Summer story: Christine Happel
Picnics are a favorite during the summer, and Christine Happel, co-organized and hosted a first-of-its-kind outing in Columbus this year called So Camp!
So Camp!, a multigenerational LGBTQ+ picnic, attracted about 100 community members this July in Wolfe Park where attendees of every age toted blankets, chairs and BYOP (Bring-Your-Own-Picnic) treats to join the fun.
Happel, assistant director of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center, and friends, came up with the So Camp! idea to provide an opportunity for connection among members of the LGBTQ+ community of all ages.
“Our work and lived experiences demonstrate the importance of intergenerational relationships, as well as the need for events that intentionally foster this connection for LGBTQ+ people,” says Happel.
One attendee shared their appreciation of the options for different blankets saying, “This helped me ease into the space and move around where i felt most comfortable.”
Another attendee noted that their favorite part was “the shared joy.”
So Camp! featured facilitated activities, lawn games and themed blankets such as cloud watching, spill the tea and story fairy. Attendees could join activities or relax on their own blankets. The gathering was the perfect place to meet new people and have a gay ‘ol time!
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