Once upon a time we had a dream. It involved a couple hundred of you, 40 of us, a group retreat site in the San Bernardino Mountains and a weekend packed with workshops, panels, classes, meet-ups, activities and performances designed to inspire, educate, entertain and/or make you laugh — basically, it was the spirit of this website manifested in three entire dimensions mixed with a dash of old-fashioned Summer Camp goodness and an infusion of conference style. We wanted to create a special (and affordable!) space where you could be yourself, enhance your relationships within the international queer community, support Autostraddle, be a kid again and make new friends forever.
It was a dream called A-Camp, and it came true the last weekend of April 2012 and it was a total shitshow but also amazing. We’ve since held increasingly spectacular A-Camps in September 2012, May 2013, October 2013, May 2014 and June 2015. In 2016, we’re only gonna be holding only one A-Camp, and it’s definitely going to be the best A-Camp in the history of modern camping. Probably we will discover unicorns, slay dragons, swing dance and find all the horcruxes.
When
5:30 PM May 29th – 10 AM June 3rd
Where
Alpine Meadows Retreat Center in Angelus Oaks, California. It’s less than three hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, four hours from Las Vegas, five hours from Phoenix and seven hours from San Francisco. We’ll be running shuttles from LAX to the campsite from 11:30 AM to 2PM on May 29th and shuttles back to LAX at 10:00 AM on June 3rd.
Who?
You weirdos! Our campers range in age from 18 to 50 and come from all over the world, including lots of Canadians and quite a few Australians and Europeans. Generally half our campers are under 25 and half are over 25, and 60% are first-timers.
Also: Us! We are headed up by A-Camp Co-Directors Kristin Russo & Marni Kellison, and in order to give you the broadest range of programming possible, we’ve got a staff-to-camper ratio of about 1:7.
How
Tuition is $625 and is all-inclusive — that’s five days and nights of food, lodging, programming and entertainment for less than $125 a day! It’s the most affordable event of its kind, and just $75 down reserves your spot. Questions about the cost? Check out our FAQ. But do know that tuition prices go up because we want camp to get better every time — better guests, better workshops, more supplies, more staff and talent on site. That costs… more money! Demand is high enough and similar events are expensive enough that we could raise the prices a lot more and still fill up, but we think the diverse range of campers who attend is part of what makes A-Camp such a special experience and we know excessively high tuition would take away from that diversity.
Want more details? Let’s go!
Anything…
Is…
Possible…
We’re shaking it up again this year with more multi-day workshops, guest instructors and spectacular programming that’ll find the happiest loveliest chamber of your heart and extract it from your chest for you to look at. We want to teach you new things and enable you to have TONS OF FUN.
Lodging
You’ll be having the bestest biggest grown-up slumber party of your life in basic, fully insulated, carpeted & heated cabins with private bathroom/showers/baths and bunk beds. Think hostel, not hotel! You’ll be sharing these cabins with somewhere between 12 and 18 others, which can be intense, but is mostly A BLAST. Cabin groups are designed with your best interests in mind, and you’ll also be teaming up with other cabins to compete in the camp-wide Rainbow Wars.
Note: All campers under the age of 21 will be in the same cabin.
Food
You’ll get three mediocre meals a day with snacks — we now work with the chef to design a menu and options catered specifically for our group, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well as meals for people with food allergies.
Daytime Programming
You’ll have full access to a variety of activities, workshops, panels, sports, discussion groups, classes and arts & crafts.
Activities offered at previous A-Camps include…
Arts & Crafts:
- Dapper Collar Pins
- DIY Daisy Dukes
- Witch/Craft
- Chingona Chats and Crafts: Sacred Queer Heart Shrines
- Look After Yourself: Self-Portraits
- Nerdcraft
- Make A Thing: Merit Badges
- Finger Knittin’ Good
Workshops:
- Learn to Magish
- “Ropes Course” and Kink Workshop
- Erotica Writing
- We’ve Got Your Back: Community Care
- YO! A-Camp Raps!
