This page is an attempt to describe the history of Camp as seen through the eyes of someone who has participated in every Camp and was present at the organizing of the first Camp. Much of this information is contained in other pages on this site, but is gathered together here specifically to state what actually was involved in evolution of Camp from its initial intent to what it has become.
For whom was Camp originally organized?
Camp was originally conceived by Tessy, the host of Petticoat Pond, as a Poufbunny Retreat. "Poufbunnies" are individuals who are fascinated by petticoats, be they either male crossdressers (CDs) or genetic females (GGs). There is no specific age range or limitation associated with poufbunnies. The orientation tends to favor styles from the 50s and/or square dancing attire...The name "Camp" came from the LGs, although it was resisted by the BGs. We tended to use Camp as a term to describe the halcyon days of girls summer camp we never had. It almost became an obsession for us...
Who was involved in the original planning?
The Poufbunny Retreat (or Weekend) was discussed extensively on the Poufbunny Chat on Petticoat Pond for several months before the first Camp. Tessy had identified a site and brought the information to those who participated in the evening chat. There was about a 50/50 split between those who identified themselves as "poufbunnies" and those who claimed to be "little girls" although the LGs tended to take over the conversation.What happened to the original Camp site?
Tessy could provide the actual name of the facility, but in the planning period, the original facility was purchased, reportedly by a Korean fundamentalist Christian organization. For this reason, we all were certain that Camp would never occur. After all, where else could we find a site where poufbunnies and LGs could spend the weekend dressed as they pleased. Tessy confirmed that the new owners of the facility were uninterested in hosting our group.After much searching on her part, and with great angst and pressure from the LGs, Tessy discovered that Rainbow Mountain Resort had a twice-annual crossdressers weekend. Since the CD weekend was scheduled around the same time we planned the original weekend, we all signed on.
What happened to Tessy?
In the week or so immediately before Camp, when all of us were suffering through our collective anxiety about our upcoming "outing" Tessy hit us with a bombshell. She was not going to be coming to the weekend. She had landed a major part in a play and was required to wear a beard for the part. She felt that this, along with her commitment to the play, meant that she could not participate. After much discussion, she agreed to show up for a short visit on Saturday afternoon. In short, we were left to fend for ourselves.How did the first Camp begin?
As I described in my brief history of the first Camp, the LGs met at Wendy's at the base of the hill and went up to the Rainbow Mountain Resort as a group. We honestly needed each others company for support, with the possible exception of Melissa, who had participated in some LG activities in public before. We signed in and proceeded to change into our outfits.What was that first weekend like?
Over the weekend we were met with an unending stream of confused looks from the BGs. They clearly did not understand who were were or why we were there, although they were scrupulously polite toward us. The events were clearly geared to the BG community. There were makeovers, nail painting, discussions of "passing" and all of the accoutrementia necessary to achieve this similicrum. A number of sellers catering to the BG community were also present, displaying all manner of provocative garments. In short, we were the interlopersCuriously, the only petticoats to be seen were worn by the LGs. Apparently, the BG community is so into "passing" that wearing period clothing such as petticoats would be viewed as a dead give-away and are a definite No-no. Once we got over initial embarrassment, we began to feel more comfortable. The staff, by the way, was very kind, but even they had no idea of what we were about. After all, this was a resort catering to a primarily gay community and our group was an anomaly and a very strange one at that.
Where there any uncomfortable moments at the first Camp?
Because LGs tend to be modest in their dress, the Fashion Show, customarily held on Saturday night was a bit scary. Most of the participants were wearing BG finery and a number were wearing outfits cut "down to here" and slit "up to here"... This coupled with the fact that the MC for the Fashion Show made several borderline rude remarks when the LGs were marching through the crowd, left several of us uncomfortable. A number of locals were present at the Fashion Show and, having not been there through the weekend, their confusion about us was still evident...Where were the Poufbunnies through all this?
This is a tough one... I honestly do not know what happened to the poufbunnies or why they chose to avoid the first Poufbunny Retreat. The reality is that they simply did not appear. Apparently, it just wasn't important enough for them to appear or participate.What did the LGs do at the first Camp?
Since Tessy had effectively abdicated control of the first Camp by her absence, we had to come up with our own activities. We mostly just hung around together, playing hop scotch and other outside activities and playing board games inside. There were no formal activities scheduled for us but we did have a wonderful time. There was a psychologist in attendance who was promoting her thesis of how crossdressing is a sexual rather than gender phenomena. After briefly meeting with us, she avoided us as we were an obvious refutation of her thesis.Was the Second Camp any different?
