Q&A's
Please read all of these before applying!
What is Trans Camp?
Montana Trans Camp 2 is a FREE, 3-day, 2-night group tent camping event for two spirit, trans, and nonbinary adults!The goal of this camping trip is to create trans joy, trans community, connection to each other, and connection to nature. That happens through a special transnormative space in beautiful life-giving nature with some pretty cool people!Montana Trans Camp (1) happened in May 2024 and you can check out the Instagram for some ideas of what it was like! <3
Who is Trans Camp for?
It's for two spirit, trans, and nonbinary adults, using a broad definition of "two spirit", "trans" and, "nonbinary". If you think that's you, that's you!Most people at camp will probably be based in Montana, but those from neighboring states are very welcome, especially if it is difficult to access trans community where you live. For example, last camp included folks from Idaho and Utah!
When is it?
Friday, September 20th to Sunday, September 22nd!You can arrive between 4pm-7pm on Friday. Later is OK if you're confident in your ability to set up a tent in low/no light, but coming earlier is always advised so that you can meet folks before sunset! We leave by 12pm (noon) on Sunday.
Where is it?
Trans Camp 2 will be in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, about 45 minutes from Bozeman, 2 hrs from Butte, 3 hrs from Billings, 3.5 hrs and from Missoula and Great Falls. See more information about the Custer Gallatin National Forest here!I don't give the exact location except to accepted applicants, for safety.
How do I apply?
Submit the form here before the end of day August 28th. <3
Why do I have to apply?
At the camp in May, everyone who was interested was able to attend! However, I use an "application" process in case there is more interest in camp than there is space.If that is the case, information from the applications will be used to prioritize space for BIPOC and other marginalized and isolated folks within our community.The application process also helps with some basic screening to keep us safe (for example, checking social media).
How many campers can attend?
I estimate that we can fit about 20 tents at the campground! We're limited by the number of tents, not the number of people, so the exact maximum number will depend on how many people are planning to share a tent with a friend and/or partner.If you and a pal are both planning on applying, please consider sharing a tent if you are comfortable! This allows more applicants to attend. If you do plan to share a tent, please submit one application for the entire tent (you and your pal).If you are coming alone, no worries, most other campers will be as well! I won't ask or have you share a tent with a stranger.
How many campers will actually be there?
🤷Unclear! Probably between 10 and 25, depending on people's interest and availability.
What will it be like there?
It's a "primitive" car campground -- that means you drive into the campground, but there's no running water, only one pit toilet, and you sleep in a tent. On the ground!There are two picnic tables and a campfire ring at the campground. There are no buildings aside from the pit toilet.There is some trash disposal at the campground, but no bear-safe storage containers. You will need to keep all your food and cookware in your car, and may need to pack out some trash as well.The campsite rests alongside a small creek, with some (not very accessible) paths down to the creek. The campground is surrounded by forest and largely shady.It's wonderful!
Are there activities?
It's an unstructured time at Trans Camp!What this means is that I don't give you a schedule except a window to show up and a time we must leave by. You and the new wonderful folks you meet will decide what to do based on your interests, abilities, relationships, nature, and general vibes.That said, there are so many things to do! Meet all the wonderful new people, sit by the creek, go on a walk, go on a hike, try to start a fire, see gorgeous viewpoints, share your interests, chill by the group campfire, do some art, take some photos, look at a tree, organize a group to go travel to Yellowstone, roast some marshmallows, write in a journal, play an RPG, go fishing, lay in your tent, read some zines, write a zine, organize for when you get home, whatever else you and your new community can think of!
How much does it cost?
It's free! You will need basic camping equipment, including a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight or head lamp, water, and food. BUT, we also provide mutual aid (ie. free camping equipment) for those who need it. We also highly encourage sharing food and water, so you won't go hungry/thirsty. If you need food/water and have uncommon dietary restrictions, let me know.
How do I get there?
You'll need a ride, as there's no transit going to the campground. However, I may be able to arrange carshares.That means if you have a vehicle, you may be asked to give rides to others nearby if you have room. If you don't have a vehicle, I'll do our best to get you a ride!Last camp, everyone who needed a ride was able to get one! It's possible that if there are an unusually few number of campers with vehicles, or if you live far away from others, that I won't be able to get you a ride, but I'll really try.Please don't let lack of a vehicle discourage you from applying!
Is food provided?
