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Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I bring to camp?
What transport is provided?
Do I have to be gay to come to Camp?
Can I bring a friend?
How do the sliding scale payments work?
What if I can't come for the whole week?
I want to come to Camp but my parents aren't sure...
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Are the the toilets divided into boy/girl blocks?
Health and Safety at Camp
What are Camp Out's policies around sexual activities?
How do the workshops run?
Are there night time activities?
What's the food like?
Why and How did Camp Out start?
What should I bring to camp?
Enough clothes for 5 nights, swimmers, towel, sleeping bag and pillow, costumes or musical instrument, medication if needed, toiletries, torch, mozzie repellent, sunscreen, hat, water proof jacket if it rains, any art/craft materials, music...
We ask that you please do not bring peanuts or any other kind of nuts, or any products containing nuts, to Camp.
What transport is provided?
There is a bus leaving from and returning to Sydney that will stop at Gosford, Newcastle, and other locations as needed on route to camp. The bus will be leaving Central Station Sydney at midday on the 26th of September and return to central on the 1st of October, arriving at around 4pm.
The nearest train station to the Camp Out site is Taree, serviced by Countrylink. If you are catching a train or bus, are coming from regional areas, or are using other forms of transport, the camp crew can pick you up from the closest train/bus stop by pre-arrangement.
Do I have to be gay to come to Camp?
No! You don't have to identify with any particular label to come to Camp.
People who don't necessarily label themselves as lesbian, gay, bi, trans*, intersex, queer, sex &/or gender diverse, or any other label, can still attend.
...Maybe you want to support a friend who doesn't wanna go it alone - you're welcome at Camp!
...Or, maybe you've seen homophobic behaviour going on at school, or anywhere else, and you wanna talk about how you can challenge that - you're welcome at Camp!
Pretty much, if you reckon Camp sounds like it could be for you, then it probably is!
However, we do want to make sure that everyone feels safe, welcome and respected - this means that homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, ableist, sizeist, or any other type of discriminatory or hurtful behaviour is most definitely not tolerated at Camp. Camp is meant to be a break away from that sort of stuff!
Can I bring a friend?
Yep! We know that going to Camp for the first time can be a little daunting, so we encourage campers to bring a buddy if they like. Your friend doesn't need to be gay, just open-minded and friendly!
(That said, don't feel shy about coming alone either - Camp is all about meeting new people, making new connections and building community!)
How does the sliding scale work?
You simply pay however much seems appropriate to you and your specific circumstances. Whilst we appreciate any payment, big or small, that you are able to make towards attending Camp, we also strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to attend, regardless of their financial situation or background. This means that no camper will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
There is a suggested fee of $175 to attend Camp -- this amount covers the base costs of food, accommodation and transport for each camper. Sliding scale means you pay according to what you can afford. So, if $175 is out of your price range, it is up to you if you'd like to pay a smaller amount, or even attend Camp for free. Likewise, if it is within your means to pay more than $175 for the camp, then that is also appreciated, and this money goes towards making camp an excellent (and affordable) experience for everyone.
Please contact us at info@campout.org.au if you have any further questions regarding our payment policies.
What if I can't come for the whole week?
If you can only come for part of the camp week you have to let the camp crew know what dates you will arrive and leave. You will need to organise your own transport outside to and from the site, however we are happy to talk about arranging pickups/dropoffs at nearby train stations.
I want to come to Camp but my parents aren't sure...
We find that parents generally have a LOT of questions about Camp! Check out our info for parents page - it's specifically for parents and families of campers, to answer any questions about Camp.
Or, feel free to get in contact with the Camp Crew via our contact page.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 6 cabins with 8 bunk beds in each. Campers are free to choose where they would like to sleep each night, and each cabin will have at least one crew member in it to supervise.
Are the the toilets divided into boy/girl blocks?
No. There are two shared toilet blocks containing toilet stalls, shower stalls, sinks, mirrors and extra toiletries for campers. Anyone can use either block and there are no male/female signs on the toilets.
Health and Safety at Camp
While the health and safety of our campers - both physical, mental and emotional - are our utmost responsibility, we do not profess to be counselors or crisis support. Rather, we actively outsource such roles using our excellent network of organisations and professional counselors. This includes the youth service Twenty10, the Inner City Legal Centre, and experienced LGBTIQ youth counselors who generously donate their time to come to Camp. There is also onsite professional support available via telephone should the need arise.
During Camp week there are trained first aid officers on site at all times, and cars available to transport any person who needs emergency medical attention. If this happens a parent/guardian will be notified immediately.
Is kissing, hugging, etc, acceptable at Camp?
No. Part of our policies includes a "limited touch" policy that everyone at camp must abide by whilst at Camp. This means no holding hands, kissing, or any kind of sexual activity (you can go wild on the hi-fives though!).
This policy is not because we think young people shouldn’t be able to touch each other or experiment with sex and intimacy, but because we need to make sure Camp is a safe space for everyone.
Not everyone views physical interactions in the same way - what may seem like small acts of physical affection to you (cuddling, walking arm-in-arm, etc) may feel excluding and isolating to someone who is witnessing that; and what may be intended as perfectly harmless (eg a touch on the arm) can be very upsetting for the other person if it is uninvited.
We ask that everyone at Camp be aware that other people’s experiences (both past and present) can be radically different to your own, and to respect other people’s personal space and boundaries.
If you’d like more info on our Safer Spaces Guidelines please get in contact with us!
How do the workshops run?
There are 4 lots of workshops everyday: two in the morning and two after lunch. They will be a variety of art, music, craft, performance, dance, and sporting activities as well as workshops where campers get a chance to talk and share ideas about LGBTIQ issues and how they relate to their lives. We also have open sessions where campers can run their own workshops, on anything they like.
Are there night time activities?
YES!! There will be feasts, performance nights, bonfires, beach trips, movie nights and capture the flag.
What's the food like?
Delicious!! It will be organic whole food, ethically sourced and prepared with love!! The food will meet everyone's dietary requirements according to what you list on your registration form, so make sure you fill in your dietary needs and preferences if applicable. If you are not into such wholesome fare you can also pack some snacks for your cabin. Again, we ask that you please do not bring peanuts or any other kind of nuts, or any products containing nuts, to Camp.
Why and How did Camp Out start?
Camp Out came about after a few of the organisers recognised the need for a community-run, peer-based and empowering camp for LGBTIQ youth in Australia.
We were originally inspired by a visit to the North American camp Camp Ten Trees, who are now in their tenth year of running an amazing queer summer camp. Check them out!
Our goal at Camp Out is to provide a safe and supportive space for teens to meet other people their age with similar experiences. It can be hard, and often very isolating, to be young and to identify as LGBTIQ or questioning. Camp Out provides a much-needed break from the pressures of school, and a space in which young people are not judged for who they are, who they like, or how they choose to express themselves.