The second Camp was held, once again, coincident with another BG weekend. This time the LGs managed to take a little more control of activities and scheduled some activities on our behalf, despite the fact that our sponsor, Tessy, was once again absent save for a brief visit.The staff was beginning to understand who we are, but they were still a bit wary. The BGs were about as confused as they were at the first Camp. Once again, the poufbunnies were absent and in their absence our participation was leading to an exclusively LG experience for the PettiPond group.
There was one event at the Second Camp which will forever stick in my mind. On Saturday night, one of the BGs dressed in an extremely revealing outfit decided that it was appropriate to proposition several of the LGs for sex. While some of the other LGs made light of this, to me it smacked of inappropriate predatory behavior. I had a visceral response, interpreting his proposition as pseudo pedophilia. The feeling of being treated as prey made my skin crawl. This feeling was so strong that it effectively prevented me from writing a camp report.
As our numbers were growing, coupled with the revulsion which several of us felt for the behavior discussed in the above paragraph, several of us were lobbying for an exclusively LG weekend. We were not pushing for a weekend where BGs were excluded, but rather a weekend with a more wholesome, innocent and modest tenor. I did not believe that this was possible in the context of the regularly scheduled BG weekend. If BGs of like mind wanted to attend, they were more than welcome...
What has Camp become?
Briefly, Camp has evolved into a weekend of innocent fun. Taffeta's spouse, Ms Farida has blessed us with ballet lessons and a number of other LG-oriented activities have been incorporated into the weekend. Melissa, Liesel and Taffeta have produced schedules in advance of Camp which we have attempted to follow. The staff has finally come to accept us as we are, with Frank being our beloved Camp Counselor.Other visitors to Rainbow Mountain Resort during LG Camps have still suffered through the confusion which afflicted the BGs. At this last Camp, while a number of us were heading down the birthday party in all of our finest dresses, one of the female day visitors at the pool made the comment overheard by my spoose, "They absolutely have to be gay..." Thus demonstrating that the confusion over gender and sexual orientation is equally present in the gay and lesbian community.
Would Camp be different if it were different?
This is a loaded question and I ask in for a reason. At least one poufbunny and several SBs and ABs have argued that Camp is exclusionary. Specifically, the complaint is that it has become something other than what Tessy had originally planned. To that complaint, I admit "guilty as charged"...Tessy essentially abandoned Camp, preferring to spend her time on her own activities. We each make decisions which are best for us as we see them. I appreciate Tessy's decisions.
Would Camp be different if its orientation changed to a poufbunny camp instead? I believe it would... I honestly believe that those LGs out there who are hidden in that little box way in the back on the top shelf of the closet that most CDs hide in will simply not feel sufficiently comfortable in a non-LG group to venture out. It would not be sufficiently inviting to cause them to part with their hard earned money. LGs are not explicitly poufbunnies although they may wear petticoats. LGs also appear to be different from SBs and ABs, at least from my perspective. Others may disagree.
Does this mean that poufbunnies, BGs, SBs and ABs are not welcome at LG Camp?
Absolutely not. Anyone who wants attend what has, through its own development, come to be known as LG Camp can. It is important to understand, however, that it is officially an LG weekend and guests are expected to behave in a manner compatible with the innocence that this implies. If an individual feels that their gender expression requires an overtly provocative sexual display or requires some form of subjugation or humiliation, then LG Camp is probably not for them. They may find themselves being politely ignored.What has become of the poufbunnies?
Tessy had been approached by a number of poufbunnies who asked her to produce vintage petticoats. Around the same time, several of the LGs as her to consider producing larger copies of vintage LG-style bouffant full slips. Turns out that the poufbunnies were all talk and no orders, while the LGs were ready to talk with their wallets.I placed my order, not because I thought it was a wonderful price or because I needed a bouffant slip, but out of a felt need to support the person who had made Camp possible in the first place, even if her involvement became only incidental and send in my money. I waited for a very long time while Tessy said the production was on, then off, then on, then finally off. In the meantime, the BG poufbunnies simply abandoned Tessy, causing a great amount of ill will. While the LGs have been consistent in their support of Tessy over the past several years, the poufbunnies have appeared more like rainy day friends.
I apologize if my recounting of history has offended anyone. If you have a differing view, I encourage you to put up a site and present it. My views are deeply held and very personal. I am not interested in debating the history of Camp or the plight of those poufbunnies who feel that the course of events has left them behind. They had their chance and they walked away. I choose the companionship of the LGs. I know they will be there when the going gets tough.
Last Update: 09/28/2002
Web Author: Taffy@Cheerful.Com
Copyright © 1998 by Taffy Cheerful - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
