Do you have questions about MMNG? Sure you do!
Click on any of the following questions to get an answer.
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answer your way. If it's a good question we may even
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Where is Camp Gaea?
The information packet you get in May will include a map and directions to the camp. You can learn more about Camp Gaea by checking out their website at http://www.campgaea.org.
How do I get to the camp from the airport?
Since only a small number of attendees fly in to attend MMNG, no shuttle is provided for the approximate 1 hour drive from the KCI Airport to the camp. You must either rent a vehicle or arrange a ride with another attendee. We will provide contact information for those seeking and offering rides to those involved but will not make the arrangements for you and can not guarantee anything. If you do get a ride we suggest a payment of $20 each way to the driver for the service.
What should I bring?
There's not much you will need to bring but some things to put on the list are: hat, sunscreen, towels, pillow and bedding or sleeping bag, flashlight, fanny pack, camera (no video), musical instruments, lawn chair, beach toys, jacket for cool evenings, extra pair of shoes, club banners, board games, pictures from previous years & club events, personal alcoholic drinks/pop/snacks, personal hygiene items including soap and shampoo, and insect repellent (minor bug traffic but you may want it).
What's the deal with EXTRA fees?
MMNG is a not-for-profit endeavor. Registration fees are set to cover expected/planned costs. Any excess funds raised are distributed to gay/naturist causes that benefit all of us or to improve MMNG the following years. The registration fees are the same regardless of accommodation (cabin, tent, RV, etc.) used during MMNG.
There are a few EXTRA fees charged due to offset additional costs incurred due to specific needs of some attendees.
1. RV's, buses, and towed camping units are charged a required "Impact Fee" by Camp Gaea which is specifically designated to upgrade the camp to improve access by these units. For example, in 2008 over $1,600 was spent to upgrade RV electrical hook-ups. Only one "Impact Fee" is charged per unit. Vans and pick-up campers are excluded.
2. If you would like to pay your fees with a credit card we use the online service, PayPal. Due to the added cost of this service a fee is added to your Registration Fee. Directions on how to use this service are found on the Registration Form.
3. Electrical availability in the tent camping areas of Camp Gaea are VERY limited and use will be limited to those with medical needs and the formal operation of the event. There are no guarantees on availability and location, it will be on a first come, first serve basis, and users must provide their own extension cords to connect. Those who do connect to electricity will be required to pay a "Non-RV Electrical Fee" to MMNG Registration on-site when the connection is made and a permit to attach to the cord will be provided to indicate that this fee has been paid. Please note that usage will be limited to actual medical needs, not decorative lighting or other uses. Permits may be pulled for misuse. Any cords not displaying a permit will be disconnected without warning.
There are a few EXTRA fees charged due to offset additional costs incurred due to specific needs of some attendees.
1. RV's, buses, and towed camping units are charged a required "Impact Fee" by Camp Gaea which is specifically designated to upgrade the camp to improve access by these units. For example, in 2008 over $1,600 was spent to upgrade RV electrical hook-ups. Only one "Impact Fee" is charged per unit. Vans and pick-up campers are excluded.
2. If you would like to pay your fees with a credit card we use the online service, PayPal. Due to the added cost of this service a fee is added to your Registration Fee. Directions on how to use this service are found on the Registration Form.
3. Electrical availability in the tent camping areas of Camp Gaea are VERY limited and use will be limited to those with medical needs and the formal operation of the event. There are no guarantees on availability and location, it will be on a first come, first serve basis, and users must provide their own extension cords to connect. Those who do connect to electricity will be required to pay a "Non-RV Electrical Fee" to MMNG Registration on-site when the connection is made and a permit to attach to the cord will be provided to indicate that this fee has been paid. Please note that usage will be limited to actual medical needs, not decorative lighting or other uses. Permits may be pulled for misuse. Any cords not displaying a permit will be disconnected without warning.
Can I reserve a cabin or tent site in advance?
Cabin space and locations for tents or RVs can not be reserved and will be determined when you arrive. If you are part of a group or have friends you want to be near, the first to arrive is welcome to save some space for others. A few locations and spaces are held for those with medical or other special needs and some cabins may be designated as "quiet" cabins for those who wish to get to bed early. Earplugs are often a good idea if you have trouble sleeping since there is not a "no-snoring" cabin.
Can I hook up to electricity?
There is electricity in the cabins that will support basics like fans, simple lights and medical needs. Recent improvements provide quality RV electrical connections but locations and infrastructure are limited so it may not be available to all RVs and extension cords will likely be needed to connect. Connections will be available on a first come, first serve basis with RVs getting preference for ONE connection over those not paying the "RV Impact Fee" but camping in the RV area. Additional connections will get the lowest priority.
Electrical availability in the tent camping areas of Camp Gaea are VERY limited and use will be limited to those with medical needs and the formal operation of the event. There are no guarantees on availability/location, it will be on a first come, first serve basis, and users must provide their own extension cords to connect. Those who do connect to electricity will be required to pay a "Non-RV Electrical Fee" to MMNG Registration on-site when the connection is made and a permit to attach to the cord will be provided to indicate that this fee has been paid. Please note that usage will be limited to actual medical needs, not decorative lighting or other uses. Permits may be pulled for misuse. Any cords not displaying a permit will be disconnected without warning.
Electrical availability in the tent camping areas of Camp Gaea are VERY limited and use will be limited to those with medical needs and the formal operation of the event. There are no guarantees on availability/location, it will be on a first come, first serve basis, and users must provide their own extension cords to connect. Those who do connect to electricity will be required to pay a "Non-RV Electrical Fee" to MMNG Registration on-site when the connection is made and a permit to attach to the cord will be provided to indicate that this fee has been paid. Please note that usage will be limited to actual medical needs, not decorative lighting or other uses. Permits may be pulled for misuse. Any cords not displaying a permit will be disconnected without warning.