- Slam Poetry
- Comics With The Lumberjanes Team
- Lez Talk About Sex(ual Health)
- Swagger 101
- String Cheese & Boxed Wine Tasting
- Casual Sext
- Improv Comedy
Sports, Games, Etc:
- Basketball Wives
- Self Defense 101
- Cheer Camp
- Ballet for Basic Bitches
- Rock Yoga
- Beyonce’s Dance Grooves
- Chair-Dancing With Cupcake
- Canoeing
- Pop Science Trivia
- Mindfulness & Meditation
- Haus of Vogue
Discussion Groups, Panels & Presentations
- Changing the Narrative: The Importance of QTPOC Fiction
- Chosen Family
- Gaming, Identity and Community
- Queer People of Color Politicking & Zine-Making
- Mixed-Race/Biracial/Multi-racial Discussion Group
- Profesh Pantsuit Power Hour
- Working In Solidarity: Combating Transphobia in Queer Spaces
- Mommy Queerest: Queer Parenting Panel
- Party of One: An Introvert Feelings Atrium
- Tardy for the Party: A Coming Out Later In Life Discussion Group
- Mountaintop Bisexual* Discussion Group and Hummus Appreciation Society
- Real Talk: Your Relationship Doesn’t Have To Suck
- Bloody Hell: A Menstruation Feelings Atrium
- Mystery Homo Theater 4000
- Destigmatize Your Size
Nighttime Entertainment
Autostraddle After Dark includes a roster of entertainment experiences that change every time. But there’s always some comedy…
…and some music
…and some dancing
…and some other things!
One of A-Camp’s most treasured experiences is the Staff Reading. Other past After Dark activities have included game shows like The Strip Spelling Bee and Family Feud, musical extravaganzas like Lilith Flair, X-Files screenings and The All-Camp Variety Show.
Talent
We’ve always managed to round up an exceptional group of queer weirdos interested in hanging out with you for a week. Past talent has included Julie Goldman and Brandy Howard of The People’s Couch, actress Jasika Nicole, new media superstar Hannah Hart, comedians DeAnne Smith and Elicia Sanchez, musicians Mal Blum and Haviland Stillwell and Orange is the New Black writer Lauren Morelli. This year’s line-up (still in progress — we realize it’s very white right now!) is already looking pretty good — and we’re hoping that some of those people we just told you about will be returning to A-Camp this year as well!
Brittani Nichols, Comedian
website // twitter // instagram // autostraddle
Brittani Nichols is a comedy writer and actor that performs stand-up, sketch, and improv at Upright Citizens Brigade, iO West, The Clubhouse, and other venues in/around Los Angeles. She appears as the recurring character, Nicol, in Season 2 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning comedy, Transparent and Parker in Buzzfeed’s You Do You, which premiered at #1 on iTunes. Previously, Brittani created and starred in the popular web series, Words With Girls, which went on to be a pilot produced by the star and creator of HBO’s Insecure, Issa Rae.
Recently Brittani started a podcast called Brand New Podcast with fellow comedian, Ariana Lenarsky, to showcase her neurosis and give other people something to cry and laugh about. This year she wrote, starred in, and co-produced an indie comedy feature called Suicide Kale which will be playing festivals in 2016.
When not performing, Brittani enjoys playing basketball, talking about her own hair, desperately trying to convince people she’s important, refusing to Instagram pictures of food but Snapchatting every Blue Apron meal she makes, and knowing 99% of the words to the musical Hamilton.
Cameron Esposito, Comedian
website // twitter // instagram // facebook
Cameron Esposito is a standup comic, actor and writer. You’ve seen her on NBC, CBS, Comedy Central, TBS, E!, the Cartoon Network, Buzzfeed, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and in the movie Mother’s Day alongside Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson, out in spring 2016.
Dannielle Owens-Reid, Entrepreneur / Comedian
website // twitter // instagram // tumblr // autostraddle
Dannielle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Radimo, a collective of humans working toward living their best lives, launched in 2016. Radimo is a site dedicated to mindfulness, living well, honesty, positive change, and making the choice that will make your life better. In 2010, she founded Lesbians Who Look Like Justin Bieber and Everyone is Gay. She has written for Nylon Magazine, MTV Style, Autostraddle, and co-authored This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids in 2014. Dannielle is currently living the dream in Los Angeles, producing a web-based video series on fashion and gender, and designing a unisex clothing line for Radimo.
Jenny Owen-Youngs, Musician
website // twitter // instagram // tumblr // autostraddle
Musician, songwriter, and natural history enthusiast Jenny Owen Youngs grew up in the forests of northern New Jersey and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. Since 2006 she has released three albums and a handful of EPs, and toured extensively in the US and Europe (headlining and also opening for artists like Against Me!, Regina Spektor, Frank Turner, and Amanda Palmer). Her songs have been heard on Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Catfish, and in Victoria’s Secret stores the world over. Please feel free to approach her about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and/or Game of Thrones.
