Camp OUT 2012
July 12 – 15 2012
It is with great pleasure I announce that registration for the 6th Annual Camp OUT is now open. Registrations will be accepted until June 15, 2012. Early registrationwould be greatly appreciated so we can make deposits. Thanks!
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS CAMPOUT 2012!!!
What is the Camp OUT? It is an annual 3 day camping event attended mainly by GLBT folk, and straight allies.
Planning the Camp OUT is always a joy as it is a blessing to gather with so many great people out in the open spaces of God’s creation. As always, most of the people that attend the Camp OUT are GLBT, how ever GLBT people are more than welcome to bring friends as long as they are open and/or affirming. If you are just beginning to reconcile your faith and orientation, this is a great event to meet people at your own pace. Introverted? Not to worry… this is a perfect event to take part in at your own speed.
In 2012, we will be returning to Mensch Mill just south of Kutztown in eastern PA. This year, we once again have reserved the pavilion, the air conditioned meeting room in the Kline Center, the dining hall, the tenting field, the Rupp Barn, and private rooms in the lodge. The Rupp barn boasts 2 large rooms, each sleeping 14 people. There is also plenty of indoor living space including a kitchen and large modern bathrooms. The Kline Lodge avails private rooms that sleep up to 4 people.
Planning Camp OUT 2012 began back in September . This year, we are blessed to have the following as our special guests:
Justin Ryan –
As a child, Justin Ryan learned from and performed with Southern Gospel greats like Vestal Goodman. After his family abandoned him at 17, groundbreaking contemporary Christian songwriter Marsha Stevens-Pino (“Come To The Water (For Those Tears I Died)”) took him under her wing. As an in-demand Nashville session singer, he recorded with the likes of Porter Wagoner, George Jones, Lynn Anderson, LuLu Roman and Dottie Rambo. Now, with the release of his first mainstream country album, Justin Ryan steps out front to chart the course for where he’s going.
Even on his first official foray into the country field, Justin doesn’t stray far from his Christian music roots. In the title track, he re-imagines the Brad Paisley smash “When I Get Where I’m Goin’” as a full-fledged gospel number, complete with traditional church choir and piano. The album finds its emotional center as Justin alters the lyric to memorialize his beloved grandmother who first encouraged him to step in front of an audience.
“I’ve been singing since I was 8-years-old and it was only by chance, because my grandmother overheard me singing along in the car with my Walkman. She was the one who pushed me to sing and when I was 16, we found out she had cancer. Losing her was one of the hardest things in the world for me, because I felt like she was the only person in my whole family who understood me and believed in what I was trying to do. She was my favorite and I’ll always believe I was hers.”
As Justin Ryan plots the path to where he’s going, he vows to remember the legacies of both Porter Wagoner and his beloved grandmother and pay their kindness forward.
“I’ve been able to turn some things in my life that weren’t so great into something good for someone else. That’s always been my mission and it’s turned out to be the greatest blessing as well. Reaching out to people through my church work has been my focus all along and that’s where my heart is still. So I see this country CD not as a new direction, but hopefully as a stepping stone to an even greater avenue of ministry.”
Justin’s stop at the Camp OUT will be part of his new youth-inspired concert tour series in the Summer of 2011 called “I’ve Been There.”
The concert tour is inspired by the overwhelming number of GLBT youth suicides provoked by bullying and rejection in the past several years.
The tour, whose name is inspired by a Marsha Stevens-Pino song of the same title on Ryan’s 2006 Mosrite Records release Surrender, will share Justin’s own story of struggling with his sexuality and faith in his teen years and how God’s love helped him overcome many obstacles to find acceptance within his church community and himself.
The Paducah, KY native grew up singing in churches in the South and at the age of 17 he revealed his sexuality to his family and friends, who then turned their backs on him. It seemed that he had not only lost his immediate family, but also the church family he had acquired throughout his life. After losing sight of his music and God, and surviving a suicide attempt, Justin found himself and his faith again at the Metropolitan Community Church of Paducah.
