Is Glimmer Camp a big four-day party?
Sort of. Glimmer Camp is a summer camp experience for LGBTQ+ adults. We strive to facilitate a safe, dynamic, and affirming camp for connection, adventure, self-discovery, fun and community. There will be plenty of laughter, music, fun, dancing, and party vibes. And, it is not a festival or club atmosphere. If you are looking for four days in the woods with traditional camp experiences like campfires, archery, new friends, arts and crafts - and - more queer and adult activities like queer prom, then this is the event for you. If you are looking for a festival like atmosphere or nonstop drinking/drugs, then this is not the event for you.
Is camp a sober event?
It is not, and intoxication is not centered in the Glimmer Camp experience. Federally illegal drugs, including marijuana, are not permitted on camp property. Only alcohol which is served by camp volunteers is permitted. Limited beer, wine, and cider options as well as non-alcoholic options will be served at some dinners and evening all-camp activities, approximately from 6-10pm.
Is this a 'singles' event?
You are welcome regardless of your relationship status. Glimmer Camp registration is individual. and we hope that people will feel comfortable to come alone or along with partner(s) and friends. This is not a dating or hook-up centric event, activities are planned for small and large groups. We are sex positive, and lodging is communal and there is limited privacy on the property.
I'm an ally, can I come to camp?
We love allies! Glimmer Camp is specifically for LGBTQ+ community members.
What should I bring?
Campers will be provided a full packing list prior to camp. Camp is on the Oregon Coast and the highs can very from 66-83 degrees. Even in the summer, nights can be cool so make sure you bring appropriate clothing layers and bedding. A cool weather sleeping bag is highly recommended for outdoor sleeping areas. Mattresses are 4 inch thick foam, so you may want to bring an extra mattress topper or sleeping pad to layer on for added comfort. No bedding is provided. Glimmer camp will provide all meals and snacks as well as coffee service each day and all activity supplies. You will want to make sure you have appropriate supplies to be in the forested camp environment during the summer; flashlight, bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries, etc.
Is camp a clothing optional event?
Camp is not clothing optional. Please do be clothed in some fashion, maybe your best 'camp' fashion.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted on property. Certified service animals are welcome.
How much privacy is there at camp?
To be honest, not a lot. Unless you choose a tent or RV site, all sleeping areas are communal with four to ten people in a space. All restrooms and shower facilities are single stall and there are single stall changing spaces at the swimming area.
Can I leave during camp?
We strongly encourage everyone to fully immerse themselves in the Glimmer Camp experience and leave the outside world behind for these four magical days. And, you're an adult, so if you need to leave the camp property for any reason during camp, we do ask you to please sign out and then back in at the camp lodge. In case of an emergency we need to have an accurate count of how many people are on camp property.
Is there wifi or cell reception at camp? What about plugging in my devices?
There is wifi in the lodge. Cell reception around camp varies according to carrier. Most sleeping areas do not have electricity. There is electricity in the lodge, staff house, and shower house and you are welcome to plug in your devices there. Glimmer Camp is not responsible for the safe keeping of your items, and we encourage you to not leave them unattended.
Do I have to participate in camp activities?
No, you can choose your own adventure at camp. We work hard to create a variety and balance of activities. You can sign up at every activity block, attend all drop-in activities, and close down each all-camp -or- you can spend the week reading in your cabin bunk. It's completely up to you.
How does activity sign-up work?
Each afternoon before dinner during mixers, activity choices for the next day are announced and campers will sign up.
What kind of activities are there?
We strive to provide a variety of camp activities to sign up for. There will be more traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, group games, archery, swimming and boating, and also non-traditional activities. Some activities will require sign-up and have limited capacity and some will be drop-in. After dinner are all-camp activities which are for the whole camp. Activities are lead by camper volunteers and so the Glimmer Camp experience is co-created by all participants. We priorities activities that resonate with folks who've been systemically excluded from camp experiences.
Where will I sleep?
There are several lodging options available at registration. Be aware that the camp facility is set up as a youth summer camp. All camp accommodations are bunk or single-level beds that are twin sized and most cabins do not have cabinets or shelves for belongings, so consider that when packing. The bunkbed sizes may vary, and we measure one that was 31x75in on the inside. Mattresses are 4in thick foam. We like to think of the accommodations as 'cozy'. During registration you can choose a category of accommodations. There are limited RV and tent camping options available; please note the specifications on the Facility page. A number of cabins are ADA are accessible as noted on the Facility page.