Julia Nunes, Musician
website // twitter // instagram // tumblr // autostraddle
Last year, Julia Nunes traded her Brooklyn boy problems for love in Los Angeles and wrote about 80 songs in the process. She released Some Feelings in September 2015, it will make you cry and also dance. Her first paid gig was opening for Ben Folds on a tour in 2008. Now 26 – she’s toured with A Great Big World, played Bonnaroo twice (where she jumped in on Weezer’s set) and performed on Conan. On the horizon are music videos, acoustic sessions, collaborations with some special guests, and a fully acoustic version of the album.
She’ll also be writing about minimalism, getting healthier, and being good to yourself for Radimo.LA in 2016.
Rhea Butcher, Comedian
facebook // twitter // instagram
National touring standup Rhea Butcher has been seen on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Buzzfeed & Funny or Die. Rhea is the host of weekly standup podcast and live show Put Your Hands Together and her debut album is forthcoming from Kill Rock Stars.
Swag
You’ll get your very own A-Camp Tote bag, chock full of fun shit from our sponsors and your very own A-Camp T-Shirt. (If you’re an independently owned business who’d like to see your swag in our bags, hit us up!)
Camperships & Tuition Discounts
Your generosity has sent over 40 deserving humans to A-Camp over the past four years and you’ll have the chance to make dreams come true again this year when we open up the campership fund and submissions, which will be within the next month!
Our goal is to offer 5-8 full camperships and 5-8 partial camperships of 30%-60% off, and five spots at half price. We’ll start accepting essay applications and soliciting donations next month in a post which will feature essays from our Spring 2015 Campership recipients. But if you wanna donate to the campership fund right now, you totally can! If you donate a full campership we’ll be in touch regarding whether or not you’d like your identity revealed to the camper. If you have an independent business who’d like to sponsor a campership, get in touch with alex [at] autostraddle.com. Previous sponsors have included Sharpe Suiting, Kipper Clothiers, Scout’s Honor, Kreuzbach10, OK Cupid and Hannah Hart.
We also recognize that as A-Camp becomes more expensive it becomes harder to maintain the diversity we require for a truly successful A-Camp. We encourage campership applicants who are of color, trans women, mothers, or over 35 and newly out and will have some specific opportunities for QTPOC (like this one from last time).
If you cannot attend camp without a full Campership, do not register for camp! We reserve spaces for Campershippers so you don’t need to snag one in case you become a Campershipper — that’s been taken care of.
Okay, I’m in. What now?
If you wanna get on the saddle and trot on over to A-Camp with us this spring, here’s what you’ve gotta do:
1. For the low low price of a $75 non-refundable non-transferable deposit, you can snag your spot for the spring festivities. Please read the instructions at the top of each registration interface page if anything seems remotely complicated. Your full tuition is due April 7th. You can make partial payments between now and then by logging back in to the regonline system and making partial payments.
2. If registration fills up, you can put yourself on the waitlist. Be sure to put an e-mail address you check regularly and often, so you don’t miss our note if you’re up!
3. If you’re driving in on May 29th, please plan to arrive between 4 PM and 5:30 PM. On Sunday, please plan to leave by 11 AM.
4. If you’re looking for flights and will need transportation from the airport, be sure you can be at Terminal 6 by 2 PM on May 29th. If you’re getting in to LAX later than 2PM, you may miss opening night and you’ll have to make your own travel arrangements.
If you’ll need transportation to the airport on June 3rd, there will be shuttles leaving at 10am. It takes two to three hours to get to the airport, so we advise against booking flights that leave before 3PM. If the 10AM shuttle won’t get you to the airport in time to make your flight, you’ll have to make your own travel arrangements. Options exists such as “getting a ride with another camper,” “bribing the kitchen staff” (no really this might be your best option) and “renting a car for a very low in-airport price.” Also, many campers stick around LA for the night or a few days or a few weeks, too, which is lots of fun!
5. If you need to cancel, you can just log back in to the registration interface and cancel!
6. QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION OR TRAVEL GO TO cool@autostraddle.com. (“COOL” stands for “Coordinator of Logistics”)
For More Information
On our A-Camp website, you’ll find our FAQ, the talent/staff we’ve got on board so far and a link to register the hell out of your unit. For more information about what goes on at A-Camp, you can check out our recaps from past camps and testimonies from campers about the joy of the experience. But A-Camp is whatever you make of it: every camper writes their own story. Come with your heart wide open and do whatever you want.
What are you waiting for?
Register Now!
The registration is broken. It forces you to say you’re under 21….
fixed!