Shortly after, legendary GLBT evangelist and songwriter Marsha Stevens-Pino took Justin under her wing and introduced him to the world of GLBT Ministry. Since then Justin has dedicated his life to spreading the Word and love of God to other GLBT communities and youth through his music and ministry. He has also aided the GLBT community with building a bridge of support from the Nashville Country Music industry with his 2008 album Revive Us Again.
“I am really looking forward to getting back on the road and having a chance to tell my story of coming out in a very small southern town,” Justin said. “These days, for youth especially, coming out or being different can be very costly if you don’t have a network of support.”
“I hope that through this tour more GLBT and marginalized youth will be able to discover that there are places in their communities that they can turn to if they’ve been bullied or if they feel like no one cares. I was one of the lucky ones to have discovered that there was a loving community of accepting Christians and to know that the God that I thought had forgotten me was really there all along,” Justin stated.
Justin plans to visit MCCs, UCCs and other GLBT affirming churches throughout the rest of the year and spread his ministry’s message of survival, hope and God’s love.
Kandis Glasgow -
I write of joy.I sing of overcoming. I want the entire world to know that love abounds in ways and means that we cannot begin to imagine. I want YOU to know that you are loved!YOU are welcomed here and God’s grace knows no bounds when it comes to YOU. YOU are a beloved creation of the King of Kings. There are no exceptions to Grace. We are all a part of the beautiful weaving of God’s Glorious Tapestry.
I was raised in a great, creative and imaginative household. We loved Jesus, John Denver and a good laugh. I was able to participate in everything in our church from plays and Road Shows to more formal choir. I started playing the guitar when I was in 8th grade. Didn’t we all? I took piano lessons until my teacher moved. I quit because she was the only teacher I had ever had that really taught me what I needed to learn. Quitting was my mistake. So if there are any kids out there reading this….DON’T QUIT YOUR PIANO LESSONS…now with that said I thoroughly enjoy playing the guitar. I didn’t sing the high school choir. I played volley ball instead and that again was my mistake. At 5’2″ I was NEVER going to play professional volleyball. I wonder why no one ever told me that? Anyway, I didn’t sing in college either….well, I sang to my roommates in the dorm, but does that really count? I don’t think so.
I had grand ideas about being a famous rock star and that didn’t work out so well either. I guess God just didn’t think that was a good idea for me. He’s probably right.
I played in a duet with a talented friend and we traveled here and there…even all the way to Colorado Springs:) Well, maybe further. As good things sometimes do, my time as an Echotwin came to an end and my musical career came to an abrupt halt. It was by my choice, but I had no heart left for music after that. That is until I began to follow the teachings of Jesus. My life turned around and so did my focus. I had a talent that I didn’t even believe I possessed and God wanted to use it. I have prayed for many years that God show me the path to use my talents and I think I have finally found that path…that voice if you will.
I have a beautiful child with whom I share this journey. This is for her as much as for anyone.
I pray that my music blesses you and that you find healing, humor and happiness in its hearing.
Three Twelve -
It was in the fall of 2005 that Jason Whetstone, Deb McClain, and David M. Glasgow gathered in the middle of a busy week to “just sing.” They had performed together before in various contexts, but all three agreed: it had been too long since they’d been able to escape from the requirements of day-to-day life and “lose themselves” in the music. The auditorium was empty that night, and the three voices—unrehearsed, insecure, and exhausted—echoed in the space like an abandoned cathedral, surrounding and comforting and encouraging the three tired souls, and over the course of the evening the tempos—and their moods—grew noticeably brighter. The experience was just what they had needed, and they decided to make a habit of it.
Since that time, the trio has shared their music for thousands of listeners, in coffeehouses, conference centers, and festival stages. Wherever they go, whatever they sing, they try to share the lessons they learned that first night in the empty recital hall: that risking vulnerability can be a source of strength; that naming pain is a step toward healing; and that acknowledging limitations is part of finding wholeness.
