Queer Community Backpacking
at Negwegon State Park
August 23rd - 25th, 2024
Be yourself and be celebrated on this queer backpacking trip. This trip is designed to teach basic backpacking skills while providing a safe and supportive environment for LBGTQIA+ folks to feel comfortable and learn together. This trip is the same format and itinerary as the Negwegon at Night backpacking trip, and is a great way to make connections and really feel at home in the wilderness.
What is Included?
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Delicious meals are served from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last, and snacks and desserts are provided
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Dinners are high-quality handcrafted backpacking meals with an original twist
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Learn about backpacking from your Wilderness First Responder certified guide and naturalist
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Two nights at a waterfront backcountry campsite in a beautiful dark sky park
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Two nights of dessert around a campfire and stargazing
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Hiking, community-building, relaxing, and the potential for swimming and rockhounding.
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Backpacking gear: lightweight backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, hiking poles, headlamp, and tent are provided. (If you prefer to bring your own gear, let us know)
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Pre-trip communication, including packing list and other guidance as needed
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Negwegon State Park at 1:00 PM and get introduced to your fellow hikers. We'll get our gear organized, load up our backpacks, and hit the trail once everyone is comfortable.
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This first day will be a short two mile hike to our campsite, a secluded spot right on Lake Huron. After setting up camp, you'll be able to relax or explore before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared for you.
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Dessert will be served over a campfire, and the stargazing will begin once the sun goes down.
Day 3
After a leisurely morning and delicious breakfast, we’ll decide which route to take back to the trailhead. The trip will conclude around lunchtime at your car. Those with energy left may want to complete an additional 3.5 mile long loop to cover all of the trails in Negwegon State Park!
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Day 2
We'll be able to leave our camp set up after breakfast and go on a day hike to explore the park. This walk will have a view of Lake Huron and the sounds of the shore. We’ll have lunch on the trail and do some stretching.
Back at the camp, you may want to cool off with a quick dip in the lake if the water is warm. Another delicious meal with dessert will be served over a bonfire, followed by more stargazing.
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How to Register:
Registration: the cost is $395 per person and includes full gear rental. Returning guests and those bringing their own gear get a discount. After payment you will receive an email with important details and a registration form.
Cancellation policy: up to 45 days prior to the event, a full refund of all fees will be given. After that time period your reservation is considered final. The trip will be able to happen in most weather, but if the trip leaders determine it to be unsafe a full refund will be given.
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Recreation passport: every car that enters the park needs a recreation passport. More details will be in the post-purchase registration email.
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You can also sign up for the mailing list to be notified of newly added dates.
Your Guide
Emily Stardust
Emily loves to travel and enjoys spending time in nature. She has worked as a tour guide for over six years; four years guiding tours in Alaska, and two years guiding women's active adventure tours. She has also helped organize month-long group bicycle tours, where all camping equipment and cooking supplies were transported by bicycle.
Her certifications include: WFR (Wilderness First Responder), yoga instructor (RYT 200), community herbalist, Leave No Trace monitor, and NOLS leadership sea kayak expedition graduate. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and can say a handful of phrases in a few other languages. She's really looking forward spending time in Michigan nature this year.