Hey loves!The registration button isn’t working for us :(
It’s here: https://www.regonline.com/a-camp-spring-2016
It’s wrong on one of the links above, but it’s in the text. <3
This is awesome, so excited for camp!!!!! Just one thing, it says that it’s a requirement to check the box that says we’re under 21, even if we aren’t?
Just fixed, it seems
Yep, I’m registered now! Thanks to whoever fixed it! :D
I clicked it and then just left a panicked all caps “thoughts or concerns” message about the fact that I am 24, SO
DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO
Yassssss!!! Bless you Riese. I needed this today. I need to get my butt to camp.
Thanks for letting us know about the age dropdown issue: it has been fixed!
REGISTERED. SO EXCITED.
It works everyone, I swear! I just registered.
In the drop down where it asks what camps you’ve attended, it’s missing 2015 camp
fixing this! thank you brianna! <3
You see I thought this was a clever way of reducing redundancy, because if you’ve been to camp before but none of the earlier ones, you must have been to 6.0.
Although, now I think of it, going to one camp doesn’t exclude you from another. Bugger. I was feeling all reminiscent for my data compression module at uni.
i can’t think about data all i know is that i have so many checkboxes to click and so few neurons firing in my head rn
okay that’s true
in the box where you’re required to describe yourself I wrote “I have not had breakfast” which is my personal version of “I haven’t had coffee yet”
OMg, so true about breakfast. As a non-coffee drinker I feel very strongly about my first meal of the day.
oh my god i love your name
GUESS WHO IS COMING BACK TO CAMP BITCHES!!!!
I am so excited about this because I want to see you again!
As am I to see your face again!
registered!
Yes! So excited
CAMP CAMP CAMP CAMP CAMP
*heavy breathing/muppet flailing*
In the describe yourself box, I may or may not have said I’m a lot like Kermit The Frog :D *Kermit Flail*
YEAH I’m going to a-camp! This is happening! First time! :D
ONE OF US ONE OF US
CONGRATS i am excited to see your face!!
YAY!! also excited to meet your face!
Same! First time camp feelings!!!
Me too! Is there a term for us?
A- camp newbs?
A-camp fresh-womyn?
A-camp amateurs?
A-camp …aardvarks? ( cause aardvarks are kind of adorable)
Friends?
I like the word fledgling as a synonym for newbie. We’re baby birds, spreading our wings, exploring the new world of camp!
flannel-clad fledglings?
nervous neophytes?
Also a first time just registered camper human!! So much excitement, weeee!!
YAY!!
Reserved my flight! See you guys at LAX! :D (Seattle people – Spirit airlines has flights for $147!)
Now the question is, can I cram all my stuff into a “personal item” (aka small backpack) or should I pay extra for a carry-on? (All I need is clothes and toothbrush/deodorant and possibly a small journal to write in, right?)
Trying to decide whether to register. I have a lot of travel anxiety, and I haven’t been on a plane in over 5 years… but it’s A-Camp! The struggle…
No pressure, your decision. But getting on an aeroplane for like 14 hours was super scary for me last year, and totally worth it. You do you!
Just cried laughing because I spelled my own name wrong in the “preferred name” box and I thought I had MOVED PAST THIS STRUGGLE.
Anyway yall the “E” goes AFTER the “A” in Michael. This is a thing that I know. Even though I had to google my own name everytime I wrote it down for about a year after choosing it just to, ya know … Double Check.
(I also accidentally spelled “human” as “lhuman” when I described myself as having very few Adult Human Life Skills, so all in all I think this adds authenticity to my plight)
this is all so great and I can’t wait to meet you at Camp!
I’m so glad this registration opened on my pay day! That was a close one y’all.
Hi Torre look at ur cute username
It’s what my granddad used to call me <3
Woo! Super excited for Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher!
I was thinking last year how awesome that addition to the already-awesome would have been – dream come true!
Also being there with you AGAIN. Dream come true. Now we just need Whit. :(
I AM SO EXCITED TO BE WITH YOU TWO ON THE MOUNTAIN! I requested you two as cabin mates nbd if you didn’t do the same I just love hanging out with you both.
I didn’t cause I wasn’t sure what we decided, but I can go in and edit, right? @whiskeyghost
I got off work right as registration opened. So I’m sitting here in my motorcycle gear after the most rude rainstorm. Shivering and victorious.
*frozen fingers high five* I feel your pain but am so glad you’re registered!
Registered as my ultimate graduation present! Cross your fingers that I find a job upon graduation but dont have to start said job until mid june!
REGISTERED. so. damn. excited! anyone leaving from nyc day of?
