Review: 42624 Adventure Camp Cozy Cabins
Posted by MeganL,
The main subtheme for the Friends line this year is an adventure camp! This isn't the first foray into the adventure camp world for the Friends (the first time was in 2016), though this venture seems a little more robust. While the first iteration consisted of a tree house and some smaller builds, the theme this year has some more substantial sets. Our first set for this subtheme is 42624 Adventure Camp Cozy Cabins, which rectifies a gap in the previous subtheme - it gives the Friends a place to sleep.
Summary
42624 Adventure Camp Cozy Cabins , 437 pieces.
£39.99 / $44.99 / €44.99 | 9.2p/10.3c/10.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Good introduction to this year's adventure camp subtheme
- First holiday cabins for Friends
- Flip up roofs for the cabins
- Very cute fox!
- Cabins almost too open - don't they worry about mosquitoes?
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Inside the box there are three numbered bags, an instruction book, and a sticker sheet. I didn't get a picture of it applied, but based on sticker number 8, it seems like Zac may have a girlfriend!
Minidolls and animals
There are three minidolls in the set - Zac, Sky, and Paisley. All three are wearing shirts that have the adventure camp logo on them - though Sky's shirt looks like it might indicate that she's one of the staff members at the camp. I particularly love Sky's bright pink hair, and her bright coveralls with colourful double-wrap belt. All three minidolls are wearing tennies, which are especially appropriate to be wearing at the camp.
Mountain biking is one of the activities at the camp, and is clearly the way the Friends get around to different camp activities, especially back to the cabins to recharge. The cabins must live up to their cozy name, as the Friends aren't the only ones staying overnight in the area - they've attracted a bright red fox.
The box art indicates that there are collectable tiles in the adventure camp series. This set offers the campfire tile, which is found in a book located in one of the cabins.
The completed model
Many Friends models have smaller builds (and indeed, for a set that has two standalone cabins, it makes sense we'll see at least one more). This time, it's a campfire with a couple of stools. There are supplies to make smores, as well as some completed smores on hand. However, it looks like Sky's having a bit of a problem with one being a bit overdone!
The scent of smores attracts more than just the bright red fox....
(Note: smores-loving sloths not included with this set).
There are two cabins included in this set - the first one looks like it's for Paisley and Sky. There are two beds in the cabin, which only has three walls. Hopefully the adventure camp is in a warm climate, because otherwise it will get chilly at night!
A nice feature of the cabin is that the roof flips up, allowing for easy access to the cabin. There's not much room in the cabin for much else other than the beds, though a tiny visitor is present on the roof.
The guys' cabin is a little bit more cramped, and has the benefit/drawback of being attached to the bathroom. Like the girls' cabin, the roof flips up. There's a little more detail inside, but not much. The book with the campfire tiles is found in a storage area in this cabin. I like the tree on the far side of the outhouse; this technique is used throughout the adventure camp theme.
The outhouse has all the required facilities, but I think it's interesting that the designer has chosen to hang the toilet paper the wrong way! There's a sink just outside.
Overall thoughts
This is a good intro to the adventure camp theme - there are several activities in the other sets, but it's nice to see a set dedicated to a spot where the Friends can relax and chill. Even with such a setting, there's plenty of play value here with both cabins, the campfire, and the mountain bikes. It's always good to see the characters getting girl/boyfriends, with Sky seemingly being paired with Zac.
At $44.99 and 437 pieces, this set feels a little pricy to me, but would be well worth the money if it's offered on sale.
68 likes
28 comments on this article
HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls.
Surely you mean hang the paper the RIGHT way?
The toilet paper is sideways.....that just feels like the compromise to make everyone unhappy...
Overall not a bad play set, but despite the parts count, this looks nothing like €45 of value to me.
And why didn't they design the set so that you could connect both halves of that cabin to create a bigger enclosed one? At first glance I thought that's what those clips were for....
(which clearly wouldn't work without quite a few modifications)
Please don't misunderstand it as hating @MeganL, as it's not my intention, but I noticed since a while ago that your photos are often quite blurry. Do you use a tripod or something similar for taking them? If not, could you consider using one? It would greatly improve the exprience of reading your reviews.
