LVL PWA camp outs are camping trips for those who may not have the finances, the transportation, or the equipment to go camping due to the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives. There are two camp outs every year; one in May, and one in September.

One thing that was never planned, but does occur at every camp out, are the friendships that are built. Every one, no matter what part of the state of Texas they are from or what their past, all share the common bonds of being gay, gay friendly, and the battle of living with HIV/AIDS. Being out in the country is very relaxing and sets people at ease.

Many people are strangers at the start of the camp out but that quickly changes on its own. You can walk up to a couple of campers sitting at a picnic table and they are talking about what they felt like when they were diagnosed. Some may be sitting in front of a tent and comparing medications that they have been on over the years. A few campers walking down a trail may be talking about social services in their city. Another group may be reminiscing “the good old days”. It is very comforting to all at the campsite that “THEY” are not alone in their struggle with HIV/AIDS but they are a part of a bigger “WE”.

In October of 1993 Marvin Davis, (a.k.a., Lady Victoria Lust pictured with John in upper right photo), had gone to a camping event called Rosebud at the TCC Landsite. Marvin fell in love with the landsite and started plans so that others who were less fortunate would be able to get out into the “wilderness” and have some peaceful time away from their daily lives. Marvin approached several people with the idea, and the LVL PWA camp outs were on their way to becoming a reality. TCC offered the landsite, free of charge, for the weekends needed. Through his networking and help from many TCC Member Clubs, commercial businesses such as bars, and many, many individuals thoughout Texas, the camp outs were fast became a reality.

The first LVL PWA camp out was held in September 1995. Two more followed, one in May and another in September of 1996. Marvin passed away suddenly several weeks after the last camp out. Marvin had been very active in the Houston Gay HIV/AIDS Community and was in the process of creating a charity organization of his own that was to be run by a hand-full of volunteers from the community. The Lady Victoria Lust Holiday Fund, sheltered by the Colt 45’s, became PWA Holiday Charities. Marvin lived long enough to see this organization receive its charter.

Anyone who attends these camp outs can be a volunteer. There are a lot of little things that need to be taken care of over the weekend. The Campers and Sponsors often pitch in to help. There are five meals to prepare, serve and clean up after. If you are good in the kitchen, your help will be more than welcome.

If you are good at figuring out “puzzles,” you may want to use your skills by helping some people put up their tents. This is always a challenge to many. It may be a new tent, a borrowed one or one that has not been used for years. If you know how to put them together and take them down it is easy—if the camper does not know how, it can be a nightmare!

Volunteer nurses are always welcome. These are nurses who volunteer and are not paid for their services for the entire weekend. They are there to help in the event of an injury or assist with any medical situation that may arise. They are there to provide “medical triage”. They have the final word on all medical situations. The closest medical facilities are in Cameron and it is about a 10-minute drive away.

We provide transportation for the nurse and camper to Cameron in the event that the nurse deems it necessary. They have the final word.