We thought you might enjoy reading what Campers say about us! The following comments were taken from Camper Evaluations and e-mails.
“...It's a vacation for mind, body 'n soul. You feel different after a week of ‘Camp’ Camp – more complete, self-confident, personal growth, part of something bigger, etc. – in a way you just don't feel after an extravagant week at a luxury spa.”
“What a great way to spend a week! I have not been eager to watch TV or use the computer. I really like the detachment, or as one Camper said: “not being digitally harassed.” ...That little oasis in Maine is a magical, fun, blessed sanctuary. I feel privileged to be a part of such a wonderful place.”
“Before ‘Camp’ Camp I had already made plans to take a gay cruise, a fancy and expensive trip for me. My Camp experience was sooo much more satisfying...”
“The variety & quality of activities was amazing. There was almost too much to do. ...I spend so much of my life fantasizing about the person I'd like to be and/or the things I'd like to do – but, of course, never actually being that person or doing those things. Camp gave me that opportunity, and, as it turns out, it wasn't nearly as hard as, but certainly as fun as, I'd always imagined. It makes me think I can actually do these things, and be this person, in all aspects of my life. Years of therapy could not have produced as good a result. ...I thought Camp was fantastic.”
“I can think of no nicer place for a gay man to go on vacation so removed from the bar scene...”
“Camp has been the only REAL vacation I have ever had. When I think of what a vacation is SUPPOSED to be, I’m thinking of a time to recharge your batteries so you can go back to your day-to-day job or life with a new sense of energy. ...I never really experienced a TRUE vacation, until I came to ‘Camp’ Camp.”
“As a gay man, I don’t exactly surround myself with lesbians all the time. Not because of any animosity, but I just tend not to hang out in the same social circles. But at Camp, it’s so different. We’re all in it together. After several guys at the Closing Circle mentioned wanting to ‘adopt’ lesbians, two lesbians who I’d spend some time with during the week came up to me at different times that night and said they wanted to adopt ME. And the feeling was mutual. Doesn't get much better than that...!”
“I loved the people, but also the chance I had to lose the cynicism my environment mistakes for sophistication and wisdom. I can’t say I lost my fear of looking like a dork, but I came as close as I ever have. ...It was the childhood I always wanted.”
“One of my favorite quotes is from Marge Piercy: “We seek not rest, but transformation. We are dancing through each other as doorways” – and ‘Camp’ Camp is the best dance in town!”
“I really did get pulled in to the feeling of family and openness and supportiveness – I expected to enjoy myself but not to be moved. And in the end I was pretty damn moved. ...I LOVED IT!”
“I love that I can run around and trip in six-inch heels and no one thinks I'm a freak!”
“My favorite part of Camp was just meeting so many wonderful people. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and low key. I haven't felt this much joy in a long time!”
“I was doing the ropes course (fun, fun, fun!) and there’s a woman in front of me. She was a tiny thing too. I’m sure it had to be more difficult for her but she was doing it just the same. Well, we’re waiting at the last element before the zip line and she doesn’t think she can do it. I could see it in her eyes; she was really shaken. One of the instructors came up and talked to her, worked with her and eventually crossed the last element with her. It was so brave of her not to give up. And it wasn’t like his crossing with her was a cop out, she did all the work getting to the other side on her own. I had such a swell of pride for her accomplishment. Everyone applauded and cheered when she made it over. There were lots of moments like this at ‘Camp’ Camp for me. Watching people overcome their fears. Seeing the support and encouragement others gave them. Feeling that everyone was here for each other, people we’d just met and barely knew. It renewed my faith in how good people can be.”
“...I also could not believe how good the food was! The variety, the flavor, the overall yumminess was beyond what I had expected. The camp itself was even more beautiful than the website.”
“Thank you for having the vision of such a place. ...'Camp' Camp is a truly magic and wonderful thing. I have been fortunate to have many wonderful experiences in my life, cities I've lived in, relationships, travel, spiritual retreats. Nature's beauty has shown herself, art, joy, creativity, physical mastery of experiences. ‘Camp’ Camp has elements of all of these.”
“It was the BEST vacation I ever had. No pressure to do anything, but you could do quite a bit. ...the price cannot be beat for what you get.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed all of my Camp experience. As someone who had never gone to overnight camp it was all a great adventure for me. I had the opportunity to participate in so many activities that I've done many years ago but have stopped doing for one reason or another. It was absolutely wonderful to reconnect with that part of me that loves the outdoors & being physical. It was exactly the hit of fun & good energy I needed at this time in my life.”
“The meals – incredible; the activities – infinite; the friends – priceless.”
“I love Camp! I love the happy energy and fun people. It's like being on a cruise, except your cabin is really rugged and the whole boat is full of incredibly crazy, wonderful, fun people!!”
“I LOVE Camp. I cannot imagine not going. . . I look forward to it each year.”
“One evening I went with a fellow camper and lay down on center court of the basketball court and looked up into the night sky and was amazed at how beautiful and clear everything was and how the stars seemed so stark against the darkened sky. The moon was bright over the mountain and I was overwhelmed by the peace and beauty of it all. ...I said, "Why can't it always be like this - beautiful and full of quiet grace that we never seem to appreciate?”
