We are beyond excited to announce: Rad Fat Adventure Camp is back! Join us at Camp Courage in beautiful Maple Lake, Minnesota to enjoy a classic summer camp experience for fat adults. Rad Fat Adventure Camp all about fat community with fat positive people who navigate life in a larger body. Join us for a weekend with like-minded friends to enjoy hiking, kayaking, arts & crafts, community, and more in the beautiful outdoors.
We are currently accepting applications for Camp Leaders, Session Presenters, and Assistant Camp Director! Due Wednesday, March 11.
We acknowledge the indigenous claim to this land. This camp exists on Anishinaabe territory and we express gratitude to those who have been living here since time immemorial. We recognize that colonialism is an ongoing process which many of us benefit from and that this acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture, which must be coupled with authentic relationships, ongoing advocacy, and informed action. To learn more about land acknowledgement visit: https://native-land.ca/territory-acknowledgement/.
Image description: two campers learning to embroider in a craft session.
Image description: a group of campers around the campfire.
Rad Fat Adventure Camp
September 18-22, 2026 at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN
Rad Fat Adventure camp includes:
- Outdoor adventures: Kayaking and canoeing, hiking, and bonfires
- Community building that center fat experiences
- Arts & Crafts: friendship bracelets, button making, and more
- Movement sessions: yoga asana (the movement practice of yoga)
- Pool party (Friday evening - for overnight weekend campers only)
- Camp exclusive SWAG: Fat Camp Patches and other surprises
- S’mores by the campfire
- Main weekend (Fri-Sun) or extended stay (Fri-Tues) at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN
- All meals included (Main weekend includes Fri Dinner through Sun Breakfast; Extended stay includes Fri Dinner through Tuesday Breakfast)
and best of all: quality time with fat positive people
Image by Shelby Bergen
Image description: five fat campers around a campfire roasting marshmallows, laughing and talking.
Rad Fat Adventure Camp Applications
We are continuing to accept applications on a rolling basis for Camp Leaders, Session Presenters, and an Assistant Camp Director. We are particularly looking for:
Hiking, kayaking, other movement sessions
Fiber arts sessions (our campers love embroidery, crochet, knitting)
Evening sessions: board games, open mic, scary stories around the campfire, DnD one-shot
We are also looking for volunteer photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and song leaders. If you are interested in those roles, please email us at camp [at] radicalhealthalliance [dot] org!
Camp Leaders
Camp leaders are the heart of camp. You will generally be staying in the same cabin as your campers (~20), or very close by. Your role is to facilitate a supportive, warm, and fun camp experience by helping your campers navigate camp and make connections.
Camp Leader Responsibilities:
Create an environment that supports connection among campers
Greet campers during arrival and assist with settling in
Orient campers to camp (basic overview of camp layout, schedule)
Serve as the first point of contact for your cabin(s) (up to 20 campers) for a range of possible issues from logistical to interpersonal
Attend pre-camp training for leaders
Arrive early on Friday (between noon and 1pm) to help set up
Oversee final cabin clean up on Sunday morning
Host up to one session that requires very little oversight (e.g. get a movie started)
What we’re looking for in camp leaders:
Friendly, warm, welcoming hosts
Experience facilitating groups
Experience and comfort navigating conflict
Problem solver and helper
What camp leaders receive as a thank you for serving:
The main weekend (Friday-Sunday) is covered by Rad Health
First opportunity to purchase the extended weekend (for the cost difference: $225)
We anticipate that leaders will be able to participate in most of the camp activities as a camper
Session Presenters
Session presenters are rad fat campers! Our programming is all camper led so we are not currently accepting sessions from people who do not plan to attend as a camper. Session presenters are guaranteed a spot at camp for the main weekend ($395 early bird / $525 regular price) and are encouraged to apply for a scholarship if the cost of camp is a barrier.
We want to offer a wide range of types of camp activities as well as sessions that make the most of the amenities we have on site: outdoors, physical activity, crafts, community, games, kayaking / canoeing, pool activities, and more. Our ideal sessions are at the intersection of fat identity/community and classic camp vibes (nature, crafts, fun). We welcome creativity and want to showcase our community’s interests and skills. You are welcome to check out the amenities at Camp Courage and please feel free to contact us with any questions to help you plan your session.
Here is a non-exclusive list of sessions we would love to see proposals for:
Nature based activities: hiking, kayaking/canoeing, forest bathing, painting naturescapes
Games: board or card games, DnD one shot for beginners
Pool activities: water volleyball
Other physical activity: dance class, skits/improv
Arts & Crafts: fiber arts (embroidery, crochet, knitting), paper-making, junk journaling, zine making, nature photography
Embodiment: meditation, somatic processing, processing body grief
Community building: facilitated discussions various aspects of navigating life as a fat person, open mic night
Session presenter responsibilities
Plan your activity for approximately a 90-120 minute session (physical activities should be a maximum of 60 min of total physical activity - plan for breaks, intro time, time to chat with other participants as part of the session.)
Provide session title, description, and bio for camp website and schedule
Work with camp organizers to source affordable supplies if needed
Set up, host, and clean up your session
What we’re looking for in session presenters
Ability to instruct and support a range of learning levels in your topic
An understanding of modifications / adaptations related to your session to be as inclusive as possible. This includes options for all body sizes, ability levels,
Comfort and/or experience leading your activity
Assistant Camp Director
The Assistant Camp Director is a key leadership role at Rad Fat Adventure Camp. This person serves as primary operational support to the Camp Director (Annie) and helps steward the overall camp container. While camp leaders focus on their cabins and session presenters focus on their programming, the Assistant Camp Director keeps the larger ecosystem running smoothly.
