Queer Campout aims to be as scent- and chemical-free as possible. This includes but is not limited to personal care products, smoke, bug spray, and cleaning products. To help us achieve this, we ask that all campers:

• Wear badges (stickers or lanyards) labeling what scents they have on
• Avoid wearing perfume, cologne, scented deodorant, and scented hair products
• Bring & use unscented personal and cleaning products whenever possible, including before coming to camp (showering, washing clothes/gear, air freshener in your car)
• Please do not use scented or chemical products near or in communal areas
• If using a scented or chemical product (such as cleaning solution or hand sanitizer) in a non-designated Scent Area is necessary:
  • Inform those nearby that you need to use it
  • Ensure anyone who needs to leave the area can do so before you begin using the product

Best practice is to either avoid all scents or apply these inside of your tent or vehicle.

There will be a designated Scent-Free camping area where scents are not allowed at all.

What products are we talking about?

Anything with synthetically-created fragrances/scents as well as naturally-scented products. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Cigarette, marijuana, and campfire smoke
• Perfume and cologne
• Essential oils
• Scented toiletries like deodorant, lotion, hair styling products, soap, shampoo, and hand sanitizer
• Toiletries with synthetic (non-natural) ingredients
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Air freshener, bleach, disinfectant, vinegar, other strong-smelling cleaners, and synthetic cleaners

Remember: natural scents, as well as unscented chemical products, can cause severe reactions.

Why Scent-Free?

Many people have scent and chemical sensitivities. Each person’s sensitivity is different, and reactions can range from slight irritation to full anaphylaxis. Inclusivity and accessibility are guiding values of QCO, and we believe that helping ensure the safety and well-being of all campers is a communal responsibility.

Why aren’t those with allergies the ones wearing badges?

Disabled and chronically ill people are constantly left out of planning and then forced to out themselves in order to advocate for themselves and keep themselves safe. We strive to create an inclusive space that supports and centers the people who are historically forgotten. By asking those who choose to use scented or chemical products to label themselves, we allow those with scent and chemical sensitivities the agency to keep themselves safe and the autonomy to decide if and when to share about their disabilities/illnesses/allergies.