CAMPCAMPCAMPCAMPCAMPCAMP!!!! I had to pull over to post on fb and comment here IM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU ALL ON MT FEELINGS. fist bumps to everyone coming back. Youre the best. And fist bumps to everyone im meeting for the first time. YOURE THE BEST. pls be advised i hug when im excited.
NURSE VIV!!!!!!!!
Abbyyyyyy hay grrrrl hay
I AM SO EXCITED
It is 4 in the morning you guys and I set my alarm for every hour so that I wouldn’t miss registration and I feel like tomorrow, instead of going to work, I will stay at home in bed with my cats and this BIG FEELING OF JOY because I’m going to camp and everything is right in my tiny corner of the world.
I’m assuming that you’re in Australia too, because I FEEL YOU ON THAT WAKE UP TIME. I promptly fell straight back into bed and barely remember registering this morning. Lots of coffee at work.
I’m sooooo excited!!! I decided to stay in bed and skip my 830 class today, woke up not wanting to get out of bed but then I saw registration was up. So I got up so fast and took care of that! Now I have the energy to get through my other class and doing homework for the rest of the day. CAMP! :D The best days of the whole year <3
Just registered woohoo!! Also a newbie/first timer. Super excited to meet so many new people!! Also a big “Thank you!” up front to AS for making this a thing.
SEE YOU GUYS AT TACO NIGHT
MUCH LIKE CAMP, TACOS ARE FOREVER
WILL YOU BE MY DATE TO THE TACO NIGHT DANCE
At Camp every night is taco night.
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Ahhhhhh!!!!
The moment when you step off the bus onto that magical mountain and the staff is cheering and everyone is so excited is my favorite.
Question though, if im hoping to apply for a partial camper-ship (because money is non-existent when you have more student debt than income and living with your parents is no longer a healthy option) should I still register? Just not sure how that all works since full tuition is due April 7th. Thanks!
Yay!!!!
Am I right in thinking even partial camperships are only available to first timers? While we are asking questions.
Hmm I thought it was only full for first timers? But I’m not sure either. Thanks though!
I honestly don’t know, just seemed the place to ask. I know someone who went last year who would need help to come this year.
I want to goooooo :( but I am taking the LSAT just a few days later so it’s probably not wise (financially or academically). Have the best time and maybe see you next time around?? (if I’m not too broke as a (hopefully) law student!!
Good luck on those LSATs! You’re badass for taking them, and totally get stars in my book for being so responsible, even though it sucks that you won’t be at a-camp.
OK BUT MY INABILITY TO SPELL MY OWN DAMN NAME ASIDE:
I AM SO EXCITTTEEDDDDDD
Also.Also.Also:
Do I Stay In LA For A Few Days Post Camp, ou NON?
PROS? CONS??
Hi! =) I’m from LA myself. I know a lot of campers stay before or after or both. It does depend on if you might know someone who will let you use the couch..or if you like hotels. I mean LA is a touristy place anyway. There’s a lot of stuff to see and do. It’ll be June by then and hopefully it’ll be warm/hot/not freezing.
The only con I can think of is if $ is a factor. That and LA traffic.
Pros include getting to know more straddlrs/campers. Getting to know LA. Being in a different place!
$ is the struggle so I’ll probably pass on it because I really need to save the rest of my savings for you know
moving
But then once Im no longer nomadic travel is harder because RESPONSIBILITIES
ALSO HAHAHA HAHAHA HA HA “hopefully it’ll be warm then”
it’s like 50 in LA right now, right? T SHIRT WEATHER
#Oregon
I KNOW. Last year it was really warm and we were able to open to pool a lot.
I live in the UK and my families rules about outdoor pools were you had to come out when your lips turn blue.
And my sister’s would always turn before mine. She’d be shivering in a towel saying it wasn’t fair while I’d splash away all smug.
There’s a pic of my sis and I swimming in wool sweaters in the ocean (oregon coast) because we could only afford to visit the beach during the winter. heheheh.
I’m registered!! I’m so pumped for my first A-Camp experience!!!!
REGISTERED hey guys hey everyone I have never ever been to sleepaway camp
you will love camp
I’ve been looking for you in the comments! I’m a bit of a comment fan, so cannot wait to meet you IRL.
Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to meet you either!
Now, oh man, I’ve just gotta scrape up my pennies for that April 7th deadline…
NEITHER HAVE I this is such a Rite Of Passage that I thought I’d totally missed out on
Yes! That is how I convinced myself this needed to happen. Adulthood: not the land of wish-fullfillment we think it’s going to be when we’re kids, but THIS at least I can make happen.
