Unglued Summer Camp Celebrates 10th Anniversary
For adults who are sick and tired of adulting, Unglued’s Ashley Morken has ‘crafted’ your cure, glitter included. Welcome to Unglued Summer Camp at YMCA’s Camp Cormorant for the 10th Anniversary! To celebrate, we’ve jumped in headfirst to find out how this crafty crew curates two epic weekends of campy fun on the lake.
by TRACY NICHOLSON
photos by Studio Freshly
Bring your weird, wild, and wonderous self for a magical getaway that swaps spreadsheets for s’mores and deadlines for dance parties. At this beach, childish games rule, inner peace wins, and unicorn floaties are calling your name — along with a few merit badges you never knew your grown-up heart needed.
Handmade Happiness Thirteen years ago, Ashley Morken left her career as a cardiac nurse and refocused on a life of handmade happiness. Eight years in healthcare had changed her; no longer sweating the small stuff.
“It put things into perspective — when I’m met with the challenges of running a small business, I’m reminded that it’s not life or death. Also, I wanted to do this to help people really live while they’re alive.”
Leveraging the part-time success of Unglued Craft Fest and opening her downtown shop allowed her to prioritize her side passion full-time, sharing her love for local makers and the art of crafting, which is decidedly not just for kids.
Unglued’s gift shop, which first opened its doors along downtown Fargo’s Broadway, is now nestled inside the eclectic Brewhalla Market. Ashley’s shop is next-level extra and anything but ordinary, featuring a Craftatorium, DIY kits, and handmade gifts from over 160 local and regional makers, including a pick-and-mix candy wall by Yeobo Sweet Shop.
Happy Campers
Ashley may have designed Unglued Summer Camp for adults, but it began with kids. Just two years after opening her shop, Ashley kicked off the Unglued Kids Summer Camp, a day camp in downtown Fargo. Kids loved the camp, and so did the parents. “I found out that the parents needed this kind of experience even more than the kids,” said Morken.
One year later, Ashley and her husband Justin unveiled an epic, adults-only agenda, naturally fused with crafting and a few nostalgic elements rooted in her varying Midwestern bible camp experiences.
In 2015, Minnesota's mighty version—Unglued Summer Camp—at YMCA’s Camp Cormorant was born. In just two weeks, the first camp sold out and maxed out at 75 campers. The following year, Unglued Summer Camp expanded to welcome 120 campers and Food Network’s Molly Yeh as the camp chef. This time, tickets sold out in less than 30 seconds — leaving hundreds of hopeful campers sadly waiting for next year.
The Tickety Lottery
To remedy the ticket demand and 200+ waiting list, Unglued has since added a second weekend, increased capacity to 150, and changed the ticketing plan, inspired by marathon registration lotteries, which provides a presale lottery and extra entry for those who have been in the lottery the two years prior. If returning campers bring someone new, they also get rewarded with a second entry. Overall, Unglued’s ticket lottery gives all hopeful campers a fair shot at securing registration, allowing groups of up to four, and encouraging a more diverse set of both loyal and new campers from year to year. Just make sure you don’t miss the lottery deadline!
Unglued Summer Camp [Trumpet Calls, Merit Badges, and Good Times]
Leave your worries, pack your bug spray, and bring your unapologetically awesome self — Unglued Summer Camp is calling, and the rest of the world can wait till Monday.
Celebrating its 10th year, Unglued Summer Camp’s weekend getaway is once again awakening creativity. Sleep in until your first workshop or wake to the 7:15 a.m. trumpet call, bougie coffee, mimosas, beachside yoga, and locally crafted cuisine.
“UNGLUED SUMMER CAMP IS ALL ABOUT REDISCOVERING YOURSELF AGAIN; A CAREFREE WEEKEND YOUR ADULT LIFE NEEDS TO DISCONNECT, KICK ASS, AND CREATE COOL SHIT.”
Each year, the camp’s concept is the same, but its themes vary, everything from Out of this World and Under the Sea to DIY Dreamworld. Last year’s summer camp was inspired by the Paris Olympics, complete with a mission to “throw ass (twerk), kick ass, and make shit.”