How are cabin assignments made?
During registration select which lodging category you'd like. Campers will be assigned to specific sleeping areas based on buddies indicated and any special notes, and then randomly beyond those two considerations. There are no cabin or bunk assignments within sleeping areas and so campers will select their cabin and bunk upon arrival to the sleeping unit.
Can I choose who I bunk with?
There is a section in the registration form to indicate 'buddies' you'd like to bunk with. Your buddy(ies) must also list you on their registration form and make sure you've registered for the same sleeping area category. Buddy groups of more than six may be difficult to accommodate, and we will make sure each camper is with at least one of their buddies.
What if I don't get along with my cabin mates or want to change sleeping areas?
We under-register sleeping accommodations which means there will be open spaces. If you would like to move to a different cabin where there's open space- go for it. If you want to move to another sleeping area it can most likely be accommodated, just talk to a camp leadership team member. It is critical that we have an accurate record of sleeping area occupancy for emergencies.
What are camp beds like?
Camp beds are single-level or bunk beds furnished with a 4in foam mattresses. Bunk sizes may vary, we measure one and it was 31x75 in. Some campers will sleep on top bunks. You are welcome to bring additional mattress topers, such as egg crate foam or camp mats, for added comfort.
What are toilet & shower facilities like?
Facilities vary across camp. Lodging in Category A category are bunks indoors with bathroom/shower facilities in the same buildings or nearby. Facilities in Category B have flushing toilets in the immediate vicinity of the outdoor sleeping cabin, most areas have trailer style portable facilities. These sleeping areas are a 2-3 minutes travel from the central shower house. Lodging in Category C have pit toilets and are a 5-6 minute travel from the central shower house. Lodging in Category D use the facilities in the lodge and main shower house.
Select your lodging category during registration. We ask that participants who are more comfortable with rustic accommodations leave Category A spots for those who would not be able to attend camp without them.
What is the food like?
Food service during camp is provided by Breaking Bread catering from Eugene. At the bottom of this page are examples of the types of menus to expect (actual menus may vary).
What if I have food restrictions?
Our fabulous caterers are able to accommodate most food restrictions. Meals will be served buffet style so elements can be chosen by participants. Please indicate any restrictions on your health form, it is critical that we are able to provide an accurate count to the caterers. If you do not indicate a restriction on your health form, it may not be accommodated during camp. Please contact us if you have concerns. The caterers will practice all food safety best practices, and please note that the kitchen is not dedicated gluten free nor peanut free.
Can I bring my own food/snacks?
All food and beverages, including snacks and drinks, are provided during camp. If you need to bring your own food, it can only be stored and consumed in the lodge and staff house. Connect with a leadership team member at check-in we will show you where your food can be stored. For the safety of campers and the wild animals that live in the forest in and around camp, it is critical that no food is present in the outdoor sleeping areas.
Is alcohol served?
Limited Beer, wine, and cider will be served at some dinners and some evening all-camp activities, approximately 6-10pm. It is only permitted to consume alcohol in the lodge and on the lodge porch. Alcohol will be served by an OLCC certified server. Responsible consumption is encouraged; no one will be overserved (Glimmer Camp reserves the right to refuse alcohol service to anyone for any reason).
I don't drink, will there be options for me?
Yes. When the bar is open during dinner and evening all camp activities there will be a variety of non-alcoholic options to choose from such as NA beer, seltzers, fancy juices, etc.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No, it it not permitted to being your own alcohol.
What is the cost of camp?
Full priced registration is $495. That covers all lodging, meals, beverages, supplies, and activities. Camp volunteers receive a discount. Folks who are not able to attend camp without financial assistance are encouraged to apply for the Pay It Forward program. The only things not covered by registration are personal supplies and purchases from the camp store. At registration you can pre-order Glimmer Camp merchandise which you will receive at check-in. There will be limited merchandise for purchase in the camp store during camp, so pre-order is a nice way to guarantee that you'll get what you want.
Why do all the lodging options cost the same even if they offer different amenities?
The price of camp reflects the actual cost of running Glimmer Camp which is the same regardless of whether someone brings a tent to sleep in or stays in an indoor sleeping area. Charging different fees would uphold classism and perpetuate barriers for folks who have been excluded from camp experiences. We believe people are not more deserving of certain accommodations because they can afford them. Instead, we fundraise and pursue grants to keep the overall cost of camp low and offer volunteer/trade for folks who benefit from a discount. We also ask that campers comfortable with more rustic accommodations leave the indoor spots available for those for who would not be able to attend camp without them.
