In 1998, a handful of friends decided to go camping one hot and humid weekend in May.  We discovered that weekend, a beautiful and almost magical place to camp on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Since then, our group has grown in many ways and we continue to camp at this wonderful place we now call Brenda’s Farm. We have no agenda or purpose other then having a fabulous time in the woods with our friends. We are a very diverse group of people that live our busy and sometimes stressful lives here in the suburbs of Washington, DC.  The one thing we have in common; we are all friends of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender people (GLBT). The only other common bond we all share is our mutual desire to spend a weekend of fun in the sun, swimming, relaxing, and making new friends, and memories for a lifetime.

After many years of camping on the Shenandoah River, some of the original and new members decided that since we all spend so much time, effort, and money on these camping trips, they should have a purpose. We should be camping for a cause. Not just any cause, but a cause that is mutually agreed upon by our GLBT camping community. We should enjoy memorable camping weekends and also give something back at the same time. To make this happen we decided to formalize our group into a not-for-profit corporation.

In May of 2008, our gay camping group formed a Virginia non-stock Corporation and begun the application process with the IRS for official non-profit 501(3) (c) status. River Camping Incorporated is seeking official recognition as a charitable outdoor recreation club.

With the help of EVERYONE, we can make Camping for a Cause an entity that truly makes a difference within our community. If you have talent, time or represent another GLBT charitable organization and would like to help a group that is determined to give back, then please send us an email to Members@OutCamping.org.