Frequently Asked Questions
What is Family Week?
Family Week is the largest national gathering of LGBT families and their friends in the
United States
. This year marks the 15th Annual Family Week, which originated as a backyard barbecue in
Provincetown
,
MA
,
hosted by Scott Davenport and Tim Fisher. For one week during the past 14 summers, LGBT parents, their children, extended families, prospective parents, and friends have gathered at the tip of Cape Cod to relax and enjoy the fun gay-friendly Provincetown has to offer; create connections that last a lifetime; and learn through sharing experiences how to make the world a better place for all loving families. There are workshops, social gatherings, meals, and much, much more for all ages. Family Week is a one-of-a-kind experience for the LGBT family and allied community.
When is Family Week being held this year?
Family Week 2010 is being held from Saturday, July 31st through Saturday, August 7th.
I am booking plane tickets, etc. How soon do events start on July 31st and how late do they run on August 7th?
Although this year’s schedule has not been finalized, last year’s first and last days of Family Week included registration from 2pm-5pm on the opening Saturday followed by social events, as well as the last major event occurring Friday evening, with the closing Saturday as a pack-up-and-go day. Please make sure to book your accommodations as soon as possible. Also when making travel plans know that there will be more traffic driving into
Provincetown
on Saturday and Sunday. Look out for more updates on the Website throughout the coming months, as we continue to secure up logistics for this years event.
Is there any cost for Family Week?
The Family Equality Council works hard to ensure that our events are affordable for a wide variety of families. For general access to Family Week events and experiences, including educational programming for adults, gatherings, organized beach activities, Movie Night, and other events, a "family registration" is required. Families with two or more parents register under "Family Registration." Single-parent families register for a slightly reduced rate under "Single Parent Family Registration."
Registrants may also opt to purchase meals for the Evening Beach Picnic for an additional charge. Meals are available as vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Registrants may also opt to sign children up for two days of children's programming per child. There is no additional charge for children's programming, but each block is capped at 30 children due to limited staff. If interested in children's programming, be sure to register early. This popular Family Week feature fills up fast. (There will be an opportunity to add your name to a waiting list at on-site Registration and Materials Pick-up on Saturday, July 31st.)
Can I register onsite when we get there instead of online?
Yes, you may register onsite at Family Week once you arrive. Onsite registration will take place Saturday, July 31st from 3:00pm-6:00pm and Sunday, August 1st from 8:30am-12:00pm at Crown & Anchor.
However, we strongly encourage you to pre-register online before late July. Not only is pre-registration less expensive, but it also helps us plan for specific events to know how many families are attending in advance.
Early Bird Registration closes April 30, 2010.
Online Registration closes July 26, 2010.
If online registration is not working for you, call our office at (617) 502-8700 ext 228.
Where do the events take place?
Almost all of the events take place on or around the center of town
with
the exception of the
one event at Truro beach
. For a map of
Provincetown
visit www.ptownchamber.org.
Do you have any recommendations on where my family and I should stay?
The Provincetown Chamber of Commerce website has a listing of campsites, hotels, guesthouses, cottages and more in and around
Provincetown
. Visit www.ptownchamber.org to find a place that is right for you and your family. Please note that Family Equality Council has no part in providing or finding accommodations for guests coming to Family Week. Also, book early as many places fill up fast.
Who comes to Family Week? (My partner and) I don’t have kids. Are we welcome?
Everyone is welcome to attend Family Week, no matter if you have young children, older kids, or no children at all! Though Family Week is primarily intended for LGBT families, extended family members, heterosexual families, prospective parents and LGBT or non-LGBT couples and singles attend as well.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Many volunteer opportunities exist, including volunteer events weeks in advance and helping out on-site in
Provincetown
during Family Week. For every volunteer shift completed by an adult volunteer, a 10% discount off the registration fee is available. If you're interested in volunteering and receiving the registration discount, please contact
Ember Cook
at sara.leekey@familyequality.org before registering online. Sara will explain volunteer opportunities and calculate your discount based on the number of shifts you can agree to over the phone. Click here to download volunteer form.
What if I can’t afford to attend Family Week?
A sliding fee scale is available for individuals and families who are unable to afford full price registration for Family Week. Please contact Sara Leekey at sara.leekey@familyequality.org for more information.
What programming will be available for my children who are 8 years and younger?
This will be our third year providing fun and educational programming for children ages 3-8 years old. This year’s programming will be during the same time as our adult educational programming to help make sure more people can take advantage of both. We will be capping the amount of children in each day of programming due to staffing limitations. Spaces will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis each day. We encourage families to show up early to ensure their kids can participate. Our comprehensive programming fosters self-esteem and family pride through games, arts and crafts, book time, and discussion.
I have children who will be attending COLAGE programming. Where can I register them?
Visit www.colage.org/programs/events/ptown.htm for more information or contact Bethany Lockhart at bethany@colage.org.
How do I sign up for more information or to be kept in the loop?
Make sure to sign up for our eNewsletter to receive all the information about Family Week that is yet to come.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Please visit our website, www.familyequality.org for more information about our organization and Family Week.
Any other questions can be sent to info@familyequality.org.
