In Newsweekly, New England's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender newspaper. August 11,2005

"Releasing your inner camper"

By Thomas Kilduff

'CAMP' CAMP IS FOR GAY ADULTS WHO MISSED THAT SUMMER LOVIN' OR HAVEN'T MADE ENOUGH SMORES

'Camp' Camp is an adult camp for lesbians and gay men who want a second chance at making smores.

The cabins are named after gay and lesbian people or at least gay-friendly icons, e.g., Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, Ru Paul and Stephen Sondheim. There are quiet cabins, loud cabins and even cabins for snorers.

"Lately, the new rage is knitting," says 'Camp' Camp staffer Rick Bouchard. "Traditionally, though, the most popular activities are stained glass-making, the waterfront, jewelry-making and the ropes course. It's kind of a rite of passage to come here and make a ring or a toe ring. It's not uncommon for a set of lovers to make matching rings for each other."

Susan Clinkenbeard begs to differ. The assistant director for programming says that campers enjoy the people and their new friendships the most. "Also, we have the whole menu of summer camp activities: softball, guided hikes and kayak/canoe trips, the ropes adventure course and rock wall, waterfront activities, tennis, mountain biking, crafts, etc. I'd say the most popular things I see people doing are the ropes course, the night hike (a guided hike through the woods under moonlight), the talent/no talent show, the square dance and Karaoke Night."

There doesn't seem to be a lack of anything at 'Camp' Camp, which may account for the somewhat steep cost of the eventful week in August. 'Camp' Camp's founder and director, Bill Coles, reframes the high expense as a matter of paying the bountiful staff and keeping hold of the amazing property. "Because we offer something like 26 different activities, we have a lot of program staff. Because we have a full and varied menu, we have more kitchen staff than most camps. Were we to operate more than just one week, I think we could lower the per-person marketing and administrative costs, but so far we haven't been able to find another camp that is as beautiful or fits our needs as well as the one we use now."

It seems worth it. Two thirds of first-time campers return, and there are several mini off-season reunions in Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York throughout the year. There's even a 'Camp' Camp New Year's event that takes place at a resort in western Massachusetts. With at least eight men or women to a cabin, the toasty camp romance is often inevitable.

Bouchard describes his first year at 'Camp' Camp:

"I was lucky enough to meet a sweet Jewish man from Pennsylvania, named Hal, and have a 'Camp' Camp romance. That really made my first year awesome. You see, when I was a boy and at camp, I was not able to date anybody I had a crush on, for obvious reasons. Going to camp as an adult gives you a second chance to overcome fears and get up on the ropes course, or strike out at bat without getting booed, or to go on a date and make out - thanks Hal."

Clinkenbeard counters that the atmosphere is one of fun with a lot of teasing, flirting and gay, campy humor. Looking at the 'Camp' Camp schedule, it would seem hard to pencil in some intimacy time. Breakfast is served at 8:30 am and the day is packed with sun, exercise and camaraderie. Some are even so bold to go for a 6:30 am swim. Of course, you are more than allowed to sleep in, but taking advantage of all the activities is part of the allure of 'Camp' Camp.

The most important questions are: What about the camp fire songs? Do they exist and what form do they take?"

"In the spirit of gay camp, you will suddenly hear a bunch of singers burst out in show tunes," Bouchard tells In Newsweekly. "We also have a fabulous event called the 'Camp' Camp Talent/No Talent Show. It's a big hit. Every year people share their talents by preparing for this show all week long. Then on Friday night, we all gather in the camp theater building to hear what they have. It's talent, spoof, satire, skits and people overcoming their fears by getting up on stage."

Getting over one's fears is a recurring theme at 'Camp' Camp. And it seems a natural progression after signing up in the first place.

"In many profound ways, camp is very challenging," says Coles. "You are living in fairly primitive quarters with people you don't know (if you're new). You are going to camp with both men and women. You're giving up your privacy. There's no access to email and very little to the phone or media. Most people spend the week laughing and talking and doing things they thought they would never try." 'Camp' Camp may be a challenge, but one that is well worth it. •

'Camp' Camp is from August 21 through August 28, in Kezar Falls, Maine. For more information, call 1-888-924-8380 or connect to www.campcamp.com.

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