I went to Camp Rainbow ( seriously!) when I was 15 and that changed my life in so many ways, but I was a lowly nerd dealing with a lot of heavy experiences that took away from the kind of sleep away camp experience The Parent Trap and Babysitter’s Club set me up for. I’m All over participating in ALLL the camp experiences this time around!
I like, don’t even know what to do with myself, I just realized I’m not going to know anybody there. Help!
Most A-Campers are also or once were a person who came to A-Camp knowing nobody. And now they know a lot more people! You won’t be alone because there will be so many others who are in your exact shoes/boots/sandals/slippers
CAN WE WEAR SLIPPERS
Thank you Riese! I am a little nervous but I have this odd feeling everything is going to be alright!
HI @mollymae !! (Do @ replies even work on this site lol)
I’M MICHOU HERE but Mickey elsewhere; it kind of Depends on what social media site a person met me re: names
It’s nice to meet you!
SEE? Now you Know Someone
Also I like your glasses. 10/10
YOU’RE SO KIND hi Michou!! It’s so nice to meet you too!! AND YOUR DOG IS ADORABLE JUST SAYIN’
Oh my Gosh @mollymae I WISH THIS DOG WERE MINE, but alas she is my Dog Sitting Dog. I’m crashing with family friends at the moment because they needed a live in dogsitter for a couple of months and she is THE BEST DOG EVER
My real dog is an african grey parrot named Reptar who my dad is Very Kindly watching for me during my Year Of Adventuring
Oh man I love parrots!! They are too cute!!!
Last year was my first time and I didn’t know anyone either, and even though I now know 2 people who are going this year, I still like the idea of not knowing anyone that well because there is so much more potential there! All you have to do is allow yourself to be liked; and you will be liked because everyone is cool—EVERYONE! Will it be awkward? Yes, for about 5 minutes while you try not to be overwhelmed by how incredibly sweet, and friendly, and super-freaking-hot everyone is. You kind of get used to it, but it never stops being amazing. Best of all, everyone is there for the same reason: simple human connection with their fellow queerdos. You are going to love it; I promise. And I am a woman of my word, so you can trust that.
I believe you completely! All I want is to be able to be there and be who I am and be liked for who I am, especially when surrounded by like-minded people. I’m so stoked!! Thanks for your kind words :)
That is SO FUCKING SWEET
I will be your friend.
Hello there new friend, it’s nice to meet you!
I went to my first A CAMP without knowing anyone personally!!! I can’t promise everything will be fine BUT it’s so cool to know people from the INTERWEBS then know them IN REAL LIFE. It’s the coolest thing!! =) I really had fun at camp even if I didn’t know anyone. I think I only know of 2 people who went and didn’t know anyone who said camp wasn’t for them….so there’s always that possibility.
I was surprised at HOW MANY people went to camp without knowing anyone. It’s great because @riese and the team does a really really good job with the cabin assignments.
I’m really introverted so I was glad to see that as an option on the registration form. Mostly I’m just nervous to meet SO MANY wonderful people there! I don’t know a lot of other queer people besides myself so I’m excited to be in a kind of “Be right here, be real queer” environment!
I had always felt out of place and stressed in queer spaces before camp. Like I have to act a certain way to either be seen as gay enough, but not too gay as to be a walking stereotype. Bullshit, I know. But camp was absolutely nothing like that at all. Even if camp isn’t a life changing experience for you, just know that everything will be okay!
This. I’ve been reading all the comments all day, because I’m so excited for camp, but this is my fear. I’d ask to give you a hug right now, if I could.
I feel really uncomfortable in queer spaces too; I’m scared I’m not queer enough, or my past choices will be used against me ( I’m not a gold star), or I’ll say something completely ignorant of queer politics, and inadvertantely offend, or worse, make someone feel undesired or unseen. Your comment to the contrary of this is a huge relief. Thank you!
if not being a “gold star” was used against queer people at a-camp then me and laneia and rachel would be in big trouble
you will make so many friends your head will spin
seriously
It’s my first time too and I’m coming all the way from Aus and I’m scared that my accent will be hard to understand and also all the jetlag will make me seem like a weirdo but MAYBE INSTEAD i can be a mysterious and sexy stranger. Anything is possible on the mountain, right?
Same here – I’m pretty sure we’ll be in good company of other newbies feeling clueless. :) But everyone I’ve talked to (both online and in-person) has had only positive things to say about camp and the people there!
Last year was my first A-Camp and I didn’t know anyone and I’m super shy and I had a wonderful time!