Not officially, unless you request mutual aid for food in your application. That means you'll be able to have a relationship with food at camp that works for you. I like to bring mostly ready-to-eat food and many many snacks, others love their camp cooking setups, and some like cooking with the fire (though there may be a burn ban in effect when we camp).Part of the joy of Trans Camp for some people is making and sharing their food -- that's encouraged but completely optional. So, while food isn't "officially" provided, you won't go hungry if you let others know you'd like to share a meal. We also won't be very far from Bozeman, so you will easily be able to travel into town for food and other supplies.Also, we each have very different backgrounds and cultures around food. You're encouraged to bring and share what works for you and not just stick to "campfire foods" from the dominant culture here.
Is the campground accessible?
The National Park Service does NOT list the campground as ADA accessible. That said, it will depend on your needs. The camp setup you bring (tent, etc.) or request will also need to be accessible. The ground there is mostly flat dirt, with some grassy areas and knolls.If it has been rainy, the ground could be muddy. There will also be smoke around the campfires with smell that sticks to clothes, and noise including music, but we'll all try to be respectful.Please enter any accessibility needs in the applications and reach out with any questions! I have videos of the campground I can share with those who need to further assess campground accessibility.
What COVID precautions are taken?
I require that all campers take a COVID test 48 hours prior to arrival and once again once at the campground. I'll have COVID tests on site and can provide tests for those who need them before arrival.The space is entirely outdoors, except for the pit toilet. I find that the combination of testing and the outdoor nature of tent camping is a strong COVID precaution, but I will also have masks and hand sanitizer available on site. Let's keep each other safe!
Can my dog come?
So, dogs are allowed at the campground! However, it does make things more complicated to consider having dogs present, especially if they are reactive or multiple people are hoping to bring dogs.If you are hoping to bring your dog, please include that information in your application and we can talk about it more. Service dogs are of course allowed but please mention them in your application!
Can my cis partner/friends come?
Nope. I appreciate our cis allies and family members, but part of the magic of Trans Camp is having a transnormative space where people can feel safe and have an escape! If there is significant interest, a future camp may welcome family members.
Can my trans partner/friends come?
Yes! If you're sharing a tent, please submit one application together. Although it can be comfortable and fun to hang around people we know well, please also do what you can to connect with new folks in camp and continue grow our community! <3
Will there be cell service?
When I visited the campground, I had no cell service through T-Mobile. However, the campsite is only 45 min from Bozeman and about 20 minutes from good service.
Will there be substances?
This is not a sober event, but you are very welcome to be sober if you choose! Please be respectful of others and understand that folks have different relationships to substances and sobriety.You can bring what you'd like (cannabis, alcohol, etc.) so long as you stay in control and don't drive, be aggressive, make others uncomfortable, or wander off trails. You should always, especially when under the influence, be very very careful around fires and water too!
What about bears?
According to the forest service, there are bears in the area, but they rarely approach or hurt people. The most important bear safety practice is to always keep food (including food waste) locked up in cars at night. See here for more info about bears in the area and how to stay safe.
What about other safety?
We keep each other safe, and that includes you keeping yourself safe! If you don't get too intoxicated, drive safe, be careful around fires and the river, watch your surroundings, and don't wander into the wilderness, the risk is low! I ultimately am not responsible for your safety, but as a community let's watch out for each other. <3
Who are you??
Hi! I'm Benny, a white, transmasculine person living on the traditional lands of the Salish, Kootenai, and Kalispel peoples ("Missoula"). Locally, I'm involved with TransVisible Montana and the Center's TIN group, though this event is only affiliated with and possible through funding from Seattle Trans Joy.I grew up in the Seattle area and attended the first ever Seattle Trans Camp in 2022, where I had such a special, healing experience that I rapidly became involved in organizing them too! My first Trans Camp taught me about the joy that comes directly from, not in spite of, my transness.I loved Trans Camp so much I wanted to host some in Montana too! That actually happened earlier this year in May, with our amazing group of 12 two spirit, trans, and nonbinary campers! We hiked, we lounged around the campfire, we played games, we made art, and most importantly, we experienced trans joy. And, I'm excited to do it all again!
What should I bring?
I'll send a list of recommended things to bring after accepting folks! The list will just include general camping stuff, but you're highly encouraged to bring activities, art, and interests to share with others.Required (either bring your own or ask for assistance): Tent, sleeping bag/camp blanket, weather appropriate clothes, flashlight or headlamp, any medications/hormones/health needs, sunscreen, lots of water, food for the entire timeRecommended: Camp chair, sleeping pad or blow-up mattress, bug spray, first aid suppliesOptional: Games & other activities, art supplies, instruments, camp cooking/boiling equipment, earplugs, etc