Second Annual Pride Summer Camp

Naget and I sit across from each other at Mean Mug; Naget’s voice is deep and smoky. They laugh loudly as they describe their vision for this year’s Queer Summer Camp. Queer Summer Camp will be hosted from May 30 to June 1, 2025 at Redfern Glamping Experience. Registration can be found here. 

How does one start an Annual Pride Summer Camp? Rutledge laughs their iconic laugh and grins over their mocha, “It all began last year, where it naturally evolved. We all just wanted to go camping and then it turned into Queer Summer Camp - we started doing little activities - we painted rocks, we did creek excursions to swim, we went four-wheeling,” Rutledge explains. 

“I’d never been camping before,” they admitted, “and I was basically running around asking for crackers and marshmallows. I’d just grabbed a tent and said, I’m going, I want to see what’s going on. I’m mostly a city girl; but it turned out so great, I made friends that I’m still friends with.” 

After talking to attendees, they realized they had to do it again. Introducing Queer Summer Camp Part 2.  The camp gives you an opportunity to be disconnected from so many distractions while glamping - there is hot water, hot outdoor showers, WiFi.

This year, the team has decided to create a canteen, so people can purchase any supplies left behind. They also want this to be a beginner friendly event. The canteen will be open 24/7.  Robin Moore-Bustos, who started the popular Facebook group, Chattanooga LGBTQ+  will be running the canteen. Naget is working with a bunch of local people  who have volunteered to do different stuff. 

Shawna Hope, of Tangled Cords, will be providing sound entertainment - because no Queer Summer Camp would be complete without a drag show. On Saturday night, there will be an open mic drag talent show for attendees to sign up. Registration is free and open to all. 

Some of the activities planned are scavenger hunts, a salve class, arts & crafts, and an adult field day on Sunday with slip n’ slide kickball.  

If you’re ready to go, all you need is you and your food & beverages for the weekend. The event is 21+ and BYOB. Redfern can rent you the camping supplies if you’re a beginner, and if not, they have tent spots and RV hookups. This year, they will have camp counselors, a staff nurse, and snacks. 

Rutledge promises, “No matter what your personality type - there is going to be an event that caters to you - so just come down. Get the weekend pass - it is less than you would spend to get a day pass and a party pass - come whenever you want and there will be a camp site waiting.”