There’s a new non-profit organization in Ottawa that’s making the great outdoors more inclusive, one canoe trip at a time.
Out at Camp held its inaugural flannel-attired fundraiser Thursday night at EGO Space, a special events venue located on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. It’s right above Stroked Ego, a boutique men’s clothing store that’s gay owned and operated.
The sold-out gathering had a little something for everyone: food, drinks, auction items, prizes and a fabulous performance from drag star Karamilk (note to Karamilk: job application deadline for new Ottawa Night Mayor is today).
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Out at Camp was founded by software developer Thomas Devisscher, web developer Andrew Duyvestyn, Invest Ottawa director Adam Dewar and public servant André Scott to create welcoming, educational and empowering outdoor experiences for 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages and backgrounds.
The response has been amazing, Dewar told OBJ.social. “When we started this I thought, ‘This is going to be interesting. We’ll get a couple dozen people that will want to go’. No, no, no, we had over 100 people participate.”
The group is now looking to expand its program to include a gear library, to give adventure-seekers access to equipment they might need to explore the outdoors. Out at Camp excursions can range from local hikes and canoe trips to visits to Algonquin Park and the Adirondacks.
Duyvestyn, who’s the volunteer president of Out of Camp, told the 100 attendees of the sold-out fundraiser about the organization’s mission to make the outdoors more accessible to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“For many, the idea of camping and connecting with nature seems out of reach, whether it’s access, know-how, financial barriers or simply not knowing who to go with. Out of Camp empowers people to get outside and explore the outdoors, to get to know each other and themselves.
“We’ve heard countless stories from people going on an adventure with us for their very first time, who were otherwise intimidated or thought that nature wasn’t for them. They’ve learned that this is a safe space, where there’s no judgment, no fear, you can just be yourself.
“These experiences go beyond just camping,” Duyvestyn also said. “They’re about forming deep, meaningful connections, building a community and retaining memories that last a lifetime. Tonight, we continue to build on those memories, because nature is for everyone.”
Supporters included Peter Veall, who shared with OBJ.social how the outdoors provide healthier alternatives to the nightlight scene traditionally emphasized in his community. Nature is great for improving one’s mental health, he added. “I love it.”
The cause has been receiving support from various local businesses, including those owned by the LGBTQ community. Harrison Gallon, a real estate agent with Engel & Völkers, was in attendance. So was Les Cameron, owner of T’s Pub. Kevin Martin, owner of EGO Space and Stroked Ego, generously contributed a portion of his sales that night to Out at Camp.
Also showing their support was Somerset Ward Councillor Ariel Troster. She reflected on the fact that it’s been 25 years since she first came out, referring to herself as the “queer elder”. She also thanked attendees for wearing so much flannel. “It makes my lesbian heart sing.”
On a more serious note, the councillor, wearing a Protect Trans Kids t-shirt, underscored the crucial need for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to rally around its younger generation. Troster highlighted the challenges faced by queer youth, revealing that 40 percent of the youth in Ottawa’s homeless shelters are from the LGBTQ community — many of them transgender youth. “It’s a really terrible time for queer youth,” she said.
Troster is a former board member with Ten Oaks Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to running a summer camp and safe space for children, youth, and families from the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
While Out at Camp is geared toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, it maintains an inclusive attitude for those who are straight but align with the organization’s mission and mandate and who stand as allies, said Dewar. “If somebody comes to us and says they really want to do this but can’t afford the gear and equipment … of course we’re going to be able to make space for them.”
caroline@obj.ca
