FamilyPrideCampingAssociation

Family Pride Camping Association

Mission Statement

The Family Pride Camping Association is dedicated to providing positive and safe recreational experiences in an environment where the children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents can be openly proud of their families.

Who/What is FPCA

The FPCA is a Nova Scotia-based, non-profit organization. Its board of directors is made up of parents and community members who want to create safe and fun outdoor experiences for children. Each year we assemble a skilled, enthusiastic team to deliver a rich and varied camping and events program.

FPCA is Changing

In the hopes of connecting with LGBT families throughout Nova Scotia, we have changed our format. Instead of holding one week-long camp for children, we are going to hold two family camping weekends during the year.

This new format will allow entire LGBT families to meet and connect with one another in a relaxed and friendly environment, while keeping the FPCA objectives of providing opportunities for the children of LGBT parents to meet others in families similar to their own. A coordinator will be present to organize and facilitate activities during the weekend. It is our hope that parents who have special interests and/or talents will also organize activities during the family camping weekends.

Subsidies

In the past we have been able to offer some families a reduction in camping fees based on need. Subsidies will be provided to assist families with travel and camping costs if needed. We also have a limited amount of camping equipment that can be borrowed by those that need it.

LGBT Family One-Day Events

In addition to the two family camping weekends each year, we will also be holding four, day activities for LGBT families to participate in.

People

who-did-what here -- AnettePetersen?, AndreaMcQuillin?, KimberlyMacDonald? - who else?

History

1999

FPCA was founded by LGBT parents MauraDonovan, SueMcKay?, AngieSinger?, SusanneLitke, and Marj. One lesbian mother noted that there were members of LGBT families in Nova Scotia (even within HRM) who didn't know of each other's existence--the kids didn't know other kids who came from similar families and the parents weren't networked with each other. By bringing the kids together for a summer camp, these families were brought together and the kids could have a great time in an environment that supported them as individuals and as members of LGBT families.

2002

Third Camp Rainbow Spirit July 7, 2002 - 13 with capacity for 40 children (ages 7-13) and youth (ages 13-17.) Promotions by AndreaMcQuillin?, Communications Committee Chair.

2004

Camp Fees and Dates: Children's camp (ages 7 to 13) $285 July 4-10; Junior Leaders (ages 14 to 16) $225 July 2, 2004 - 10; Counselor in Training (ages 17 and 18) $50 July 2-10

2006

Instead of holding one week-long camp for children, we are going to hold two family camping weekends during the year.

March 11, 2007

Annual General Meeting where the future of the society was decided, based on participation. Five persons are required for the FPCA board and the roles of secretary, treasurer, vice chair and chair must be filled. If there is insufficient interest in continuing the FPCA, all assets will be distributed to pre-determined organizations within the LGBT community.

March, 2007

Webpage indicates the organization is no longer functioning. Letter on their web page below.

2007-03

Dear Community:

As you may be aware, the Family Pride Camping Association (FPCA) was created a number of years ago with the aim of establishing an annual summer camp for the children of LGBT parents. However, due to a recent decline in membership and attendance at FPCA events, the present FPCA board feels that the society is no longer able to continue. Further, a number of board members have stepped down from the board for various reasons.

If you are interested in reestablishing the FPCA, please contact us via email at mailto:info@fpca.ca. Five persons are required for the FPCA board and the roles of secretary, treasurer, vice chair and chair must be filled. If there is insufficient interest in continuing the FPCA, all assets will be distributed to pre-determined organizations within the LGBT community.

Although we are saddened to see the end of this wonderful organization, we are also encouraged by the fact that that there are currently other organizations in the community that have the similar goal of connecting LGBT families.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors, Family Pride Camping Association