I cannot afford camp registration, what are my options?
You can apply to volunteer or for the Pay it Forward Program. The Pay It Forward program provides discounts of 1/3 or 2/3 off of camp registration. These discounts are offered as they become available from community member constributions and fundraising.
You can contribute to the Pay It Forward fund here.
Is a payment plan available?
Unfortunately the registration platform we are using this year does not offer a payment plan option. We hope to offer this option in the future.
What if I don't have the necessary supplies for camp?
We are working on some solutions for folks who need assistance in acquiring necessary gear. Stay tuned. If you won't be able to attend camp without access to borrowed supplies, please email us and we will figure out a solution for you.
How do I get to camp?
Parking at camp is limited and as such all campers are expected to ride share in some capacity. You can carpool with friends who are also attending or take a bus to Florence through Link Lane and then use a taxi. We are currently gauging the need for either connecting participants to carpool or provide a camp bus from Eugene. If you are in need of help with transportation, please make sure you fill out the survey form in the registration confirmation email.
It is critical that all vehicles arriving at camp have at least two camper occupants, so please please please make this effort.
How ADA Accessible is Camp?
The camp property is 47 wooded acres. The trails around main camp are graveled and well maintained and there are roots and moderate inclines/declines present, the ground at the swimming area is sand. The lodge, shower house, and a number of sleeping areas are ADA accessible as indicated on the Facility page. Mobility aids are of course permitted, and motorcycles, ATVs or other similar vehicles are not permitted on the property. No vehicles are permitted past the parking lot. Campers are responsible for transporting themselves and their personal items around camp, camp volunteers are not able to provide transportation. Campers personal gear must be transported from the parking lot to sleeping areas, there are wheel barrows available for use.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility please contact us to discuss.
Sensory Information
The site is a 47 acre Pacific forested property. You can expect sensory experiences associated with the outdoor environment including weather, bugs, and ambient sounds. The property is large enough that most activities and experiences will not be 'crowded'. And, participants are able to self-select in to and out of activity environments according to what feels right for them. Lodging accommodations vary from 4-10 people in a room, if you would like to be placed in a sleeping area that has cabins with smaller capacity please indicate so during registration. The lodge is the largest gathering space and is where meals and evening all-camps will take place. There will be 100+ campers sharing that space during those times. There are picnic tables available on the lodge porch for anyone who would like to dine there. During all-camp activities we will make best efforts to have a space in the lodge with lesser stimulating sensory inputs- any speakers and lights will not be pointed in that direction for example.
COVID
We do not yet know what the landscape will look like in summer 2025. Regardless, we will follow current local agency COVID guidance. We ask everyone to take the precautionary measures of having the most recent vaccine, and limiting expose prior to camp. Participants are not permitted to attend camp if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or having been exposed to anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. All participants must attest to not experience COVID-19 symptoms or being exposed to anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. See Camp Waiver for details.
We also encourage and support each participant in taking the precautions that feel right for them. All participants are expected to respect the boundaries set by others. Choices for personal protection will be enthusiastically supported at camp. We plan to have a limited supply of masks and rapid COVID-19 tests available at camp.
Camp property and facilities are largely open-air. The camp lodge, staff house, and shower house are enclosed buildings. The camp lodge is spacious with high ceilings. Meals and evening all-camps will take place in the lodge. Doors can be opened during meals and all-camp activities to promote air flow and tables/seating on the porch are available. We are including rental of HEPA air scrubbers for the lodge in our fundraising efforts. The main shower house is enclosed. Other gathering spaces are open-air. All cabins and adirondacks have some windows with screens only. Yurts in buccaneers are enclosed with canvas walls and mylar plastic windows. Tent camping and RV camping are available during registration for non-communal lodging. Please see detailed descriptions and pictures for all camp facilities on the Facility page.
Is there a 'camp nurse'?
There will be first aid certified volunteers during camp. All participants are responsible for their own health and safety during camp. First aid volunteers will be available to assist with minor injuries. First aid kits will be available throughout the property, and there is an AED located in the lodge. Campers are responsible for the safe keeping of, and access to, personal medication while at camp. PeaceHealth Medical Center and Florence Urgent Care are located in Florence, 4 miles from camp.