What can I expect for weather?
June in Kansas can mean highs in the muggy 90's or windy 60's in the same week. Average daytime temperatures are around 80 and at night about 60. At least one perky thunderstorm is almost guaranteed. Weather should allow full nudity at most times. An umbrella is a good idea to bring, plenty of sunscreen is a must, and due to the rough terrain, shoes or sturdy sandals are essential.
Do I have to be naked all the time?
MMNG is a nudist event, not clothing optional, so you are expected to be nude at most times. Additionally, you can not use a sarong or towel to keep covered for extended periods. Do not come if you do not want to be naked or you will be asked to leave. If weather or activities require clothing for comfort or safety you may wear what is necessary. It is not uncommon to need a shirt or light jacket at night and skirts or sweats are much more comfortable than those tight jeans. We're not sure why you'd want to but you may sleep in your pajamas if you really feel a need to.
Is drinking alcohol allowed?
MMNG does not supply alcoholic beverages for this event but you are welcome to supply your own. Groups or individuals may supply limited quantities of alcoholic beverages at cocktail parties or other activities but the key word is LIMITED. We expect you to drink responsibly or you will be ejected from the event.
Can I bring Fluffy?
If Fluffy is your pet name for your hairy belly, yes. If it's a cat, dog or any other animal, no. Pets, with exception of human helper animals, are NOT allowed at MMNG.
Is there something I can help you with?
Everyone is asked to help out a couple of hours by volunteering for meal prep/clean-up/checking in attendees, watching the gate, sweeping cabins, or similar. It keeps costs low and is usually more fun than work. Other opportunities to help, such as leading a workshop, cocktail party or game(s) are essential to making MMNG interesting and fulfilling. Finally, simply be a participant. Be in the Drag Race, play volleyball, do the body painting, attend a workshop, and have an act in the Talent Show. If you are interested in being a host for the Talent/No Talent Show or benefit auction we may be able to use you!
How do I schedule an activity for MMNG?
To formally schedule an activity you wish to lead call or email us and we will put it on the schedule. Or you can simply bring along your games, supplies, or handouts and we'll fit it in whenever it seems to work. Some games, like volleyball or croquet, don't need to be scheduled and will just happen whenever attendees are in the mood. Just let us and the other attendees know it's available. From horseshoes to discussing your trip to Australia, anything is fair game as long as MMNG attendees are interested. If you get approval in advance, MMNG will reimburse you up to $100 for costs related to your activity.
Can I host a cocktail party?
There are three evening cocktail parties scheduled for MMNG and other opportunities during afternoons or prior to dinner if so desired. Individuals, groups, or businesses are invited to host a cocktail party but must get approval from MMNG prior to the event. Hosting means you get to choose your theme and what you supply. You buy it, set it up, serve it, and clean up afterward. We can assist you with ideas for snacks and drinks and as well as suggest quantities to supply. MMNG will reimburse up to $200 of the cost to host a party but costs usually exceed this amount so some expenses will fall on the host(s). Alcoholic beverages are usually expected to be a part of these parties but you should respect that some attendees don't drink and supply alternatives for them as well.
What about my special dietary needs?
What's special is that this is a once a year event with volunteer cooks and limited facilities. MMNG attempts to create a tasty and filling meal menu that will suit the needs of most attendees while staying within a limited budget and other constraints. Limited vegetarian options are made available but we are unable to adjust the menu to suit specific needs of individual attendees. If you have very specific limitations or requirements, you may need to supplement the regular MMNG menu with some of your own food. Bring what you need or you may drive into nearby towns to get supplies or dine.
Can I store some extra food in the fridge?
There is not enough space for storage of any special foods in the kitchen. Plan on using a cooler for personal food and drink. Hosts of cocktail parties will have access to limited cooler space if needed. Medicines that must be refrigerated will be accommodated. Please note that bagged ice is available for sale at the camp.
What is the Benefit Auction?
MMNG attendees have always been generous in helping Camp Gaea but more needs are always there. This year, as many in the past, we will have an auction to raise some extra funds to improve the camp and MMNG. Attendees make donations to the auction and bid on the items they like. Participation is voluntary and bids are only limited by what attendees are willing to bid. Please bring a checkbook or some extra cash so we can collect payment on your winning bids while you are at MMNG. To keep things simple we ask that donated items have a "value" of at least $10 (or could be grouped to have such value, e.g. a mixed bag of books).
Can I sell stuff at MMNG?
You are welcome to hand out samples, free issues, or information but you may not sell anything at MMNG without approval from us. If we approve sales, you will be asked to make an appropriate donation of some sort to MMNG. Please contact us in advance of MMNG to work out the details.
Can I change my photo and contact preferences?
Certainly! The desire to limit or not limit photos can be done at any time prior to or during MMNG. We will simply make a new nametag indicating your choice. Contact information and the choice to be listed in our directory or not can only be changed through the end of May since it will be printed at that time. Please note that your contact information is only kept by MMNG for a period of 5 years after you last attend MMNG and is not shared with anyone besides attendees if you approved this and Camp Gaea/Earth Rising Inc. If you move and we do not receive an updated address you will be dropped from the list immediately. You may also request to be removed from the list at any time.
What if my plans change?
We know that situations can change and some who register will not be able to attend as planned. Since we expect to sellout this year, please let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel or adjust when you will attend MMNG so we can notify those on the waiting list. There is a $30 cancellation fee but no refund will be given if you cancel after May 31st or simply don't show up in June.