Legendary filmmaker John Waters, 80, announced that the September gathering at Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, will be the final Camp John Waters event. The four‑day “All‑Inclusive Dreamland Sleepaway Weekend” began in 2017 and has become a pilgrimage for several hundred superfans who call themselves “Campers.”
Why the Camp Ends
During a half‑hour interview with Mona Dehghan of wfmu.org, Waters explained that the decision was largely practical. “It basically is a huge amount of work for the Camp, and we sold out in one second when it said ‘the last one.’ We didn’t want to give it a chance to kind of peter out,” he said. He added that while he was not the primary decision‑maker, he fully supported the choice to end on a high note.
Camp History and Highlights
Waters credited promoters Toffer Christensen and Ian Brennan with conceiving the idea. Over the years, the event has featured a rotating roster of celebrity counselors, including Tracy Lords, Ricki Lake, Kathleen Turner, Johnny Knoxville, and Matthew Lillard. “It turned into something that became – I’ve joked it was Jonestown with a happy ending,” Waters said, noting that many attendees have formed lifelong friendships and even married at the Camp.
Typical activities include costume contests, themed dance parties, talent shows, Bloody Mary bingo, meet‑and‑greets with Waters and his movie stars, and screenings of classics like “Hairspray.” This year’s surprise guest was Sam Waterston, who appeared alongside Waters’ longtime collaborators.
Community and Belonging
Waters emphasized that the Camp attracts people who feel like outsiders in their own communities. “I like people that can’t fit in their own minority, and I think our Camp is filled with them,” he said. Attendees often share stories of personal loss and hardship, finding comfort in the supportive atmosphere.
Dehghan noted that many Campers have experienced the passing of parents, partners, or friends, and the gathering serves as a space to remember and celebrate those connections.
Memorable Moments
Among Waters’ favorite memories were a camper dressed as “Straight Divine” in a pink flamingo‑inspired red dress, and a dance contest judged by Ricki Lake that ended with two contestants naked while doing the Twist. He also recalled a year when a camper asked, “Would you marry me?” and Waters humorously obliged in front of the crowd.
Looking Forward
Although Camp John Waters is ending, Waters hinted at new creative projects, including a spoken‑word show featuring more gay terminology. He remains committed to delivering fresh material for his fans, stating, “You’ve got to pay and come see it… I want to be harder to reach, not easier.”
The final Camp will run for four days in September, offering longtime fans one last chance to experience the “gloriously trashy” playground that has defined a unique subculture for nearly a decade.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
