Jamboree Overview

2023 Jamboree

Jamboree is a great, inexpensive vacation like you've never experienced before! Each year, 275 LGBTQ adults (19+) from the Out & Out club rent a summer camp in the Haliburton area (3 hours northeast of Toronto). You’ll stay in shared cabins in the woods, overlooking a private lake, and spend your days doing many of the fun things you did as a kid at camp: swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, playing volleyball, making crafts, hosting parties, putting on a talent show – or just relaxing on the dock. Jamboree is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run event. A single low price includes your accommodations, activities, meals, and snacks.

The People

Everyone across the entire LGBTQ spectrum is welcome. Typically, about one third of the people attending identify as female, a bit less than two-thirds identify as male, and some identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or genderqueer.

We’re all on vacation, so the camp’s staff take care of the cooking, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. To keep costs down, volunteers on the Jamboree committee give generously of their time and skills to handle everything else – from arranging transportation, to coordinating the final night costume party. The majority of people attending camp also pitch in to help – whether by running an arts and crafts workshop, monitoring a lake swim, or volunteering as a stage hand for the talent show. Together, we ensure it’s a fun-filled time for everyone!

Camp Facilities

The huge 1,000-acre camp is located on a private lake near the southern boundary of Algonquin Park. It offers a wide variety of sports, including swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, volleyball, basketball, tennis (4 courts), hiking, ball hockey and baseball. Other events are held in the camp’s central areas, including a mess hall, large recreation hall, dance/fitness studio, small screening theatre, and arts & crafts room.

Most cabins are newly renovated, but the accommodations are not high-end. Each cabin sleeps 10-12 adults (lower bunks only), and features indoor cold running water and toilets, but no hot water, heat or air-conditioning. There are separate shower houses, with hot water, for male- and female-identified campers. All-gender facilities are also available.

LGBT Sports and Activities

Jamboree has a full volunteer-led activity schedule, with sports, lake activities, music jams, arts, and intellectual pursuits. You can see more on the Jamboree activities page. Evening events usually include dances, campfires, game nights, costume parties, movies, and the Jamboree Follies – our famous talent show. You can be as busy and social as you wish. Or, if you’re craving downtime, you can read by the lake or take a quiet walk in the woods – it’s up to you.

History

In 1986, Out & Out hosted the IGLOO (International Gay and Lesbian Outdoor Organizations) summer camp. People attended from all over North America and had a great time.

In 1989, Andre Fortier coordinated the first small Jamboree for club members. The event was increased to five days in 1990, and the larger club-run event we now know and love started the following year. Jamboree is still going strong, often selling out early.

Rates for 2023

Earlybird rates (registered and paid or waitlisted by June 30, 2023):
Saturday, August 19 - Saturday, August 26: 8 days $841
Wednesday, August 23 - Saturday, August 26: 4 days $446

Regular rates: (after June 30, 2023, if space is still available):
Saturday, August 19 - Saturday, August 26: 8 days $891
Wednesday, August 23 - Saturday, August 26: 4 days $496

Prices INCLUDE HST.

Note: You must be a member of the club to attend. Membership is an additional $35/year (but may be waived for those experiencing financial hardship).

Subsidies

Members who can't afford the fees for Jamboree may apply for a subsidy of up to 66% of the registration cost (based on need), if their annual pre-tax income is less than $30,000, or if health problems, medical expenses, disability, unemployment, under-employment, or other factors significantly impact their ability to pay. Subsidies are subject to available funds and other conditions. Subsidies can be requested during the online registration process.

COVID-19

Regarding COVID safety:
I agree to isolate, take a COVID test at camp, or perhaps go home, if requested. I understand that I may be asked to wear a mask from time to time.

Questions?

Some frequently asked questions are on the Q&A page. If you don't see your question there, please send us an email using our Contact Form. Under "What is your message about?", choose "Jamboree Summer Camp".