I have been living rurally on and off for the last 20 years and one of my favorite activities is still driving back roads looking for the hidden gem camp spots and swimming holes.  Of course there are scads of stunning developed campgrounds and river spots, but there's always the risk that the folks there will be weird (or worse) about sharing space with queer and trans people.  That tension and feeling of hypervigilance keeps me looking for the hidden spots where my body and my friend's bodies can rest and play and be fully themselves in wild and beautiful places.

This was my inspiration for hosting this campout.  To create a space where queer and trans people can be together in deep nature celebrating our beautiful and exhausting lives, building resilience through connection with each other, the more than human world and plant medicine.  

To be clear, this is at a group campground, reserved solely for us, with river access, that is mostly blocked from the road by trees.

Maybe this sounds like just your speed for a Pride party, or maybe this is just your pre-game for further festivities?  Whichever it is, I would love for you to join us for QUEER JOY HERBCAMP!

Class Descriptions:

Herbs For The Queer Spirit:

We will talk about herbs for embodiment, rage, grief, slutty revelries, joy, the magic of transness, etc.  We will get into how herbs can support all of our big messy gay feelings.  Students will herbal arts & crafts themself a queer spirit support potion during class.

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Resilience & Ritual Thru Tea:

This class will discuss a handful of teas that support physical and emotional resilience as we survive late stage capitalism together.  We will taste teas!  We will talk about how to incorporate teas into the day to day rituals of life.  Students will herbal arts & crafts themself an herbal tea blend to take home.

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We're Here, We're Queer, We're Stressed The F*ck Out: 

Chronic stress is bound up in so much that keeps us from living our best queer lives.  We will look at connections between queerness/transness, chronic stress, and chronic illness.  Class will cover many ways that herbs can support the nervous system, making us more resilient to and easing the feelings stress.  We need some relief!  Students will herbal arts & crafts themself a stress support oxymel (non-alcoholic tincture made with vinegar and honey) to take home.

SATURDAY

-4pm & onward: Arrive and set up your campsite

-7:30pm: Dinner & Welcome

-9pm: Projector movie in the field

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SUNDAY

-7-9am: Coffee & tea provided, BYObreakfast

-9-12: Class- Herbs For The Queer Spirit

-12-3: Swimming, chilling, BYOlunch, free time

-3-5pm: Class- Resilience & Ritual Thru Tea

-7:30pm: Dinner

-9pm: Campfire Queereoke + Herbal mocktails

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MONDAY

-7-9am: Coffee & Tea provided, BYObreakfast

-9-12: Class- We're Here, We're Queer, We're Stressed The F*ck Out

-Noon & Onward: Swimming, chilling, BYOlunch, explore surrounding area

-Pack up your campsite & depart by sunset

-$350 per person

-Includes dinners Sat/Sun, coffee/tea, camping, classes and the herbal medicine we will make together and students will take home

-Sign up with a friend and save $50

-Sign up for 2 Summer Camp sessions and save $50, sign up for all 3 and save $100

-2 ($100) scholarship spots available to trans women and trans fem folks. 

-5% of proceeds will go to local tribal endeavors

-You will get a total refund if we have to cancel due to fire danger, otherwise no refunds available

Fill out the form above CAMP INFO or email me at homeandhearthherbs@gmail.com

From me:

The campground is basically a flat meadow surrounded by trees with a river on one side.  Though it is flat, the ground can be uneven.  There is a gravel road that runs through the campground, connecting the camping area to the out houses.  There is a rocky trail to the water.  There is no running water or electricity or cell phone service.  If you have further questions about accessibility, please email me.

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From the Forest Service:

"Old Miner's Meadow is a two-acre, fenced-in group use area, located in an open meadow surrounded by forests along the Quartzville Creek National Wild and Scenic River and upstream from the Green Peter Reservoir.

The area is popular for gold panning, fishing, scenic touring and kayaking.

Summer weather is comfortable, but can be cool. Visitors should come prepared for lower temperatures at night.

This facility consists of one large group area with no designated campsites. Site amenities include picnic tables, individual campfire rings, a group campfire ring and grill, trash collection, vault toilets and horseshoe pits.

The toilets for the site are available to campers on private land just outside the site fence boundary. Groups are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood.

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There is no cell phone reception or power at the campground.

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The section of Quartzville Creek adjacent to the campground is registered as a National Wild and Scenic River for its recreation and resource opportunities. The nearby Green Peter Reservoir has emerald-colored waters, mountain views and plenty of space for water activities.

Though some areas of the surrounding forests have been logged, groves of old growth trees are a short drive away from the campground. This facility is in a meadow dotted with trees, and has both shaded and sunny sites. Though campers may not see them in the campground, elk frequent the area.

The creek is popular for gold panning and kayaking, while the reservoir offers great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing. Within a short drive along the creek, campers can find deep pools, waterfalls and swimming areas. Visitors can also drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, which meanders along the creek, two lakes and scenic mountain views. There are hiking trails in the nearby national forests."