And audiences get it. Listeners speak of hearing “exactly what they needed” in the music of Three Twelve, in situations ranging from a bad day at work to a cancer diagnosis.
Much of the credit for that connection lies in the purposeful diversity of their repertory. With musical styles ranging from intimate ballads to jump-up-and-down rock, a typical Three Twelve concert may include covers of Sheryl Crow, Seal, and Madonna, music from Rent—wherever the trio themselves find transcendent truth. And then there is the trio’s original material.
Accommodations
At Mensch Mill, those attending the Camp OUT for the full weekend, may choose to rough it by camping in the campground in tents. Bathroom and shower facilities are available in the campground pavilion. Self contained campers and pop-ups are welcome , however there are no hook ups.
Some may want more modern conveniences by staying in the Rupp Barn which offers dormitory style accommodations. The Rupp barn provides a kitchen fully stocked with utensils, a living and dining area, modern bathrooms and shower facilities and two large dorm rooms each sleeping 14 people.
Others may choose to have a private room in the Kline Lodge. There are 12 private rooms in the Kline Lodge, each accommodating up to 4 people. Rooms in the Kline Lodge are air conditioned and have private baths.
NOTE: Smoking , Alchohol, or pets are not permitted on Mensch Mill Property. This includes all buildings and grounds.
Rates for Camp OUT 2012
First, the general contribution for each person this year is 40.00. The general contribution covers the performances and miscellaneous expenses. This figure is actually 15.00 less than it was last year because Mensch Mill has instituted a new billing structure. Keep in mind that early contributions enable me to make the necessary pre- paid deposits for Mensch Mill and the performances. Receiving your general contribution as soon as possible would be greatly appreciated.
Second, if you decide to stay on site , the following additional rates apply:
| Accommodations (rates are per person) | |||
| 1 night | 2 nights | 3 nights | |
| Camping | 15.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 |
| Rupp Barn | 35.00 | 55.00 | 80.00 |
| Kline Lodge – 1 per room | 115.00 | 185.00 | 275.00 |
| Kline Lodge – 2 per room | 85.00 | 125.00 | 185.00 |
| Kline Lodge – 3 per room | 65.00 | 105.00 | 155.00 |
| Kline Lodge – 4 per room | 55.00 | 95.00 | 140.00 |
Rooms in the Kline Lodge must be paid for in full, in order for us to secure a room for you. Being this is a group event, Mensch Mill requires 3.5 months cancellation notice for a refund. Refunds for Kline cancellations received after April 1 are at the discretion of the Mensch Mill Management.
In order to receive a refund on a bunk in the Rupp Barn, one must cancel by June 1.
In order to receive a refund on a space in the campground, one must cancel by July 1.
( Starting this year, Mensch Mill has decided to charge a day use fee per person and it is included in the rates above. Last year , the expense of renting the pavilion and the meeting room came out of the general contribution)
Third, if you plan on eating meals in the dining hall, the additional rates would apply:
Meals in the Dining Hall
Breakfast@ 800am 7.50/meal (available FR, SA, SU)
Lunch@12 noon 9.00/meal (available FR, SA)
Dinner@600pm 10.00/meal (available TH, FR, SA)
All meal reservations must be submitted by June 30. If you wish to cancel any meal reservations, you must do so by June 25 to receive a refund. Refunds for meal cancellations after June 25 will be at the discretion of Mensch Mill Management.
Camp OUT 2012 T – shirts 15.00 ( place order by May 1 )
Camp OUT 2012 Coffee Mugs 12.00 ( place order by May 1)
Performances Only ( if you are just coming for the concerts)
Justin Ryan 20.00 Kandis Glasgow 15.00 Three Twelve 15.00
Once t-shirt or mug is ordered, payments are non refundable. Once concert tickets are purchased , they are nonrefundable.
