out weekend 2022: wrap up and thank you’s!
Something magical happened in the woods of Bridgton, ME this past weekend: We hosted our OUT Weekend retreat at Camp Pondicherry. It was our second time at this scenic chalet looking over the White Mountains and strong “summer camp vibes” were present — specifically that sense of belonging and celebrating your most authentic self!
16 previous Campfire Institute campers and a phenomenal group of 12 new kids joined us for the weekend. Highlights of the weekend included:
A queer sex ed workshop, led by three medical students who discussed topics like consent and sexual health. Blossom, Raven, and Ocean (their "nature names") reminded everyone that they should always be treated with respect by their healthcare team. Your health is important. Your informed consent is important. You don’t have to do this alone. They also had fabulous prizes for Queer Sex Ed Jeopardy.
An inspiring and impactful screen printing workshop, led by Hope from Little Chair Printing. Hope taught campers how to use art to spread powerful messages. (Hope has a silk screen printing bicycle that they ride to protests to print signs on the spot!) The kids created striking and meaningful art highlighting the climate crisis, wealth gap, inclusion, and the war in Ukraine.
A generationally diverse panel who reflected on their coming out experiences and what they would tell their younger selves. Our inquisitive campers sought insight on personal, complicated, emotionally charged situations. They asked the panel real, vulnerable questions, and our panel responded accordingly. What a gift to these kids to learn from a range of people how to become comfortable in your skin.
And of course — the prom. Our amazing volunteer team completely transformed the chalet dining hall and our campers. Tanner Skilton led a glam squad of talented makeup artists who painted everyone’s faces, and he obtained donations from Little Ghost in Portland, to add to our gender-affirming clothes closet. Ladybug captured pictures of the sharply dressed campers with the mountains as the backdrop. Roux from The Pink Waffle food truck served up sweet and savory waffles for the crowd (with gluten-free options available!). We had a DJ from Bangor along with the beautiful and flexible drag queen Ladonya Lovelace, whose death drop led to an eruption of wild applause from the crowd! Emceeing the event was Ophelia Drag — stunning, funny, and a fabulous dancer. She did it all, host, perform and call Bingo numbers. Everyone had a great time dancing. And, if you weren’t already aware, the kids love the Cotton Eyed Joe line dance.
It was a memorable weekend, not just because we were unplugged, connecting, and laughing but because of the sense of belonging. Ultimately we hope our OUT campers experience visibility. We want them to know: Your unique self is important in this world. You don’t need to put a bushel over your light. Value yourself and your authenticity more than the comfort of those around you. Be yourself. It’s the only option. LGBTQ+ kids need to hear that, especially today.
We are grateful to be able to offer LGBTQ+ kids a place to feel safe and like they belong during a time in their life when they need it. We had amazing returning staff including Girls* Camp Pioneers Firefly, Dove, and Coyote, along with our Campfire Institute Director Cricket. These trips and events are all a product of Cricket's imagination and passion for getting kids outdoors to foster resilience and get to know themselves better. Campfire Institute counselors and staff Rainbow, Bear, Redwood, and Bumble were also back. We are so grateful for our newest volunteers Ladybug, Cactus, Caterpillar, Wren and “the birds” Chickadee and Bluejay. It’s all about “the team” at these events and we continue to build an *all-star* team. Flexible, hard-working, and ever-present, our volunteers are generous of spirit and fabulous role models for these kids.
Thank you to the campers, parents, and caregivers who trusted the process! We can’t wait to see you next time!
