News & Press Releases

July 25 - 27, 2008, will mark the 17th annual gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender outdoor enthusiasts in Northern Michigan. The weekend of outdoor fun centers around a bicycle tour for riders of all ability levels. Although, not all participants will actually ride a bicycle. In its most successful years, attendance has passed 100 campers. Participants come from all over Michigan and even surrounding states and Canada. Many of last year's participants had attended 10 or more previous events.

The first 15 years of the Bike Tour were organized by Friends North, a GLBT organization based in Traverse City. The event was a fund raiser for Friends North and other GLBT organizations in Northern Michigan.

Not wanting to see the Bike Tour tradition come to an end when Friends North dissolved in 2006, a small group of Bike Tour veterans formed Camp Out Michigan to continue to organize the yearly event. The weekend continues to be a fund raiser for GLBT causes, but the primary objective is to bring together GLBT people and their friends for a weekend of camaraderie and fun. In 2007, Camp Out Michigan split proceeds from the event between the Perceptions Scholarship Fund and a Traverse City based HIV/AIDS services program (The Thomas Judd Care Center at Munson Medical). Bike Tour participants also made additional contributions directly to these two charities.

In its second year of organizing the event, Camp Out Michigan has made a few changes. The most significant change is moving to a new venue. The first 16 years of the event were held in Leelanau, Grand Traverse or Benzie County. Our home for 2008 will be near Mio in Oscoda County. The family who owns the campground is very welcoming and is looking forward to hosting the event. There is a small motel and rental cabins adjoining the campground, so those who prefer electricity and indoor plumbing to a tent may easily participate in all of the group activities that are centered in the campground. Another change for 2008 is the addition of a special route for street-legal scooters and mopeds.

Camp Out Michigan organizers decided that since participants come from all over Michigan, the charities selected this year should service all of Michigan. Lansing-based Michigan Equality was chosen as a new partner. Michigan Equality is a statewide organization dedicated to building and using political power to promote equality and eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. They are changing the face of politics in Michigan by fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families and individuals. The Perceptions Scholarship Fund will also receive a portion of this year's proceeds. Any Michigan resident may apply for the annual scholarship which is dedicated to promoting respect for diversity across all borders including race, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression.

Although billed as the "Bike Tour," you do not need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy the weekend. If fact, a few regular attendees don't even bring their bikes. Less experienced cyclists can make arrangements to do a shorter route. Or at anytime you decide that you can't complete the route, one of our support vehicles will take you back to camp. If you don't care to attempt a ride, there are plenty of alternative activities to enjoy during the time on Saturday when most people are pedaling. A few volunteers will be needed to work as support crew for the riders. Some people will choose to explore the area by car. Camp Out Michigan will provide information about local points of interest. Motorcyclists are encouraged to attend and enjoy all of the activities at the camp site with us. They can do a self-guided tour of the area instead of one of the planned routes that the bicycles and scooters will be doing.

The Bike Tour is an all-inclusive weekend. Your registration includes two nights of rustic camping, evening meals served at the campsite on Friday & Saturday, continental breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, your choice of bicycle rides or the scooter/moped route with road support, group activities, entertainment and evening bonfires. A Sunday canoe trip is a popular optional activity. À la carte registration options are available to suit individual needs. Register by June 1st to qualify for the early bird discount prices. Visit the Camp Out Michigan web site at www.campoutmichigan.org for additional information and registration options.

Camp Out Michigan, PO Box 154, Bay City, MI 48707-0154.
www.CampOutMichigan.org

The former Friends North Bike Tour, a popular event held annually in Michigan's Leelanau or Benzie County for the last 15 years will continue under the leadership of Camp Out Michigan on the weekend of July 27, 2007. Tim Atkinson and Dean Boivin, founders of Camp Out Michigan along with several volunteers have willingly taken over this great event after Friends North disbanded in 2006. This well-attended event draws participants from all over and provides a fun-filled weekend of outdoor activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their friends of all ages in Northern Michigan.

Scheduled activities include a bike tour with a choice of routes, camping, meals, games and canoeing/kayaking. Our bike routes cater to all levels of biking and are closely monitored by volunteers in SAG vehicles. Bicyclists are provided with detailed maps, phone numbers of support vehicles and snacks/beverages throughout the day. Of course, you don't have to be a cyclist to enjoy this fun weekend. Many join us to camp and partake in non-biking activities. Our campground is located near Crystal Lake, a fantastic location that allows participants to spend time at beaches, local shops and eateries if desired.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Angel Fund at the Thomas Judd Care Center of Munson Medical Center and the Perceptions Scholarship Fund.

For detailed information, please contact us at the following address or visit our website. Register by June 1, 2007, for EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT.

Camp Out Michigan, PO Box 154, Bay City, MI 48707-0154.
www.CampOutMichigan.org