The Overview

LGBTQ Outdoorfest 2025 is the ultimate celebration of community, adventure, and inclusivity in the great outdoors! This one-of-a-kind event brings together LGBTQIA+ individuals for a weekend filled with exciting activities, educational workshops, and meaningful connections. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to outdoor exploration, there’s something for everyone—from challenging high ropes courses and scenic hikes to special guest speakers and engaging evening programs. Hosted in a stunning natural setting, LGBTQ Outdoorfest is more than just an event; it’s a chance to celebrate diversity, foster friendships, and create unforgettable memories in the beauty of nature. Don't miss this opportunity to join a thriving community of outdoor enthusiasts—mark your calendar and join the fun!

Details

Date: September 11 - 14, 2025

Location: Gatheround Timber Lake

View the Campus

354 Timber Lake Rd. Shandaken, NY 12480

Deadlines

Regular Registration: $549 per person

March 1 - August 17, 2025

Late Registration: $599 per person

August 18 - September 1, 2025

*Lodging, food, workshops, and activities are all included

Payment options

1.) Pay in Full: Secure your spot immediately by paying the full amount upfront

2.) Deposit & Installments: Make a $150 deposit now and complete two additional payments by September 1, 2025

3.) Deposit & Fundraise: Start with a $50 deposit, and we'll send you a personalized fundraising link to share with family and friends to help cover registration. Full payment must be received by September 1, 2025

Last year | 2024

The Workshops

More workshops announced soon!

Intro to Packrafting: Paddle Skills & Self-Rescue

Justin Bickley | He/Him

The Workshop: Discover the exciting world of packrafting in this hands-on introductory course designed for beginners and adventure seekers alike! Packrafts are lightweight, portable boats perfect for exploring remote waterways, first made famous in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. In this two-hour session, you’ll learn essential paddle strokes and body mechanics to navigate your packraft with confidence. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll also practice safety fundamentals, including capsizing, wet exits, and re-entry techniques, ensuring you know how to prepare for real-world scenarios.

With a mix of on-water practice and team-based observation, you’ll gain both technical skills and a deeper appreciation for this versatile sport. Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or looking to expand your skillset, this course offers an engaging introduction to the growing world of packrafting. Gear is provided, and no prior experience is necessary—just be ready to paddle, learn, and have fun on the water!

The Instructor: In 2022, Justin Bickley discovered packrafting in Alaska, an experience that ignited a deep passion for the sport and the wilderness. This love for the outdoors led him to leave his teaching career behind and pursue a path with the Alaska Packraft School. There, he found his calling as a guide, instructor, and the executive sidekick, leading others through the stunning Alaskan landscapes while sharing the thrill of packrafting.

What began as a personal adventure soon became the foundation of a new career. Justin is deeply grateful for the opportunity to merge his two passions—packrafting and supporting the LGBT+ community—through his work with LGBT+ Outdoors. He is committed to fostering inclusive outdoor spaces and ensuring that all, especially those from the LGBT+ community, have access to the transformative experiences nature offers. His journey reflects a passion for exploration, education, and inclusivity in the outdoors. You can connect Justin on Instagram at @thegaycamper

Map & Compass Skills

Diana Moore | She/Her

The Workshop: Have you been curious about how to actually use a map and compass to find your location and/or navigate to a place on a map? A cellphone is only as helpful as long as the charge and/or signal lasts. Knowing how to use a map and compass could save your life. In this fun workshop, you will learn all about maps and the workings of a compass. (Please bring your compass if you have one!) We will cover how to use a map and compass to take bearings, navigate, orient a map in the field, and triangulate your position on a map to get to safety quickly. Map and compass skills are life-changing. Your instructor, Diana Moore, is an instructor with the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire, where she teaches map and compass skills and winter mountain leadership.

The Instructor: Diana Moore is a nature-loving, outdoors enthusiast originally from the flatlands of Philadelphia and Indianapolis. The mountains have always called to her, and so she’s traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad in search of natural wonders, and finally settled in New Hampshire, her adopted home. She is a perpetual student of nature — including plants, trees and local wildlife, and an avid environmentalist with a deep-seated desire to protect the natural world and all the beauty, secrets, and natural cures she holds. Diana is an LGBT Ambassador for the New England chapter. She is also an instructor for the Appalachian Mountain Club of New Hampshire, where she teaches map and compass skills, advanced winter wilderness travel, and mountain leadership. She also volunteers as the chair of the conservation and education committee and an editor for Mountain Passages, a publication of the AMC in New Hampshire. You can learn more about Diana and connect with her on Instagram at @ladyofthewildwoods.

Landscape Painting

Frank-Joseph Frelier  | He/Him

The Workshop: Come experience nature from a new perspective! Landscape painting is forgiving, relatively easy, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

In this workshop, campers learn foundations of sketching, principles of perspective, and basic watercolor techniques. Frank-Joseph guides you through the process, step-by-step, so you can walk away with a postcard-sized watercolor landscape of the Catskills. The best part? You get to keep the travel-friendly art supplies, which fit snugly in your overly-packed backpack and to use on your next outdoor adventure!

