After four years of hosting its popular MEGA Family Vacation at Tybee Island, the nonprofit organization that serves LGBT families is moving the annual retreat to Lake Lanier this year.

Kathy Kelly, executive director of MEGA Family Project, says the downturn in the economy played a major role in moving the vacation spot. Tybee Island lodging costs, plus travel expenses for many of the metro Atlanta and North Georgia families who attend the vacation, were simply too high this year, she says.

Lake Lanier offers numerous lodging options, including a family-friendly campground, for a wide range of affordable prices, she says.

There were also complaints last year that there were too many drunk people at Tybee Island, Kelly adds.

Concerns that Lake Lanier may be too conservative and even anti-gay were unfounded, Kelly says.

“We’ll have our own private pool, and they assured us there would be no problems” from others who may not appreciate seeing LGBT families, she says.

“They are very enthusiastic about us coming,” Kelly says. “This is a more family-friendly place. It’s safe. So we thought we’d try it out.”

Activities include a water park, horseback riding and pony rides, potlucks, ice cream sundae making, arts and crafts, pool parties and a kids’ movie night.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure our weekend is a success,” she says.

People who register early are eligible for three free water park tickets. While early registrations are encouraged, people can register up until the day of the vacation.

5th Annual MEGA Family Vacation
July 23-25
Lake Lanier Island Resort
7000 Holiday Road
Lake Lanier Islands, GA 30518
www.megafamilyproject.org