This role requires emotional steadiness, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate both logistics and interpersonal dynamics in real time. The Assistant Camp Director must be grounded in intersectional fat liberation values and able to embody them under pressure.
The Assistant Camp Director is expected to attend the full camp stay (Fri-Tues) and participate in pre-camp planning meetings and training. If you are selected as the Assistant Camp Director, you will not be able to serve as a Camp Leader, but you will be able to host a session if desired.
What We’re Looking For
Deep alignment with intersectional fat liberation, disability justice, racial equity, and queer liberation
Ability to hold the big picture while managing small details
Experience supporting events, retreats, camps, or multi-day gatherings
Strong conflict navigation skills and emotional regulation
Clear, direct, and compassionate communicator
Comfortable making decisions independently when needed
Ability to step into leadership visibly while also supporting behind the scenes
Calm presence during high-stress moments
High trustworthiness and discretion
This is not a passive role. We are looking for someone who can anticipate needs, take initiative, and serve as a steady co-anchor for camp.
What You Receive
Main weekend and extended stay covered by Rad Health
Responsibilities
Before Camp:
Attend any pre-camp planning meetings
Support leader and presenter coordination as needed
Review all camp plans to have a comprehensive understanding of all camp operations including risk mitigation and emergency plans
Participate in leader training
During Camp:
Serve as primary support to the Camp Director
Step in as decision-maker if the Camp Director is unavailable
Assist leaders and presenters with set up and event questions
Float between cabins and sessions to assess needs and resolve issues
Troubleshoot logistical issues (schedule adjustments, supply needs, space conflicts)
Support leaders in navigating interpersonal conflicts
Support crisis response if needed
Arrive early Friday (between noon and 1pm) for set-up
Support Sunday wrap-up and clean-up coordination
After Camp:
Participate in debrief and feedback process
Camp dates · Sept 18-22, 2026
Location · Camp courage, Maple Lake, MN
Early bird pricing through May 31
- $395 Main weekend (2 nights, 5 meals)
- $625 Extended stay (4 nights, 11 meals)
Full price starting June 1
- $525 Full weekend (2 nights, 6 meals)
- $795 Extended stay (4 nights, 11 meals)
Payment plans available. A minimum of 10% of spots are reserved for scholarships.
Accessibility statement
Camp Courage is designed to be an accessible camp. The paths to each building on site are paved, and the distances are relatively short between meeting locations, dining, and lodging (1/10 of a mile). Anywhere there are stairs, elevators and ramps are also available. Chairs have a high weight capacity (similar to hotel conference center chairs) without arms. Beds have thick foam and are comfortable for larger adults. We can accommodate a wide range of requests and are happy to provide any specific information needed to inform your decision to attend camp. Contact us at camp [at] radicalhealthalliance [dot] org.
COVID Precautions: With any gathering of people comes inherent risk of spreading respiratory illnesses. For some people, this risk isn’t something they feel comfortable. However, we aim to include as many people as possible by creating a layered response to COVID precautions including:
Requiring anyone with active COVID symptoms to stay home
Encouraging the use of vaccinations
Welcoming the use of masks
Using fresh air to ventilate spaces
Hosting camp at an usually lower period of COVID circulation
Having many outdoor options which allows people to self-select for options with lower risk
Offering an single-person rooming options
Monitoring COVID levels and adjusting mitigations as necessary. If COVID transmission levels are elevated, we may require masking during indoor large group gatherings, adding air filtration, and other mitigations.
We remain open to community feedback about all aspects of accessibility at Rad Fat Adventure Camp!
Registration Dates
April 3: Registration opens for past campers
April 10: Registration opens for MN residents
May 1: Registration opens for all
Details & Logistics
- Camp Courage is located about 55 miles (just over 1 hour by car) from the Twin Cities between highway 55 and I-94.
- Meals are prepared on site by Camp Courage, who have extensive experience catering to special dietary needs, such as gluten free and allergies.
- Meals are buffet style and in the cafeteria.
- Some snacks will be provided, we encourage you to bring your own in sealed containers.
- Refrigerators are available in the lodge, space is limited though as there is one fridge per 20 campers.
- Coffee and pop are available in the cafeteria throughout the day.
- Lodging is in open, communal, spaces, and this is an all genders camp. We will accommodate same-gender rooms as needed.
- Beds are camp style, single bunks. Mattresses are thick foam. Lower bunks are available for all campers.
- Parking is free onsite.
- Wifi is available throughout camp and cell phone coverage is adequate.
- Pets are not allowed at Camp Courage.
- Cancellation policy: full refunds available until June 15. After June 15, refunds will only be provided if we can fill your spot.
- Review camp rules & guidelines, community expectations, and liability waivers.
What’s not included in Registration fee
- Transportation to camp (though we will help facilitate ride share options!)
- Linens. Bring your own (sleeping bag or sheets/blanket, pillow) or pay extra for a linen pack (flat and fitted sheet, blanket, pillow, pillow case, and towel).
- Snacks. Bring your own snacks in sealed containers. Limited fridge space is available, with priority for medications needing refrigeration.
- Camp T-shirt. Purchase one at registration. This helps keeps the base registration costs low.
Scholarships
We are committed to making Rad Fat Adventure Camp accessible to as many people as possible. A minimum of 10% of camp spots are reserved for scholarships. Our scholarship process prioritizes awarding Black, indigenous, people of color, trans and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and larger fat people scholarships.
Scholarship applications will open on April 3.
Support Rad Fat Adventure Camp
While this camp is for larger people only, we appreciate the many thin allies that support our work! If you are a thin ally, or a larger person who can’t join us at camp but want to make sure others get to enjoy it too, consider donating to our scholarship fund. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact us at camp [at] radicalhealthalliance [dot] org for more information.