This workshop is for creatives of all levels. Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, you’ll learn watercolor skills and develop the confidence to paint your own outdoor landscapes.

The Instructor: Growing up in the wilds of Idaho and Montana, Frank-Joseph has always had a love of painting and nature. His favorite way to spend time outdoors is perched on a rock or log, observing and documenting the living world. When traveling or adventuring, his sketchbook and paint brushes are always close at hand.

Frank-Joseph attended Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, and received a Bachelor of Art degree in Illustration. He has contributed to projects at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, HBO, Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Lucasfilm. These days, Frank-Joseph is enjoying a career as a freelance illustrator. He currently lives in San Francisco and has an art studio in the Mission. You can see more of his art at Frank-Joseph.com

Archery 101

Justin Yoder | He/Him

The Workshop: Archery is a challenging and exciting activity that combines skill, focus, and a touch of adventure. It’s a pastime that can be enjoyed solo for a peaceful escape or with friends for some friendly competition. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine your technique, this workshop offers a fun and rewarding introduction.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of archery, including proper stance, aim, and the mechanics of using a recurve bow. Safety is a top priority, so you’ll also receive guidance on handling equipment correctly. After covering the basics, everyone has the chance to put their skills to the test with hands-on practice.

Archery is not just about hitting the target—it’s about finding your focus and challenging yourself. Join us to discover a new hobby and make some great memories along the way!

The Instructor: Justin Yoder is the founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ Outdoors where he combines his passion for nature with his mission to connect the LGBTQIA+ community to the great outdoors. His love for the natural world was sparked at a young age and has only grown stronger over time. One of Justin's earliest outdoor passions was archery, which he began at the age of 8 with homemade bows and arrows crafted by his grandfather. Over the past 30 years, he has honed his skills, transitioning from traditional recurve bows to advanced compound bows, making archery one of his lifelong pursuits. Justin’s dedication to fostering community and embracing adventure is at the heart of everything he does with LGBT+ Outdoors. You can follow his journey and connect with him on Instagram at @iamjustinyoder

The Activities

Bonfire | S’mores

Camp crafts

HIKING 

YOGA

ROPES COURSE

STAR GAZING

Trout FISHING

Color war

Pride Night

Podcast recording

SCHEDULE

*Scheduled subject to change. Workshop duration 60 - 90 minutes

Day 1 | Thursday, September 11

12:30pm - Bus departs LaGuardia Airport

2:00pm - 4:00pm Registration and Check In

4:00pm - 5:00pm - Welcome

5:00pm - 6:00pm - Free Time

6:00pm - 7:00pm - Family Dinner (*Ambassador’s Dinner)

7:00pm - 7:45pm - Family Session I

7:45pm - Bonfire & S’mores

8:30pm - Star Gazing

Day 2 | Friday, September 12

6:30am - 7:30am - Sunrise Coffee (optional)

7:30am – 8:30am - Breakfast

9:00am - 10:30 - Workshops

10:30am - 11:00am - Break

11:00am - 12:30 - Workshops

12:30pm - 1:30pm – Lunch

2:00pm - 4:00pm - Activities (*Ambassador’s Hike)

4:30pm - 5:30pm - Ropes Course

4:30pm - 5:30pm - Activities

6:00pm - 7:00pm - Dinner

7:00pm - 7:45pm - Family Session II

7:45pm - 8:30pm - Bonfire/ S’mores

Day 3 | Saturday, September 13

6:30am - 7:30am - Sunrise Coffee (optional)

7:30am – 8:30am - Breakfast

9:00am - 10:30 - Workshops

10:30am - 11:00am - Break

11:00am - 12:30 - Workshops

12:30pm - 1:30pm – Lunch

1:30pm - 4:00pm - Activity

4:30pm - 5:30pm - Ropes Course

4:30pm - 5:30pm - Activities

6:00pm - 7:00pm - Dinner

7:00pm - 7:45pm - Family Session III

7:45pm - 8:30pm - Bonfire/ S’mores (optional)

8:30pm - Optional Activities

Day 4 | Sunday, September 14

6:30am - 7:30am - Sunrise Yoga (optional)

8:00am – 8:30am - Breakfast

9:00am - 10:00am - FAQ with Staff & Instructors

10:00am - 10:15am - Break

10:15am - 11:00am - Closing Session

11:00am - 11:30 am - Photos and Load Up

12:00pm - 1:00pm – Lunch

1:00pm - Depart

Meet the LGBTQ OUtdoorfest 2025 team

If you have general questions, please contact Josh McNabb at josh@lgbtoutdoors.com

If you are interested in sponsoring LGBTQ Outdoorfest 2025 please email partnerships@lgbtoutoors.com

Josh McNabb

LGBTQ Outdoorfest Chair

Laura DiTroia

Committee Member

Justin Yoder

LGBTQ Outdoors
Executive Director

C. Nicholas Morris

Committee Member

Patrick Thompson

Committee Member

Sam Troi

Committee Member

Riley DeWitt

Committee Member

  • As LGBT+ Outdoorfest gets bigger and better, the cost increases to make exciting opportunities possible. However, we want to make it as accessible as possible, therefore, we have three payment options.

