Camp Runamok is a seven-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, dinners that get you out of your seat, 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.

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.

2025 DATES
Spring Session May 17-24
Summer Session June 21-28

We accept approximately 150 Campers for each session. If you have applied for Camp Runamok in the past, you DO NEED TO APPLY AGAIN. We all change and grow! From career paths and where we live to our interests and dedication level. Fresh applications provide you the opportunity to show us where you currently are in your bartender journey!

APPLICATIONS AND ESSAY QUESTIONS

We absolutely understand how it can feel like rejection not being accepted to a session of Camp Runamok. We can assure you that isn't our intention. Each year we have more applicants than spaces. Not being accepted to a past session of Camp should not deter you from reapplying. Many Campers attend who were not selected upon first application.

The Camp application has several essay questions. Please take your time to complete them. Your essay responses weigh HEAVILY on your acceptance to Camp Runamok.

Applications are blindly graded, resulting in the best scores being associated with thoughtful essay answers that give us an idea of who the individual is, what motivates and drives them, where their expertise and skill lies, what they need to grow their career, and what they are willing to do for others.

Longer answers do not equate to acceptance, but there tends to be a correlation between accepted applicants and essay answers that make a substantial effort.

It is clear when we blind grade whether an individual took the approach of just completing a form OR if they used each essay answer to speak to us and paint a complete picture.

APPLICATION FLAGS: ego, boasting, racism, misogyny, sexism, self-centeredness, lack of effort, apathy, pride, grudges, obsession over titles, blind focus on accomplishments or awards, chips on shoulders.

  • empathetic

  • sociable

  • hard-working

  • fun

  • curious

  • sympathetic

  • open

  • vulnerable

  • friendly

  • loving

  • supportive

  • humble

  • adventurous

Camp Runamok looks for individuals who are: