Progress Report

Southwestern Virginia Region

Research and Development

The campground is currently in the research and development stage. Movement is expected to be slow as Mel prepares for his eventual retirement in August 2030. If possible, Mel hopes to make his move from Norfolk, VA to Southwestern Virginia sooner – if he is able to find suitable employment where he can keep and ride out his retirement benefits. Before doing so, Mel is improving his house in Norfolk in hopes of getting a good price when he eventually sells. Money from selling this house will help him to purchase a new home in Southwestern Virginia and also provide seed money that might be applied to starting the campground.

Mel has taken small business courses from Tidewater Community College. Mel hopes to take other training courses through the Small Business Administration (SBA) prior to opening the campground.

Mel created his initial business plan for Olympus Campground in February 2017, and he continues to revise and reimagine this business plan. Business plans have been created for various scenarios – everything from a bare-bones, low-budget starting plan to a plan incorporating his grandest vision for the campground.

Campground Research

As part of my ongoing research, I am visiting other Pagan and LGBTQ+ campgrounds. I have also attended a handful of Pagan campgrounds and gatherings. At this point, I still need to visit one or more LGBTQ+ campgrounds. Olympus will blend the best aspects of these Pagan and LGBTQ+ campgrounds.

Pagan Campgrounds Visited

Four Quarters

Artemis, PA

An interfaith campground and sanctuary for indigenous and modern Earth Religions.

Wisteria

Pomeroy, OH

A campground and event site for Pagan and Earth-based communities.

Arcadia Sanctuary

Buena Vista, VA

An interfaith campground and sanctuary for indigenous and modern Earth Religions.

LGBTQ+ Campgrounds I Need to Visit

Roseland Resort

Proctor, WV

A gay resort and campground that caters to gay men over the age of 21.

Timberfell Lodge

Greeneville, TN

A private resort and campground for gay men.

Oneida Campground

New Milford, PA

An LGBTQIA+ Campground.

Milestones

Milestones allow each stage to be broken into manageable action steps, and for each stage to mark completions with the attainment of a tangible goal.

Milestone #1

Relocation to Southwest Virginia

Mel is currently renovating and improving his house and yard in Norfolk, VA. It is his hope that by doing so he will be able to get a good price when the time comes to sell. The money made from selling would need to cover his costs of purchasing a new home in Southwestern Virginia and also provide seed money for starting the campground. Mel periodically browses Virginia state job listings in Southwestern Virginia for jobs where he could continue building his state retirement benefits until he is ready to retire. Mel hopes to relocate to Southwestern before his official 30-year retirement date in August 2030.

Milestone #2

Land Purchase

Upon relocation to Southwestern Virginia, Mel will look for suitable land to create the campground. The ideal starting acreage is approximately 10 acres – though a larger plot might be chosen if economically feasible. Sparsely wooded land with a natural stream or creek running through it would be perfect. Land will be vetted to ensure that it meets proper zoning requirements for a campground and retreat center. The land itself will be purchased by Mel (and potentially a second business partner) through personal loans and other means. Initial land preparation measures such as clearing, drilling a well, and installing a septic system will take place at this stage.

Milestone #3

Incorporation

After the land is purchased, Olympus Campground will incorporate, secure a business license, establish a bank account, and take other actions necessary to become a business. Olympus will likely form as a Limited Liability Corporation.

Milestone #4

Fundraising

Once the land has been purchased and the business incorporated, additional fundraising will be needed to establish the initial buildings and land features, and to market the campground and its events. Fundraising may include seeking small business loans and grants; crowdfunding; soliciting donations; and hosting fundraising events. When the campground is near opening, memberships, camping reservations, and event registrations will begin.

Milestone #5

Buildings and Grounds

Olympus Campground will start out small and grow as demand and finances warrant. The initial buildings will be a gatehouse and camp store; a bath house toilets, sinks, showers, and hot water; and a covered dining pavilion. Initial land features will include cleared spaces for tent camping; a fire, drum, and dance circle; an outdoor stage; and a gravel parking lot. Sleeper and “glamping” cabins as well as a few RV/Camper spaces may be added soon after opening. Additional building and outdoor spaces are included in the Olympus Campground expansion plan.