Is it too late to join the ‘I won’t know anyone either, let’s be friends?’ group?
I don’t know why, but I think it’s really exciting to break out of your comfort zone every once in a while and I feel like camp (specifically a-camp!) is the way to go :)
I feel like I should host a “We don’t know anyone and we’re really nervous” party in my cabin (which I’m positive my roommates will adore—so I’ll do it. There will be drinks for anyone 21 and over, of course, you shouldn’t feel like you have to drink, it’s ok not to. Everyone attending will know nobody, so you HAVE to talk to each other. I’m kidding you don’t have to do anything, that’s the point. Like me, you could just sit on the patio (I might bring patio chairs) and not talk to anyone, just bask in the lightness that comes from knowing that everyone in the room is in the same boat as you, feeling the same way as you do, and everything will be ok. You may rsvp through me. Mavi dot Llamas at gmail.
p.s. don’t worry, I’m not hitting on you, I’m just really friendly.
I just registered! I didn’t know if I could make it work around work and school, but I’ve been wanting to go for years and I saw that lineup and went IT’S NOW OR NEVER!
CONGRATSS!!
I made kind of a mistake when paying and sent you guys a message through PayPal about how dumb I am/asking for help? But also I’M SO EXCITED!!!!
I can’t wait to read all about this and maybe *crosses everythjng* make it across the pond,and then across a big old continent, next year. Have an amazing time everyone!
I’m SO glad there are camperships! Going to apply for one when they become available next month, as my budget is extremely tight. This sounds like the experience of a lifetime that I don’t want to miss.
REGISTERED! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU QUEERDOS AGAIN AND TAKE 10,000 PICTURES. #CAMPSLOCK™ HAS BEGUN.
I LOVE THE CONCEPT OF #CAMPSLOCK.
#CAMPSLOCK FOREVER, BREE
My dog woke me up after I fell asleep at midnight waiting up for this and so I registered at 2.50am. She’ll get some extra breakfast as a reward.
And now instead of going to sleep I had to some post my excitement. Yay camp!! First camp!
i just registered and would like to re-iterate my earlier comment of AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
WELCOME
SO MANY BRIANNAS
if you guys wanna re-brand it Brianna Camp you totally have my permission.
I woke up early but not early enough! Anxiously waiting for the next 2 hours…..
Going to register today!! So realistically, how many bow ties should I bring?
all of them
Registered! I can’t wait to see all you queerbos on the mountain again. ;-;
“3 mediocre meals a day” bahaha
also…I am supes excited for Cameron Esposito (and Brittani Nichols of course).
*not trying to pressure the A-Camp staff but like I Really with a capital R want to know what some of the programming is this year*
Oh the meals are mediocre but sometimes there are nice surprises like that pesto salmon
Yeah was excited about them too, and also Danielle Owens-Reid!
Registered for my 4th camp
I will continue to come back as many times as I can/you guys will have me.
My first camp was a transformative experience.
Can’t wait to come home to Mount Feelings
Every Direction Nostalgia Tribute Comment because camp posts make me think of these supah-stars.
I just registered for my very first A Camp! I’ve been wanting to go since its first incarnation, but haven’t had the time or money. SO EXCITED to meet all you awesome humans!
Just registered for my first camp! Super excited!!!!
I just registered! This will be my first ever A Camp and first ever camp thing!
OMG I’m registered!!! It’s 10AM on Tuesday in Australia so I’m sitting at work very excited but having to act like a normal business human. Eeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Registered! Can’t wait to be there, already pretty much counting the days!
I registered and I’m feeling a surreal blend of emotions: excitement because I get to act out all the childhood summer camp dreams I missed out on with what appears to be some of the kindest, most energetic, QUEER, people on the planet, and also, terror, because large gatherings of said awesome people have historically been the spaces where I felt the most possibility of rejection.
It’s kind of backwards, and yet also rational, that I’ve spent my life avoiding the people I most wanted to be with, because, ” what if I’m not good enough?”
So, registering for camp was the most exciting, and brave thing I did today. Thanks, autostraddle. I’m nervous, but mostly thrilled, to meet all of you.
congratulations on being brave! and i think most people come up the mountain with a similar emotional mix, so you’re in good company.
see you at camp :)
Thanks so much, Tara. :) See you at camp.
There’s no such thing as rejection on the mountain; everyone loves you and thinks you are the coolest person they have ever met already, and they don’t even know you. Yet.
