FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Who can attend Fairwinds Family Camp?
Any child who self identifies as transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, agender, different than the sex they were assigned at birth, or otherwise "gender-expansive" in any way, PLUS, any and all of that child's family members ("connected" or "chosen" family included!). Note that typically our campers are on the younger end and our children's programming is geared as such, though older teens are welcome if they would like to come!
Can we bring extended family members?
How about family friends?
Yes and yes! Typical family as well as chosen family are all welcome and are encouraged to join in the fun. Cabins can accommodate up to 8 family members.
What are the cabins like?
All cabins each have toilets, sinks, and showers in them. They also have a large sleeping area of either single beds or bunk beds, so there is plenty of room for your family to stretch out. Some, that date back to the early 1900s, even have old stone fireplaces in them! Many of the cabins have a screened-in porch. Cabins can accommodate up to 8 family members. At this time, we do not have the ability for shared cabin space with another family.
How do trans and/or LGBTQ/queer parents fit in?
We recognize that there are a number of queer/trans parents and guardians who also have queer/trans kids. While the focus on Fairwinds is around having a child who identifies as such, there is always room to discuss the adult perspective, and there may be a break-out group for queer parents if enough people are interested. We also employ some wonderful trans and queer staff who serve as great role models for all our campers.
Sample daily schedule​
8:30 am: Breakfast
9:30 am - Noon: Parent/guardian breakout groups followed by parent free time (parents: sit on the porch, play tennis, read under the trees, chat with new friends!), all while kids enjoy separate activities with our staff
Noon: Lunch
1:00 pm - 5:30pm: Activity areas open for families to enjoy together:
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Swimming
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Kayaking/paddle boarding/canoeing
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Arts & crafts
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Archery
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Basketball
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Tennis
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Ga-ga ball
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Various field sports
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Nature walk
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Or just relax and hang out!
​6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Evening activity (family karaoke/campfire with s'mores/family game show/variety show)
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Optional adult hang out time while kids are supervised by staff separately
I see the price per cabin is all-inclusive (see "Dates & Rates" page)
What exactly does that mean?
Unlike a hotel, Fairwinds pricing includes everything your family needs to enjoy the entire experience of being away for the week.
This includes:
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Lodging for 6 nights
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3 daily meals plus snacks
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Separate parent/adult groups and kids' activities, plus lots of family time to participate in land and water activities
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All equipment and crafts supplies needed for our activities
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Coffee maker
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Single beds/bunk beds
What are the parent/adult groups like?
Each group topic is tailored to the adults who are at camp at the time, and what they want to discuss related to their children and families. Groups are moderated by professional staff who have experience with families raising trans/non-binary kids, and the groups provide invaluable connection and insight. We believe that every family has a lot to gain and a lot to offer during these groups.
What are your cancellation/refund policies?​
Because we pay in advance for all the elements needed for your family to have a wonderful week with us, we cannot always give refunds after a certain point.
Refund schedule:
75% of full fee through March 1
50% of full fee March 2 - May 1
25% of full fee May 2 - June 1
No amount of refund is available after June 1.
Where exactly is Fairwinds located?
Fairwinds Family Camp is located at a leased camp on a large lake in beautiful Central Maine. The closest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), a one hour drive from camp. We do not post our exact location for the confidentiality of all attending families, some of whom do not have the ability to be "out" in their home communities. We will send our address to all families as soon as their enrollment is complete.
How can I register for Fairwinds?