SGN Page 22

Friday
August 11, 2006
SGN.org

Volume 34
Issue 32

search only SGN online

Sunday, Jul 06, 2008

SGN ADVERTISING INFORMATION

site map

CAMP comes out

CAMP comes out
Q-Squared, a new Seattle-based non-profit organization for sexual minority men, announced that it will host this year's annual CAMP, a retreat for Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (GBT) men during the Labor Day weekend at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State. Celebrating its 11th year, CAMP provides camp-goers (called CAMPers) a unique venue to enjoy the pleasures of the great outdoors while connecting with fellow GBT men in a healthy, fun-filled environment. Like traditional summer camps, the weekend event offers CAMPers a diverse offering of activities, including campfire sing-a-longs, hiking trips, and a variety of outdoor games. CAMPers have the choice of staying in modern cabins or pitching their own tents. In addition to traditional camp activities, CAMP offers a variety of specialized workshops that allow GBT CAMPers to learn new skills, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves to new heights. Past topics have included Life Drawing, Nature Photography, Massage for Gay Men, The Art of Flirting, Creative Harmonizing, Hip Hop Dancing, Easy Bake Oven Cake Decorating, Drag 101 and many, many more. "CAMP is a place for Gay, Bisexual and Transgender men to connect with each other in a new way; the four day event sheds attitudes and dissolve boundaries," said Joe Vollmer, Head Boy for the 11th Anniversary CAMP. "And because CAMP is an alcohol, drug and attitude-free event, the men attending find that they are able to quickly overcome negative attitudes and make new, long-lasting friendships. The personal growth and transformation we see is incredible," says Vollmer. He adds that CAMP attracts a wide variety of men-from guys in their early 20s to guys in their 70s. "What's amazing is that at CAMP, guys who would not even nod or acknowledge one another on the street in Seattle meet one another. They talk, they share meals, they play games, they bond and become lasting friends. It completely defies the stereotype of Seattle Gay men being unfriendly or unapproachable." CAMP was born in 1995 out of a group of men who envisioned building a sense of community with an event that could remove Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender men from the stress and confinement of the city. The first CAMP took place over Labor Day weekend of 1996. CAMPers were asked to leave their attitudes behind at the city limits and open themselves up to the possibility of relating to other men as friends and brothers. CAMP received its name from an acronym reflective of its goal: Come And Meet People. Since its very first event, it has been a great success. Each year, CAMP attracts approximately 150 men, with the event even attracted international attention for its innovative use of experiential learning and community-building principles. This year's CAMP event will be held Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4, 2006. The event is open to all Gay, Bisexual and Transgender men. Individuals interested in attending may contact the CAMP organizers by calling (206) 984-CAMP (2267) or visiting their website at www.qcamp.org. Registration is open now, although space is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register soon. Q-Squared, the sponsor of CAMP, is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting CAMP and related community-based activities. The organization seeks to improve the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of sexual minority men by building a stronger sense of community, increasing individual responsibility, and improving self-esteem. A Q-Squared press release