Unplug and relax within a friendly, supportive community of LGBTQ+ singles and couples — and make new, lifelong friends! Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, the welcoming smiles you’ll find at Camp will make you feel at home in short order. You may come to Camp not knowing anyone else, but our Campers are some of the most open and welcoming LGBTQ folx on the planet, so you’ll make fast friends in no time. Join us!
more than just a vacation
If you are looking for a fun and unique one-time LGBTQ+ vacation, ‘Camp’ Camp is, of course, the perfect choice. But many people find Camp is much more than just another gay vacation: it’s an ongoing community of fun & friendly queer folx of all ages, backgrounds, gender identities, and interests from across the globe.
Since its inception, Camp has grown into a community of people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or somewhere in between (and, yes, a few even identify as straight) who also enjoy a variety of social, athletic, and cultural activities together throughout the year. While our week-long gay summer camp is our flagship event, social networking sites such as Facebook have made it easy for the Camp community to stay in touch and gather for other smaller, Camper-planned events throughout the year. And when COVID forced us to pivot to virtual, summer camp-inspired offerings, many of our Campers (and the never-been-to-Camp folx who joined us virtually) told us their virtual ‘Camp’ Camp experiences helped them through the isolation of the pandemic.
Whether it’s dinner and a Broadway show in Manhattan, Sunday brunch in Los Angeles, or a relaxing afternoon amble through the woods of Massachusetts, Camp offers an opportunity to be part of a fun and friendly LGBTQ+ community from all over the U.S. — not to mention Canada, the U.K., and beyond — who come together throughout the year to enjoy the company of the friends they made while having the best time ever during one late-summer week in Maine.
the people & the place are why
Not many other vacation destinations can boast of an annual return rate of over 75% — but ‘Camp’ Camp can. What brings people back to Camp time and again? Well, when we ask our new Campers what surprises them most about Camp, the response we hear more than any other is “the people.” And when we ask our returning Campers why they’ll be coming back, the most popular answer is again “the people.”
Additionally, unlike other adult summer camps, ‘Camp’ Camp is an entire week long, not just a quick three or four days. Our extended sleep-away summer camp experience — unplugging (literally) in a gorgeous, outdoor environment where the support & encouragement to both be yourself and to try something new & challenging are the norm — simply facilitates real, true connections between people of all ages, gender identities, and socioeconomic status, the kind of genuine, personal connections that seem to be sorely lacking in today’s tech-obsessed world.
don’t just take our word for it
Here’s what some recent first-year Campers had to say:
…I gained a community of loving, caring, generous people to share the rest of the journey with. The camaraderie, the laughs, the tears… I could never have predicted or expected to be loved and accepted without condition. I am truly grateful for this community that followed me home through Facebook, text messages, and messenger… I feel like there are people all over the world that share this love and respect for people. I feel blessed.
– Angela F., Phoenix, AZ
It really did exceed my already high expectations. I felt like a kid, but this time without the bullying. I’m 61 and felt completely comfortable. No story. Just my feelings. To quote the song, I had the time of my life. Thank you.
– David G., Avondale Estates, GA
For the first time in my 44 years, I found a place, a people, where I belong. I BELONG! I FIT IN! OMG I’m ALWAYS the outcast, the lone wolf, the misfit. I’ve grown accustomed to it. I march to a different drum. But at ‘Camp’ Camp, EVERYONE does. We are all beautiful, loving misfits, and I was seen, truly seen, for the first time ever. …You can go your whole life without ever finding that.
– Aletha G., Colonial Beach, VA
I was quiet upon my arrival, skeptical about EVERYTHING (the place, the people, and whether I’d have a good time, could recharge). Within minutes of entering Camp, everyone already seemed to know who I was. I can’t remember the first hug I received, only that I received so many. With each passing hour I opened up, amazed I had indeed found my happy place and love. Camp became the best solid week of my life.
– H.L. S., Silver Spring, MD
[My friend] said a week in Maine at ‘Camp’ Camp would change my life, and he wasn’t wrong. It was amazing!
– Linda M., Sandy Springs, GA
The whole camp experience was incredible. The Directors through to the Staff and Rainbow Group Leaders were so welcoming and kind.
– Jordan B., Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK
I connected with so many people right off that it felt like I already knew them. … I felt fabulous all week. I still do.
– Nadine D., Cleveland, OH
You truly have created an amazing space. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this has changed my life, literally. … I am more than pleased. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
– Rich E., Portland. TX
Being in a space where no matter how much people knew about me they already accepted me was more powerful than I expected…I didn’t think I’d get such a substantial emotional return on this investment but this space has really helped me learn to love myself more.
– Olivia R., Lancaster, PA
I decided to attend without any expectations. If I had had any expectations, they would have all been exceeded. This has been an experience of a lifetime. I have no words to describe the amazing experience. All I have is gratitude.
– Jose V., Harrisburg, PA
