The word camp has two primary definitions in the English dictionary. 1: “a place with temporary accommodations of huts, tents, or other structures, typically used by soldiers, refugees, prisoners, or travelers“, and 2: “deliberately exaggerated and theatrical in style, typically for humorous effect.”
Now someone has finally figured out a way to combine both definitions of the word in one spectacular event: Camp John Waters. Yes, that John Waters, the acclaimed writer/director and King of Camp (also known by the esteemed titles the Prince of Puke and the Pope of Trash) is starting his own “summer camp for grown ups”, centered around his legendary oeuvre of camp classic films like Pink Flamingos, Polyester and Hairspray.
According to Variety, this unique experience will take place in Kent, Connecticut, on September 22-24. Waters himself will host a screening of several of his films, and fans attending the event can also participate in “Bloody Mary Bingo”, a costume contest, a dance party, and even Hairspray themed karaoke.
If that wasn’t enough, there will also be a “Scotch and Cigars”session, and even burlesque lessons. Traditional camp activities like ziplines, archery, and water skiing on the nearby lake will all be a part of this as well, but c’mon…you can do that at any summer camp. If you’re going, you need to do all the activities that would have made Water’s star, the late, great Divine, proud. (Though we hope the food tastes better than the literally crappy “snack” she enjoyed at the end of Pink Flamingoes.)
Waters will also perform his famous one-man show and Q&A, and attendees will also get an autographed copy of his latest book, Make Trouble. The entire weekend will set you back $499, and tickets are available now at Club Getaway. Could this be the start of a new John Waters tradition? Touring his one-man show has become a regular thing over these past few years, so maybe Camp John Waters will take off in a similar way. In lieu of another Waters film, Camp John Waters as a regularly occurring event might be the next best thing.
Do you want to go to Camp John Waters as badly as we do? Let us know down below in the comments.
Images: New Line Cinema / Club Getaway