Honestly, if the spider looks that adorable, I'd let him sleep in my cabin anytime!
And anyways, the toilet paper isn't the wrong way. If you're sitting down, it is facing the right way!
Seems cozy enpough. I'd like to visit such one.
@Crasha,
Seems more like a slight focus/DoF issue to me?
Can't say it bothers me that much though.
These sort of lean-to cabins with three walls were used at the (now formerly) Boy Scouts of America Camp Steiner, so in my mind a three walled cabin is a proper summer camp look. Yes, the mosquitoes can suck in an open cabin especially those close to the lake; but it was all part of the adventure of summer camp!
@Crasha said:
"Please don't misunderstand it as hating @MeganL, as it's not my intention, but I noticed since a while ago that your photos are often quite blurry. Do you use a tripod or something similar for taking them? If not, could you consider using one? It would greatly improve the exprience of reading your reviews."
Thanks for the feedback. I do use a tripod. While I don't see blurriness, what I think you may be referring to is something I can adjust with in my aperture settings. I'll play around with it the next time I take pictures for a review (which will be a little while, as I've already taken pictures of the next couple of sets).
@b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios.
Zac and Sky are a couple, or at least at the very beginning of their relationship, as seen in Season 2 Episode 9.
@Rare_White_Ape said:
" @b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios. "
You forgot that minidolls have one piece for the legs, so they can't "walk". Still impressive how most hair pieces are interchangeable, though!
surprised no one in the comments calls these buildings what they actually are and LEGO called them cabins. They're called Adirondacks. 3 walls and open front. It's a nice designed set. I'll wait until it goes on sale like all other Friends set in a few months.
As someone who's camped in an Adirondack on a few occasions, one thing that happens a lot is the hanging of a tarp over the open wall - both for wind protection and a little extra privacy.
Speaking of which... being attached to the bathroom is most certainly a drawback!
And why does the outhouse have no roof??
They aren't enclosed, so I don't know how cozy they are.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"They aren't enclosed, so I don't know how cozy they are."
‘Cozy’ being used here in its real estate sense.
Nice review: do you (and the sloths) plan to tackle the big treehouse set?
There's an episode about Zac and Sky's relationship and it's super cute.
In Danish “outdoor slang” huts of this type is “shelters.” These are of the “too-tall-to-be-comfortable-unless-it’s-high-summer-type.” Too much heat escape from the front. Though with a proper sleepingbag and a decent sleeping mat you can be more or less comfortable in spring and fall. I do prefer ones with a lower roof though!
I’ve seen some near lakes and marshes with mosquitoe nets. Presumeably these are well away from stagnant water.
With regard to “cozy” - a campfire makes most places cozy ??
@Rare_White_Ape said:
" @b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios. "
Minidolls also cant move their hands. The only thing they can do is bending over. They cant walk, only jump... what else? The Minidolls heads become very quickly loose after taking off and putting on again. To be honest - minidolls are the worst invention Lego has put out besides galidor. Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. Fact is that minidolls seem quite disabled compared to minifigs.
@Oli said:
" @Rare_White_Ape said:
" @b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios. "
Minidolls also cant move their hands. The only thing they can do is bending over. They cant walk, only jump... what else? The Minidolls heads become very quickly loose after taking off and putting on again. To be honest - minidolls are the worst invention Lego has put out besides galidor. Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. Fact is that minidolls seem quite disabled compared to minifigs."
I respecr your opinion, but I wouldn't compare them to the sh**show that was galidor! Also, are we forgetting the star wars buildable figures, Jack Stone and scala/belville?
Sidenote, but I do not mean to come off as aggressive or hostile in this message.
@Flyingfish2023 said:
"
Nice review: do you (and the sloths) plan to tackle the big treehouse set?
"
Yes! I'm planning for it to be the last of the adventure camp sets to be reviewed. The sloths are having a great time hanging around the treehouse.