This year, it’s all about Country Vs. Uncountry Club. Immerse yourself in the theme and its quirky antics, or be a judge-free spectator, either is welcome.
At Unglued Summer Camp, campers choose their own adventure, fueled by unlimited s’mores, merit badges, variety shows, and daily invitations to explore one of the weekend’s 60 crafting workshops. Beyond crafting with local makers, the goal is to let loose, free the mind, and spark child-like creativity we thought we’d outgrown.
Freaky Fridays
Upon arrival, Friday night’s beach bar mixer sets the tone with a live DJ, a horse trailer cocktail/ mocktail bar, and the Drekker Beer Bar — there’s just one small catch. Before campers can score their first drink, they have to score on their social BINGO card. This means quizzing other campers or participating in carnival games. Don’t be frightened, we’re talking about Hungry Hippo matches and ring tosses on swan heads. The night’s mixer ends with a camp crew performance and the Unglued Summer Camp theme song, Freaks, by Timmy Trumpet & Savage, which introduces the official camp dance everyone’s invited to learn.
Sunny Saturdays
On Saturdays at Unglued Summer Camp, campers partake only in what they want — attend crafting workshops, join the kayak club, swim with unicorns and rainbow floaties, earn your fitness badge in yoga, gather for campfire karaoke, compete in beach battle games, or dance the night away (until 11 p.m.).
Fun Fact
Ashley’s husband Justin is equally crafty, responsible for building the camp’s “homewrecker” speakers and iconically updating the “crappy camp pontoon,” all while DJing dances and managing the weekend’s sound system, staging, and projection light shows.
Behind the scenes, he creates each camper’s name tag and laser cuts around 3,400 merit badges for every weekend of Unglued Summer Camp.
Campy Cuisine
At this summer camp, nobody goes home hungry. For the past six years, the Unglued kitchen crew has been led by the incredible Chef Scott Grandi-Hill from Bismarck, a former camper who carefully curates a menu of global cuisine to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Friday night arrivals are greeted with a variety of campfire foods, while Saturday includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a full-day snack bar and late-night treats. Sunday brunch is typically catered by 701 Eateries or Concordia Catering, giving Chef Scott and the camp crew an opportunity to sleep in.
According to Ashley, Summer Camp is only possible with the dedication of Unglued’s camp crew, consisting of roughly 24 friends, Unglued Crew, and past campers who show up every year and crush it.
Sunday Funday
Camp officially concludes on Sunday with a catered brunch, an afternoon tie-dye project, smashburgers, and a creative display of what Ashley refers to as “Lunch Lady Leftovers” — a sustainable solution that leaves no good food behind. The last hurrah is a group photo, a closing campfire, and an epic camp commencement. To the tune of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day, campers are awarded their camp swag for earning merit badges.
“Basically, you’re going to learn that you are kick-ass, but we’re not forcing it. You’re going to see that you can make stuff, try new things, and probably not be good at it right away. That’s okay because you have a local maker helping you. The goal is to make something with your hands, which helps you disconnect, no matter what you do. And, you’re probably going to dance at some point, even if you hate it — you’ll realize these people are weird and they’re dancing, so I can do it too,” laughed Morken.
Fun Fact
Molly Yeh, who resides in East Grand Forks, MN, was first a camper, then the camp’s chef, until her hit show, Girl Meets Farm, kicked off on the Food Network in 2018.
In 2019, Unglued’s Ashley Morken graced the TEDxFargo stage to share the health benefits of crafting, including increased dopamine levels. Today, thanks to Molly Yeh’s support and Ashley’s avid following, Unglued Summer Camp is igniting the interest of campers from across the country.
Lights Out!
At Unglued Summer Camp, each camper is assigned a shared cabin with bunks, and those who prefer tent life are welcome to brave the weather, squirrels, and fluorescent lights. If campers lose a fight with a wasp or their child sized bunks, no need to worry, a camp medic is on-site and available.
You won’t find any official, rule enforcing camp counselors here, but each cabin comes with a friendly host. In fact, this camp only has three rules: 1. No illegal drugs 2. No discrimination 3. Treat camp how you want to be treated. “Our cabin hosts are not there to make sure you’re at every activity, they’re just there to enable you to have the weekend of your life — or the weekend you really need in your life right now,” explained Morken.