    1 - Pay in Full: Secure your spot immediately by paying the full amount upfront

    2 - Deposit & Installments: Make a $150 deposit now and complete two additional payments by September 1, 2025

    3 - Deposit & Fundraise: Start with a $50 deposit, and we'll send you a personalized fundraising link to share with family and friends to help cover registration. Full payment must be received by September 1, 2025

    Contact Josh McNabb for more details.

  • If you choose the option for personal fundraising, we will email you a personal link to share on social media and with friends and family to help fund your way.

  • Yes! We offer a limited number of half and full scholarships. Please note that a $50 deposit is still required. If you're interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Josh McNabb before completing your registration to confirm availability at josh@lgbtoutdoors.com

  • LGBT+ Outdoorfest 2025 is at the stunning Gatheround Timber Lake in New York! Nestled in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, Timber Lake boasts 500 acres of natural beauty, located just 2.5 hours from NYC and 1.5 hours from Albany.

  • The biggest benefit is the price. This is the lowest price for the event and gets higher with Regular Registration and Late Registration. Those who register early get access to Workshop Sign-up 24 hours earlier than everyone else. Some workshops may fill to capacity so this is a great away to practically guarantee the workshops you want to take.

    Early Bird Registration ends February 28, 2025.

  • Campers stay in cabins that have 6 bedrooms and each bedroom accommodates 3 - 4 people with twin beds. Linens are provided. If you desire to room with someone, just let us know their name.

  • Yes! Just let us know as soon as possible. You will still have a roommate or two, which is a great way to connect with other campers.

  • As instructors and workshops are scheduled, they are added to the website. We plan to have all workshops confirmed by April. Please keep in mind they are subject to change.

  • Sign up as soon as Workshop Sign-ups open! Workshop Sign-ups open in August and you will receive an email with instructions to sign up if you are registered. It is on a first-come / first-served basis. We limit the workshop sizes so participants can get the most out of each workshop. While we don’t guarantee you will get all the workshops you want, everyone will get to attend at least three workshops.

  • Campers receive an email from Josh McNabb, our LGBT+ Outdoorfest Coordinator, which confirms registration, provides basic information and Release Form (if we don’t currently have one for you), and the next steps.

    If you have any questions along the way, feel free to email us at josh@lgbtoutdoors.com

  • Check in is 2:00pm-4:00pm on Thursday, September 11 and the event ends at 12:00pm on Sunday, September 14.

    If you have a late arrival or early departure, please let us know.

FAQ.

  • Yes! The cost is the same and you must notify us of your arrival and departure plans.Item description

  • LGBT+ Outdoors is providing charter bus transportation to and from LaGuardia Airport for your convenience. Please note that seating is limited, and tickets are nonrefundable. However, they can be transferred to another camper if needed. To ensure a smooth experience, the bus departs on schedule and cannot wait for delayed flights. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance to allow for a comfortable buffer in case of unforeseen delays.

    You can buy your bus ticket at the same time you register for LGBT+ Outdoorfest.

  • Report to the check-in station. The location and details are provided in the registration email.

  • Consumption of alcohol is not permitted before arrival or during the event.

  • LGBT+ Outdoorfest is open to LGBTQIA+ people who are (or will be) 18 years of age or older on the event start date.

  • Nope. The only way to ensure you get into the workshops you want is to sign up ahead of time. (First come, first served). Some of our workshops are hands-on and are limited to the number of participants for safety and educational reasons.

  • Gatheround Timber Lake Staff provides Thursday dinner, three meals on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. We encourage campers to bring healthy snacks and hydration for hikes, in between meals, and late night nibbles.

    Accommodations for dietary restrictions and food allergies upon request.

  • Yes. You can transfer your ‘ticket’ to someone else, if you’d like. You must notify us of the transfer first and you may not re-sell it for more than you paid. Refunds are available up to 60 days (July 11, 2025) before the event. After 60 days we are unable to provide refunds because funds have been spent in preparation of your attendance.

  • Anyone can apply to be an instructor. We receive more applications than positions, so it is highly selective. Workshops must pertain to outdoor related activities. You can access an application here. Applications are closed February 1, 2025.

  • Keep your fur baby safe at home. Unfortunately, no pets allowed unless a Registered Service Animal is required. Please notify us so we can make accommodations.

  • Yes! Professional photography and videography helps us promote LGBT+ Outdoorfest for future events and shows our sponsors how the event went. While we to collect some testimonials, it is not required and totally fine not to participate in them.

    If you have any concern about photos/video, please contact Josh McNabb and we will do our best to make accommodations.

2025 sponsors

For many years my two most important identities walked side by side. At LGBT+ Outdoorfest 2023 it all came together. That is where the magic happens. Experiencing such a powerful experience with like-minded people has really changed my life for the better. Living as my real self every day is a gift I got from LGBT+ Outdoorfest. It is true and pure happiness. LGBT+ Outdoorfest is a transformational experience. 

Oded Wilson | TX 2023

  • Colorado 2024

  • Colorado 2024

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LGBTQ Outdoorfest 2026

Stay tuned!