queer summer camp
let’s get weird in the woods
Come experience summer camp the way you never did as a kid!
Palisade, MN
SAVE THE DATE: Aug 19-23, 2026 (Registration coming soon)
Hosted by: Madelyn Steen and Kenen Heggernes
all-inclusive weekend for LGBTQ+
in beautiful Palisade, MN
Join us for a 4-night adventure in beautiful Palisade, MN, where you can experience summer camp the way you never did as a kid! This all-inclusive weekend for LGBTQ+ (age 30+) combines the nostalgia of childhood camp with the freedom to be your authentic self. For many of us, camp wasn’t a place where we could be fully out or ourselves—now it can be. Whether you’re here to meet people, reconnect with nature, or simply celebrate in an inclusive space, Queer Summer Camp is your chance to create the summer memories you’ve always deserved.
sample schedule
Wednesday afternoon - Sunday morning
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Sunrise Nature Yoga
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Bog Trek
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Beach Party (canoe/swim)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Challenge Course - Across Lava River, onto the Teeter-Totter, and over the Wall!
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Free Time (hike, rest, connect, etc.)
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Crafts
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Talent Show
8:00 PM onward - Queeraoke and Dance after dark
Learn more about Long Lake Conservation Center here.
meet your camp counselors
Maddawg and Coach K have been friends since college and have been there for one another throughout their own journeys with queer identity. They designed Queer Summer Camp with the intention of including others in this special way of holding space for queerness and fun.
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aka MADDAWGMaddawg is a queer therapist, nature kid turned world wanderer, avid hiker, animal lover, and adventurous spirit. With years of experience as a therapist, she understands the power of community in fostering joy and belonging. Inspired by outdoor adventures and the power of play, she created Queer Summer Camp to bring people together in a fun, affirming environment.
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aka COACH K
Coach K spends her time playing. As a former college lacrosse coach turned parent, they love to spend their time being active with friends and family. With decades of experience bringing people together through play and movement, they’re a new yogi and can finally touch their toes.
FAQs
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Long Lake Conservation Center sits on 760 acres and features a private lake, miles of hiking trails, ski trails, a bog boardwalk, geocaches, and more!
Camp has dormitory style rooms with either two or four bunkbeds. Each room has a private shower and toilets, and sinks with vanities. These rooms are designed to accommodate Nature School field trip groups, but are comfortable for adults as well. You’ll need to bring your own linens or sleeping bag.
We have a limited number of private rooms available upon request. If you have friends you’re signing up with, just let us know their names and we’ll try to get you all in a shared room. While we cannot guarantee your room preferences, we will do our best to accommodate you.
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We’re staying at a nature center in the woods. We’ve got a mix of activities that run from outdoor adventures to relaxing chill to group goofiness. The vibes are immaculate. This is our third time hosting a camp and the goal is mainly to get weird in the woods with elder queers (using the term elder SO LOOSELY-we’re 30+ years old).
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by Long Lake Conservation Center. BYO snacks and beverages.
Please indicate your dietary needs when you register for camp, so we can inform the chef ahead of time. Long Lake’s Chef Joel does a great job accommodating many allergies and restrictions.
We will send out a full menu before camp starts.
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Fret not, my friend! You’ll get an email with a welcome packet a few weeks prior to camp with everything else you’ll need to know. This will include directions, contact info, a detailed schedule, what to pack, etc.
Fret not, my friend! You’ll get an email with a welcome packet a few weeks prior to camp with everything else you’ll need to know. This will include directions, contact info, a detailed schedule, what to pack, etc.
You will also get access to a Signal chat for registered campers where you can discuss things like carpooling, what to bring, etc., with other campers ahead of time.
If there are any questions, comments, burning desires, please feel free to message me at madelynsteen@hushmail.com and I’ll get back to you.
“…the way people pulled me in and acknowledged me helped me feel seen and accepted, especially given the wonderful ways activities were led. It's incredible being in a space where the norm is queerness.”
— Camper
Long Lake Conservation Center has been an incredible ally by welcoming Queer Camp onto their beautiful land. We’re committed to giving back by supporting their LGBTQ+ youth program, which helps queer kids attend camp there for free. If you’d like to join us in making camp more accessible and joyful for the next generation, consider making a donation directly to Long Lake Conservation Center.