@MeganL There was a tent in the previous series, I assume the minidolls could have slept in that.
Also...are we still complaining about the minidolls style after 10+ years. Don't like it, don't buy it :)
@MeganL said:
" @Crasha said:
"Please don't misunderstand it as hating @MeganL, as it's not my intention, but I noticed since a while ago that your photos are often quite blurry. Do you use a tripod or something similar for taking them? If not, could you consider using one? It would greatly improve the exprience of reading your reviews."
Thanks for the feedback. I do use a tripod. While I don't see blurriness, what I think you may be referring to is something I can adjust with in my aperture settings. I'll play around with it the next time I take pictures for a review (which will be a little while, as I've already taken pictures of the next couple of sets)."
This may be it, I guess time will show :)
If it's any help, look for example at the third image counting backwards (in other words the second-last). It's a perfect example for what I mean. For example I can't see here what pattern is displayed on the yellow bed.
Anyway, thanks for considering!
Looks really small . reminds me a bit of how I thought 31098 Outback Cabin was overpriced at the time (€30-€35, when 31048 Lakeside Lodge only released 3 years prior for €25)
But of course this comes with more figures / dolls, a fox, and 2 bicycles compared to the creator sets using a bit more generic pieces, but still seems pricey for the Friends theme, when something like 42618 Heartlake City Café exists at 33% less (€30, at pretty much the same piece count 3 dolls, a dog and a scooter)
@b2_O said:
" @Oli said:
" @Rare_White_Ape said:
" @b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios. "
Minidolls also cant move their hands. The only thing they can do is bending over. They cant walk, only jump... what else? The Minidolls heads become very quickly loose after taking off and putting on again. To be honest - minidolls are the worst invention Lego has put out besides galidor. Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. Fact is that minidolls seem quite disabled compared to minifigs."
I respecr your opinion, but I wouldn't compare them to the sh**show that was galidor! Also, are we forgetting the star wars buildable figures, Jack Stone and scala/belville?
Sidenote, but I do not mean to come off as aggressive or hostile in this message."
No worries, all good. People are different. I totaly dislike minidolls, others may not. I didnt forgot Jack Stone(d) etc. i just wanted to name a bad one like Galidor which came to mind first and i wasnt comparing them in my comment. Its not that i think that they are similar and also Galidor is a theme, minidolls not so much. Cant compare them but the thing they have in common in my opinion beeing bad and a waste of Plastic material.
@Oli said:
" @Rare_White_Ape said:
" @b2_O said:
"HAIL TO THEE KAMP KRUSTY
I feel as if I owe friends an apology. Until recently, I dismissed the sets because of the minidolls. "
Friends sets are legit quality. I bought the hot dog van that came out nearly a decade ago because it’s so fun!
It’s still my only Friends set, but I’d have way more of them if I was more into buildings and structures than I am into vehicles. The buildings can easily fit into a city or town layout if one was into that.
The neat thing is that minidolls and minifigs are cross-compatible with each other, except for a few limited scenarios. All the hair pieces fit both types of heads, so that opens minifig builders up to adopting heaps of neat hairstyles and hair accessories.
Plus each type of figure is able to sit or fit into any chair or vehicle… except for ones with studs on the seats. Thats pretty much the only thing I can think of where minidolls can’t do what minifigs can do, and that’s sit in studded chairs. I’m sure someone will chime in with additional info if there are other scenarios. "
Minidolls also cant move their hands. The only thing they can do is bending over. They cant walk, only jump... what else? The Minidolls heads become very quickly loose after taking off and putting on again. To be honest - minidolls are the worst invention Lego has put out besides galidor. Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. Fact is that minidolls seem quite disabled compared to minifigs."
For those who enjoy the minidolls, it's not about the articulation but rather the aesthetics.
I had to Google "tennies" - it's not just @capnrex101 's reviews that expand my vocabulary these days ; -)
I like the latest few waves of Friends sets, although I find it's better to wait and see what comes on sale in 6 months' time than buy when it first comes out, the discounts are by far the best I've seen of Lego themes in store...