whiskey production process.
Provide an opportunity where producers and sponsors have direct, focused access to a vetted group of bar professionals.
Craft experiences and situations that help form memories and nostalgic attachment.
Match producers and bartenders in behind-the-scenes experiences.
To create an inclusive environment for professionals to be themselves and explore the larger industry through their peers.
The Facts
2-3 Camp sessions each year.
Spring and Fall Session are filled with new Campers and some existing Squirrels to guide their way. These sessions last 6 days.
Alumni session is all returning Squirrels.
This event is for bartenders.
Camp Runamok is NOT for everyone, although we wish it was. This is a distinct experience. If you are unwilling to put your whole self into Camp Runamok, consider holding off until you are. Those who embrace this opportunity with an open mind and full heart are those who benefit most from the experience.
