I canceled Fat Camp 2025, and it wasn’t an easy decision. Fat Camp has always aimed to be a restful and reflective escape from daily life. It’s been a safe space for fat women and non-binary community members to share, connect, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Right now, there’s no way to escape reality or gloss over how unsettling things feel nationally and globally.
First, I’ll take some accountability. I’ve not been promoting Fat Camp 2025 effectively or consistently. As a Black-owned travel company, it’s impossible to ignore the physical, emotional, and financial strain that’s impacting so many community members and still promote our trips with the same fervor.
This year, Fat Camp was planned to happen in the Finger Lakes, New York, for the third time. I’ve been traveling to the Finger Lakes for years, and despite seeing confederate flags and pro-Trump flags, I have felt safe. This year, things feel different.
Fat Camp is a passion project that has always been worth the investment into my community. The only other time I’ve canceled Fat Camp is during COVID. Prioritizing the health of our campers, we canceled Fat Camp in 2020 and 2021. Returning to the Finger Lakes in 2022, followed by hosting international Fat Camps in England in 2023 and in Canada and Scotland in 2024.
Why I Cancelled Fat Camp This Year
This year, a handful of people signed up and communicated with me about Fat Camp 2025. This summer, a camper reached out, sharing that she had been laid off and could no longer attend, and asked for a refund. Around the same time, another camper reached out, sharing that she was experiencing emergency medical issues and would be unable to attend, and she requested a refund.
Our cancellation policy is clearly explained on our booking site. We don’t give refunds unless we cancel the event, and deposits are non-refundable. However, it didn’t feel right to prioritize the policy over my community. This is when being an entrepreneur feels overwhelming and empowering. I could hold these campers to the policy or give them refunds and start promoting to fill their spots.
It felt like all signs were pointing towards cancelling this year, so that’s what I did. I fully refunded the campers who needed to cancel. Then I reached out to our other campers, informing them that this year’s camp was canceled. Everyone who signed up for Fat Camp 2025 has been refunded, and this is the official cancellation announcement.
The Future of Fat Camp
The future of Fat Camp is uncertain. I would be open to hosting a Virtual Fat Camp and hope to host Fat Camp next year in Scotland. However, I also want to be transparent and realistic. I refuse to bring my community and our money to an area that doesn’t welcome all of us with open arms. If you’re interested in attending an upcoming Fat Camp, please complete this survey to help us gauge interest.
If you’re interested in joining one of our fat-positive group trips, book a spot on our 2025 Iceland Adventure! Chasing The Northern Lights Tour begins on November 30, 2025, and will be held in The Most Peaceful and most inclusive countries in the world. It includes visits to the Blue Lagoon, viewing iconic waterfalls, relaxing in natural thermal pools, and chasing the Northern Lights. Before returning to Reykjavík, Iceland on December 5, 2025.
Things are looking and feeling different right now, and canceling Fat Camp 2025 is what feels safest and most responsible. What would you do in this situation? Would you cancel or move forward with promoting Fat Camp 2025? Let me know in the comments.
