Want an LGBTQ-friendly place for your kids to spend time this summer, but worried about the costs? I’m pleased to report that CampOUT, for kids of LGBTQ parents and LGBTQ kids, is offering almost full “camperships” for the fees of many campers.
CampOUT, for kids in grades 5 and up, is now in its 15th year. This year, it runs from Sunday, June 29 to Thursday, July 3, at Red Gate Farm Education Center in Buckland. (That’s about 45 minutes from the lesbian mecca of Northhampton, so you can stop by with your sweetie after dropping off the kids.) Here’s the official description:
CampOUT provides unique overnight farm/camp experiences where young people from LGBTQ families are productive members of a farm community and share in the fun of summer camp activities. Through farm work, and activities we create a sense of community where difference and diversity are celebrated and children can be themselves. Young people have the opportunity to talk openly about their families and the experience of being in an LGBTQ family.
The usual cost is $650 for the session, but interested families should apply, stating their financial need and how much they can pay. The minimum fee will be $50 per CampOUT kid. If you’re applying for a campership, you should register by e-mail. Registration details are here.
As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, my day-job boss, Emmy Howe, founded CampOUT and hosted it at her own farm until this year. This year, it’s at neighboring Red Gate, and she’s planning it with Red Gate Director Ben Holmes and some CampOUT alumni. My own son’s never been (we’ve had family vacation conflicts), but I’m sure it will be a great week.
Happy camping!