Pool Sponsors - If anyone would be interested in sponsoring an hour at the pool @ 30.00, please let me know. We have 3 hours that need sponsored.
Registration Process
The Camp OUT opens on Thursday, July 12 @ 3pm for arrivals and last through Sunday, July 15 @ 12 noon by which time the grounds must be vacated.
Registering for the Camp OUT is simple. We just need know the following:
- date of arrival – date of departure
- accommodations ( tent, Rupp Barn, or Kline Lodge)
- which meals you would like in the dining hall , if any
- T – shirt S M L XL XXL XXXL -Coffee Mug
- your email address and name
Just want to attend a concert? Contact us at campoutis@aol.com
This information may be sent to campoutis@ aol.com. Once we receive your information, we will check to make sure there is availability. You should receive a response within 48 hours with a billing summary. Your registration is only confirmed if you receive a confirmation email. Your confirmation email will give you further instruction regarding payment process. Payments may be made via check or through paypal.
If you have any questions, or would like to register, email Gary at campoutis@aol.com . For pictures of Camp OUT’s 2007 through 2011, view the albums below..
God’s Peace and we hope you can join us for this great event!
The Camp OUT 2012 Staff
UPDATE 2.20.2012
Spring is just right around the corner which means Camp OUT preparation activity will increase. Hibernation is almost over!
April 1 , the Camp OUT will be advertised beyond GCN so if you would like a room in the lodge or a bunk in the barn, you may want to consider making a reservation soon.
Those who attend the Camp OUT do not have to be a member of GCN, so if you would like to invite a friend or family member who is not involved with GCN, feel free to do so. Just make sure they are gay friendly. As an incentive for you to share the Camp OUT experience with those you know and to increase funding, we would like to reward you for helping to make the Camp OUT an even better event by making available the following offer:
A Thank You Offer!
Invite 3 additional first time Camp OUT guests to come to Camp OUT and Camp OUT will pay for your personal General Contribution , a savings for you worth 40.00! You will also be entered into a prize drawling.
For each of the 3 additional people to qualify: 1) they must have never attended a Camp OUT before; 2) they must each pay the full General Contribution amount of 40.00; 3) they must each register in advance by May 15 and state that they were invited by you; 4) they must each attend the Camp OUT for at least 2 days; 5) they must not have received a refund; 6) they must not be invited by anyone else; 7) you can not count yourself as one of the 3. If 3 additional newbies ( besides yourself) attend Camp OUT by your invitation according to the rules above, you will be reimbursed for your personal General Contribution, Sunday morning, July 15. No adjustments afer May 15.
Any Questions, contact me!
Think Spring!!!!!! 
Update 3.21.2012 :
There are only 4 rooms left in the Lodge. If you would like a private room with bath, at the Camp OUT , you may not want to wait too much longer to reserve. In about 2 weeks, invitations to the Camp OUT will be sent to affirming churches and other organizations in the area. There are still 22 bunks left in the barn and plenty of tenting space as well. Vist emergingfaithtoday.com for more info.
Update 4.1.2012
So far 32 people have registered for the Camp OUT and I know of about 45 thus far that are planning on attending. Things are moving right along. Detailed updates have been posted on GCN and sent out through the Camp OUT mailing list. There are only 3 rooms left in the lodge. Plenty of bunk space still abounds in the dorm and there is plenty of tent/camper space as well. T shirt and Mug orders are due by May 1. If you haven’t registered yet or if you would like more info, click on the tab below. 
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Peace~ Gary
Update 5.1.2012
As of April 29, there are nearly 50 people that have registered for camp OUT 2012. The Lodge is now sold out, however I will be keeping a waiting list. There still are plenty of bunks available in the hostel (Rupp Barn…complete with kitchen, common areas, 2 rooms each sleeping 14, modern baths with private showers). There is also penty of tenting space available in the tenting fields. Bathroom facilities complete with private showers are available in the tenting field pavilion.
