SisterSpace Weekend FAQ

What is the SisterSpace Weekend?

The SisterSpace Weekend started over 30 years ago as a Women's Self-Defense weekend, and then became known as the Lesbian Feminist Weekend (LFW). Back then, it was held at a campsite in the Pocono Mountains. Eventually, it evolved into the SisterSpace Weekend of today - which is basically a 3-day celebration in the woods for lesbians and their female friends.
 

OK - so it's like the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, right?

Yes and no. The basic premise is the same - but SisterSpace is smaller, more intimate, and not nearly as rustic as the Michigan festival. We have hot water and hot food. It's a "comfortable" festival. See the next 2 questions for further information.
 

What are the accommodations like?

Our camp has plenty of cabin space, all of which have indoor showers (with hot water!) and indoor toilets. If you'd prefer to tent, there's plenty of space for that also. Whether you cabin or tent, you have your choice of lodging in the rowdy area (party all night!), the quiet area, the chem-free area, or in the general area - or, if you're bringing the kids, the family area. But remember - if you prefer cabin space, be sure to register early. Cabin space occasionally sells out.
 

How's the food?

It's been said that SisterSpace has the best food of ANY women's festival. We serve hot and cold food for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, and put out a great salad bar. Plus - if you get hungry between meals or after hours, our snack bar serves up burgers, dogs, fries, wings, sodas and other refreshments from before noon until the wee hours of the AM. (TIP: After-hours karaoke at the snack bar is not to be missed!)
 

Is there any advantage to registering early?

Although we will (if the camp isn't full) offer last chance & gate registration, registering early gives you a couple of advantages. For one thing, you'll get a discount and save some cash; also, you'll have a much better chance of securing your preferred choice of lodging (particularly if you want to stay in a cabin). For the lowest prices, be sure to sign up by the "Early Bird" deadline.
 

What kinds of people attend the festival? Who's invited?

The Weekend draws an incredibly diverse crowd in terms of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and identity. We encourage any woman interested in attending the SisterSpace weekend to ask any questions about the organization and the weekend, and gather as much information as possible so that each woman can make the best decision for herself and the space we've created. It's the hope of SisterSpace that every woman who attends feels comfortable in an extraordinarily freeing, encouraging and safe environment. Each woman who enters the space is asked to do so with an enormous amount of respect, understanding and appreciation. We trust that each woman is capable of evaluating her own potential presence at SisterSpace with regard to these guidelines
 

I'd like to do a workshop. What do I need to do?

Workshops are given by the women attending the weekend, and serve in lieu of your two hour workshift. If you're planning to attend the weekend, and are interested in doing a 2 hour workshop, contact us for an application.
 

Can I bring my kids?

Female children of all ages are welcome, as well as male children under the age of seven. Note that parents are responsible for their children at all times; women registering with children will be assigned to a family cabin or tenting area. All women are encouraged to join the children and the child inside of all of us for fun summer days filled with crafts, games, stories and new friends.
 

Can I bring my dog (or cat, ferret, hamster, parakeet, etc.)?

Sorry, you'll have to leave Fluffy at home for a few days - the camp doesn't allow pets. If you need to find a kennel in the area for your animal companion, email us at sweekend@sisterspace.org and we can point you in the right direction.
 

I've heard that there's no drinking allowed at the Weekend - is this true?

No, that's not true. What's true is that SisterSpace no longer sells alcohol at the Weekend, due to increased insurance costs - but you are welcome to bring your own, if you'd like. All applicable laws still apply, of course - you must be 21 or over to consume alcohol at the Weekend. (Please note that anyone found to be selling alcohol to others while at the Weekend will be asked to leave.)
 

What about accessibility?

The camp is easily negotiated - no big hills or tons of steps. We do have an accessible cabin for those who use wheelchairs, and offer a shuttle for women with mobility concerns. We also offer ASL interpreters for performances (advance notice required).
 

I want to attend, but I'm going through a rough period financially. Do you offer any scholarships to the Weekend?

Although we strive to make the Weekend as affordable as possible, we realize that some women might not currently have the funds to spare. In order to make it easier for everyone to attend, we offer scholarships from the Linda Bacon-Bass Memorial Send-A-Sister Fund to help defray the price of admission. (And also, please note - if you're someone of above-average means who has some extra cash floating around in that big checking account, please consider making a donation to Fund. It's tax deductible, dontcha know.)
 

I'd like to work the Weekend. Do you need workers?

It's too early to say right now, but we probably will. Contact us for more info about working the Weekend.
 

What else can you tell me about the Weekend?

The Weekend is a great place to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and to just kick back and enjoy women-only space. It's all about celebrating who you are. Join us and experience it for yourself!