Our Vision

In 1990, Camp It Up! (CIU!) became the first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Intersex + (LGBTQAI+) Family Camp in the United States. As an arts and nature based Camp in a Queer normative space, we build community, nurture leadership, and cultivate fun, joy, and magical family memories. We offer programming that affirms, embraces, and supports LGBTQAI+, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, gender expansive children, teens, families, and our allies. Our organizational focus is to serve BIPOC and white LGBTQAI+ families, and we aspire to be a place where all campers experience a deep sense of safety and belonging.

Core to CIU!'s vision and values is a commitment to racial justice, equity, radical inclusivity, and Restorative Justice practices. No space is immune to the systems of oppression and systemic inequities that exists everywhere; culturally, institutionally, and interpersonally. CIU! recognizes that we are on a journey towards making our vision a reality.

CIU! is a Restorative Justice (RJ) community. We utilize its tools to build community and ensure we are doing our best to be our best. With its tools we are dismantling our own oppressions as we co-create a liberatory community. RJ is based on building strong relationships--if we're not connected, we won't care if we harm each other! But most importantly, we use RJ to fully see one another and be fully seen for true connection.

CIU! is a disco ball of gender identities. There are many different identities of folks at camp. We are a Queer normative space where you are encouraged to be your most dazzling, embodied fabulous Queer selves. If you are an ally, we're grateful for your self-awareness and humility as you engage with Queer culture. CIU! is ready to celebrate the fierce, diverse, glittering, gorgeousness of our whole community! We hope your amazing family will join our 35th Anniversary celebration this summer at our new Camp home! Let's Camp It Up!