Central Maine Welcomes LGBTQ+ Adult Summer Camp This August

Published on April 25, 2024

Camp’ Camp, the premier summer retreat for LGBTQ+ adults in America, is excited to announce its 26th season at a vibrant new location in central Maine from August 11-18. Now situated between Augusta and Bangor, the new site continues to offer the cherished, community-centric experience that has made ‘Camp’ Camp a favorite for over two decades, labeling it as the “best time ever” by many attendees.

Originally founded in 1997 as an alternative to the traditional LGBTQ+ nightlife, ‘Camp’ Camp provides a week-long escape emphasizing true connections and community-building. After 25 years at their original southwestern Maine site, the move allows for an expanded range of activities, improved accommodations, and the ability to welcome more LGBTQ+ individuals from around the world.

Mirroring a classic sleep-away camp, ‘Camp’ Camp’s all-inclusive rate covers a full spectrum of activities from 7:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Campers can engage in classic camp pastimes such as Canoeing and Pickleball or explore unique offerings like Broadway Dance and LGBTQ History. Ample opportunities for relaxation are also available, whether at the mile-long waterfront or in air-conditioned communal cabins. Evenings feature social events like the traditional Talent/No Talent Show and a lively Barn Dance.

At $1975 for the week—less than $285 per day—the price includes comfortable lodging, high-quality meals, over 30 different activities, nightly social events, and transportation to and from Portland or Augusta, Maine. Additionally, a Staff program offers reduced rates starting at $475 for the week, available in limited quantities.

Longtime Camper Jenn Long (she/her) of Yonkers, New York is already registered for her 18th summer at Camp this summer. “With all the activities, food, and accommodations included, my wife and I both appreciate the value of Camp. But it’s really the people we’ve met and the lifetime friends we’ve made at Camp that keeps us coming back,” remarks Long. “It’s like a big, fun family reunion every summer, and all of us returning Campers love welcoming first-timers and making them feel at home.”

“During my first year at Camp last summer, it occurred to me that saying Camp is “all-inclusive” isn’t just referring to the pricing,” says Camp’s new Outreach Manager, Kat Torres Radisic (they/them) of East Boston, Massachusetts. “I’ve never been a part of a queer community that was so welcoming and seemed so easily and naturally supportive of each other… I was one of the younger people there and went not knowing anyone else, but I still connected with so many people of all ages. I couldn’t believe how everyone was included and encouraged in nearly every way. I’d probably been there less than 24 hours and was already telling everyone that I’d be back.”

Kerry Riffle (he/him) of Woodville, Ohio has been Camp’s Owner/Director since 2006 after having been a member of Camp’s Staff since their inaugural year in 1997. “It’s been so amazing to watch Camp grow to welcome nearly 250 folx each summer since our very first year when we had less than 90 attendees,” he says. “Each summer, nearly 75% of attendees have been with us before and consistently say the people they met at Camp is what keeps them coming back. So, we’re excited that we can now host over 100 more people for the week. More people should experience a week at ‘Camp’ Camp! Frankly, a week like this feels especially necessary in today’s stressful, politically-charged climate.”

Camp’s Associate Director Michelle Rediker (she/her) of Framingham, Massachusetts elaborates: “Maine is always a beautiful and inviting place for a vacation, and Camp will still offer the same rejuvenating experience for anyone open to taking the leap and vacationing with a bunch of strangers – who will quickly be good friends. With our new site offering more comfortable accommodations and new activities like tubing, horseback riding, and archery, the experience will be even better! Coupled with the welcoming and supportive culture that Camp has fostered for over two decades – one that implicitly encourages you to be your true self and to try new things – ‘Camp’ Camp really is a queer vacation unlike any other.”