Creative Compassion
Over the last ten years, she’s heard the heartfelt stories of campers from all walks of life, from those who never got their childhood camp experience to those who recently quit their job or are undergoing cancer treatment. It’s not uncommon to see stressed-out business executives quickly trade suits and ties for tie dye, transforming into happier versions of themselves over the course of one weekend.
After camp, Ashley collects feedback, finding many surprised at how easy it was to do the experience alone, shocked they learned to love crafting again, or excited to share their new outlook on life. Many say camp helped them discover themselves again, reconnecting with their identity beyond the role of mom, teacher, nurse, banker, and everything in between. Others really enjoy the camp’s autonomy, creating designated sensory-sensitive spaces for both the introverted and extroverted.
“I’ve realized that this camp isn’t about conference speakers and networking, our campers just want carefree adventure and to meet kick-ass people,” added Morken. “We don’t encourage people to talk about their jobs, and it’s pretty common to see someone who just retired or dropped out of college doing the camp battle next to a chief of medicine, a stay-at-home mom, and a mortgage lender. A lot of people stay connected after camp, then realize afterward what that person does for a living.”
Missed the Boat?
Unglued Summer Camp’s ticket lottery typically kicks off in early June. Within this lottery, campers have a fair shot at one of two epic weekends designed to spread joy and spark creativity. Although the ticket lottery has ended for the August 22nd- 24th and 29th- 31st summer camps, you can still get in on the fun with the Unglued Fall Retreats, Markets, and Christmas Camp.
Unglued Fall Retreats & Markets
This year, Ashley is hosting two Unglued Fall Retreats on October 11th and 18th at Crooked Lane Farm in Colfax, ND, both running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. “This isn’t a sleepover, so it’s a different vibe, but it’s still inspired by summer camp,” explained Morken. “It’s more of a laid-back day retreat with three workshop sessions, a small breakfast, two full meals, and a themed happy hour.”
Naturally, Unglued’s festivities and happy hours have been anything but boring, including Schitt’s Creek references, hayrides, bagpipes, sweater themes, and even visits from zoo animals. Unglued is also planning an October Brewhalla Market event, plus a one-day, adults-only Christmas Camp in December — stay tuned for details!
“WE KNOW CRAFTING ISN’T GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT IT CAN CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. EVEN IF YOU HATE WHAT YOU MAKE, IT TAKES YOUR MIND OFF THE NINE-TOFIVE GRIND AND RESETS WHO YOU ARE IN A WAY THAT’S NOT FAKE OR FORCED.”
Make All the Things (All Year-Long!)
Not ready to jump into camp? Try dipping your toes in the fun — crafting may just change your life. Unglued patrons are always invited to explore a variety of crafting workshops hosted by local makers in the Craftatorium on the second floor of Brewhalla. Here, patrons of all ages can sign up to take a public workshop or book a private party or corporate event. On Tuesday nights, Unglued hosts $5 Happy Crafty Hours (adults only) and free Stitch & Sip nights to work on projects with other crafty folk.
Kick-A$$ Country Club
You’re going to want to follow Unglued on social, not just because of her shop, Craftatorium, summer camps, and seasonal retreats, but also for what’s coming. Ashley is currently hard at work on her next endeavor, exploring sites and working through the details with potential developers to create a ‘Country Club for the Other 99%.’ “So far, everything is pointing to a yes, but we still have a long way to go,” said Morken.
Opening a 21-plus craft-driven country club is something Ashley has been dreaming about since 2018; a daily place where adults can come and meet other people, craft, disconnect, and chill out. She explains it as a member-only “kick-ass” destination for both winter and summer activities, including access to several events, a pool, a lazy river, a tropical bar, a sauna, and a crafty lounge. Ashley is also planning options open to the public, including a Country Club bar/ restaurant and mini golf.
Follow Unglued to find out more!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Unglued (Inside Brewhalla)
1702 1st Ave. North, Fargo, ND
701-205-1597
ungluedcraftfest@gmail.com
FB: Unglued
Insta: Ungluedmarket & Ungluedcraftfest