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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 18, 2001)
may 18. 2001 » J u f t « ^ 4 CULTURE ▼ The Friends of Music at Trinity p resen t the Pass the s'mores R o g u e V a lle y G ay J l c n ’s C h o ru s Gay and lesbian families are invited to camp out this sum m er by Dr. Charles Fricscn, music director In C o n c e r t! T om S tev en so n or decades upon decades, the Y W C A has been in the business of working against dis crimination of all kinds. In feet, the organi zation’s desire to make sure people are free to be who they are has been a centerpiece of its work since its inception. So it’s not surprising that the Y W C A is sponsoring a special summer camp for gay men and lesbians and their children. Family C am pO U T will be held Aug. 10 to 13 at Camp Westwind on the Oregon coast. Jean DeMaster, Greater Portland YW CA executive director, says the organization recog nized the need for gay and lesbian parents and their children to have a safe place to camp and designed something to meet that need. “It is a totally safe camp,” she assures. “It offers gay and lesbian parents and their chil dren an opportunity to get away from the city and pay attention to each other. They do not F provide them with not only an opportunity to talk about it but also to spend quality time with other kids in the same situation. They are in a situation where they can see the positive aspects of their families. And for a little bit of time they won’t have to deal with jokes about gays.” As DeMaster notes, the middle school years are sometimes a difficult time for children to deal with their parents, and what the camp reinforces is that all families are treasures. The YW CA operates camps for children and families at Westwind on almost a year- round basis. The organization offers specialty events such as science camp for girls and lead ership training for teens, as well as the tradi tional summer camp experience. DeMaster adds that most of the camps fill up each year, but the organization has found it difficult to get a large attendance at Family Songs in P raise o f Music — S ea C hanteys Songs abou t L ov e — Songs o f A m erica Songs in M emory o f A ID S Victims a n d RVGM C fav orites Sunday, M ay 20 • 4:00pm “A ffirm ing diversity a n d prom otin g com m unity through m usic a n d song, service an d ou treach. " T rin ity E p isc o p a l C h u rch * 44 HI. 2nd S t • A sh lan d , O R R eq u ested d on ation $ 5 • R eserv e tick ets a t (5 4 1 ) 482-2 6 56 Saturday, June 9, 2001 8pm • Hollywood Theater 4 0 3 6 NE Sandy • Portland CO M E C ELEB R A TE SU M M ER with Good Friends and Good Music! Tickets available now at all Fastixx locations and It ’s My Pleasure. Available two weeks prior to the show at the Hollywood Box Office. $15 advance, $18 at the door. Visit us on the web: http://motherlodemusic.com W hat’s not to like? T h e perfect beach at Camp Westwind always have a chance to do that. And we make sure they have nothing to worry about, like they might at other public camping spaces.” The camp is run just like the YW CA’s other family camps. Folks can “leave the dishes and laundry at home,” go to the beach and enjoy each other’s company. According to information provided by the organization, “a caring staff of volunteers will provide a program of family, adult and child activities.” T he camp will offer “opportunities to hike, sing by a campfire, create treasures at the craft house, wade in the ocean and enjoy the beauty of Westwind.” And Westwind is certainly beautiful. It is undergoing a $4 million renovation; already, a new shower/bathhouse has been constructed, and the main building has been partially remodeled. The camp is located south of Tillamook and north of Lincoln City. It encompasses a 500- acre site on the pristine and scenic Salmon River Estuary. Although the beauty of Westwind is one of the strongest attractions, those interested in Family Cam pOU T cite another special facet. As DeMaster notes, children of gay and lesbian parents, especially teen-agers, have some unique fears and concerns. The camp w orks to overcome those. “Those can be really hard times for the chil dren of gay parents,” DeMaster explains. “We CampOUT. Part of the problem, she says, is that a lot of gay and lesbian parents don’t real ize it exists. She said the organization definitely hopes to change that, and she wants families to know they will find a welcoming and safe envi ronment. T he fee for the four-day camp, which includes meals and activities, is $195 for adults, $130 for youth between 7 and 12 and $90 for children between 3 and 6. However, DeMaster is quick to point out that money should not be the determining factor in whether a family attends. Scholarships always are available for those who cannot afford the camp. DeMaster also mentions that the YW CA has had a “strong commitment to overcoming discrimination for all people." That means all of its services are open to all people, including those who are gay. T h e Y W C A offers a number o f services ranging from housing to domestic violence shelters. T h e organization offers health and fitness activities and services for the elderly. T h e list is endless. And, as DeMaster empha sizes, all are open to gay and lesbian residents and their families. in For more inform ation about FAMILY C amp OUT call 503-294-7476 or 5 0 3 -2 9 4 7 4 8 6 . TOM STEVENSON is a Portland-based w riter. H e can be reached at rm altom @ yahoo .corn. S JUNE 19-24 KELLER AUDITORIUM SW 3rd & CLAY (503)241 U 0 2 W o. (503) 790-ARTS Tickets available at all outlets and Portland Opera wvv.porllii4op«ri.«rg • wwa.broa4virtiriis.coM • www.lickataiastar.coa/orcgoN r h«l ▲ D e lta