It’s ridiculous to imagine this magical place. I can’t stop daydreaming about what sounds like heaven. :) Thanks for sharing your positive experience, Mavi. See you at camp!
You know that scene in Field of Dreams where Shoeless Joe asks, “Is this Heaven,” and Kevin Costner just smiles like he hadn’t really thought about it? That’s what you will be feeling when you step off the bus; it really is magic. But then you’ll have dinner and realize that it’s not Heaven, it’s Iowa, and, at least in the movie (and at camp), Iowa is pretty damn near Heaven. See ya there, Stevie! I’ll be the dorkier version of Kevin Costner listening to the Voice telling me that after only 2 drinks dancing is a really good idea. It’s not, but I’ll probably do it anyway.
I like your metaphors. :)
You managed to put everything I’m feeling into words, THANK YOU/glad I’m not alone!
Wait it’s already sold out? Nooooooo. I thought as long as I did it today I’d be okay :(
I got a campership two years ago and couldn’t go… Finally wait and wait and registration is already full the first day it opens?
Fingers crossed from the wait list! </3
A-Camp 2016 or Bust!
SO EXCITED FOR ALL YOU NEW HUMANS!
Tried to register as soon as I came home from work, but it was already full </3 Hopefully it'll work out anyway! Been interested in going since I heard of it and haven't actually been at ANY camp ever, except for christian scouts camp when I was like 12, so it's double excitement!
Just another burst of excitement happening here.
eeeeee!
Also, to those of y’all who are on the wait list, have hope! I came to my first camp from a very low spot on the wait list.
Ugh, I had to caucus after work today and now camp is full. :-( Politics disappoints again.
Get on that wait list!
Yes Yes Yes, Get on the waitlist. The waitlist is a thing.
Oh, I was on the waitlist before I took the time to write that comment. Now I just have to figure out how to live my life with my fingers crossed for the next 1-4 months.
Oh, I so want to go to camp this year! But I’m applying for an internship and would be about a week into training if I get in! But maybe I should apply for the camp wait list on the off chance that I don’t get in?
My totally unsolicited advice: add yourself to the wait list and, if you get in, let your internship know as soon as possible that you need to take those days off! Memorial Day is a holiday anyway and a lot of people go out of town then. I did something similar when I went to San Diego Comic Con last year and it wasn’t a problem, in fact I’m still working at that same job and all is well!
So excited to be coming back again!!
But can you only update your information/shuttles/cabin travel plan stuff after you make another payment?
Because it wont change that I am not under 21 or add that I have been to last year’s camp. I can’t add shuttles to my total. Everything will remain unchanged when I log in again. Or it will tell me my registration has not yet been saved when I try to update my personal info even though I payed the $75 and have been confirmed.
??? (sorry, I get nervous about stuff like this lol)
Hm, I just tried and it shouldn’t be that way. Regonline has always been a little weird. Right now it’s not too important that everything’s filled out anyway.
Never mind, totally figured it out! I just had to say my payment was $0 to update things and it didn’t redirect me to paypal!
But did anyone see last night’s episode of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend? It was a CAMP EPISODE and it was perfect.
My girlfriend used the term “doe-eyed baby dyke” to describe me geeking out about registering for my first A-camp. Excited to meet everyone there :)
Registered! Who wants to carpool from Louisiana LOL
I wanna go!!!!!!
I’m on the wait list!!
I am so mad at my job for always having a massive product launch ever freaking year like 2 days after A camp which means I can’t go as long as I’m doing this thing that I love :/
UGHHHH
Everyone have so much fun for me but don’t tell me because I’m going to be really jealous.
Super interested! I’d be a newbie/first time camper! I’ve also never been to any form of sleep away camp :o Just nervous that I won’t have the funds in place by April :/ (and paying for a flight from NYC is an arm and a leg) but the idea of being surrounded by all you lovely ladies sounds awesome! :D How do I go about applying for Camperships???
Promptly after I commented, I got myself on the waitlist!!! :D
OMG I wanna come so bad but the London – LAX flight price basically doubles the price of Camp for me :(.
I’ll be settling here waiting for sponsorship for and brush up on my essay skills I guess !
Hey I don’t know if there will be a thread for this later or a forum on the A-camp website or anything? But I will be driving from norcal and I would love to get a car of people together! That nine-hour drive is really best when shared with new camp friends! Anyone else thinking of driving down?
Just came here to say that I just got off the waitlist and was able to register because my tax refund came in and I’m so excited to hang out on the mountain with y’all!!!
PS- anyone else from Madison, WI going?
In my excitement I forgot that I have an actual profile. This is me, hi!