The Spaces In Between

The list includes traditional week-long summer camps, 3-4 Day Retreats, themed camps (music, art, sports, spiritual), and camps for college students, families, and adults. For each camp, I have provided a synopsis, cost info, and dates when available.

As camps update their information about registration, dates, and prices over the next few months/next year, I will continue to edit the list. As always, I welcome comments and emails letting me know about new camps or camps that I have somehow missed!

Thank-you everyone who has emailed me about your camp over the years, it is exciting to watch this list continue to grow!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Week-Long Summer Camps
2. Weekend/4-Day Retreats
3. Art, Music and Theatre Camps
4. Spirituality-Based Camps
5. Sports-Focused Camps
6. Day Camps
7. Camps Outside of North America
8. College Students
9. Family Camps (For Parents and Children to Attend Together)
10. Summer Camp for Adults!

1. WEEK-LONG OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMPS 

Camp Brave Trails. CA and NY. The first leadership camp for LGBTQ youth and allies (aged 12-20) in California, Camp Brave Trails had their first camp in 2015. They have sessions in California (where they just bought their own property!), and in 2024 are moving their August session to New York (after several years in MD). Activities include a low ropes course, swimming, archery, culinary arts etc, along with workshops on activist storytelling, gender expression, body image and self-esteem, Lgbtq history, and drag make-up. This camp highlights the importance of leadership skills and learning about social justice. Select campers aged 18-20 will have the opportunity to participate in the Unicorn Justice League, building leadership skills and leading a few workshops. Brave Trails also hosts year-long programming for their campers, including Brave Spaces, a mentoring program, and back-packing trips. Cost: $2500 per session. Fundraising/Financial Support available. There is an $20 app fee.

2024 Dates:

• Session 1: California, June 15-23
• Session 2: California, June 29-July 7
• Session 3: California, July 13-21
• Session 4: California, July 27-August 4
• Session 5: New York, August 15-23

Camp Fire/Camp Waluhili. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alongside other programming, Camp Waluhili hosts an LGBTQ+ specific camp. “This camp is for youth of all genders, gender expressions, sexual and romantic orientations, and to the youth allies who support them.” Like many camps, youth engage in a variety of fun activities and build strong friendships. Camp Fire has a strong commitment to diversity, especially around disability, and LGBTQ identities, as they want to make sure that every camper is able to come to camp! Cost: $385 per week. Limited camperships are available, but due to high demand, no full scholarships are available.

2024: June 16th-21st

Harbor Camps, (Formerly known as Camp Aranu’tiq). NH for Trans and Non-Binary Kids aged 8-15 years. New campers can enroll from ages 8-13. Fourteen and 15 year olds must be returners–note that family camp counts as “returning.” Hosted on a beautiful 116 acres property on a lake, camp activities include swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, campfire songs, archery, Gaga (a form of dodgeball), drama, D & D, storytelling workshops, and more. They emphasize kids just being kids and having fun at a “traditional” camp, there are no formal conversations about gender/sexuality.

Full Camp Cost for folks who can afford it: $1350 per week. Subsidized rate (no questions asked): $925 per week. Full scholarships available for folks who can’t afford the subsidized rate . Returning graduates (age 15 and older) can apply for the CIT (counselor-in-training) program, which last 2 summers. Harbor Camps also hosts Family Camps, which run over 4 days during the last weekend in August and Labor Day Weekend each summer.

Note: the dining hall is big, and can be very loud. There is also an emphasis on kids participating in all activities. Some friends have said that their nuerodiverse, sensory-sensitive kids had a tough time at this camp.

Indiana Youth Group Queer Camp: Hosted at Jameson Camp for queer youth ages 12-17. “In partnership with Indiana Youth Group and sponsored in part by Indy Pride, Queer Camp provides a safe, accepting space for campers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. At Jameson Camp, we believe gender affirming is care critical to the well-being of queer youth and the community as a whole. There is a full camp option ($695), financial aid available.

2024 dates:

• June 16 – 21
• July 14-19

Kin-dom Camp: Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, and Texas. “kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration. This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief.” Cost: $400-1050 Tier System.

Dates:

• ILLINOIS June 16 – 21, 2024
• NEVADA June 23-28, 2024
• INDIANA June 30 – July 3
• TEXAS | JULY 21-26, 2024

Laurel Foundation’s Camp Mulberry: Bear Lake CA. FREE. One of the only free LGBTQ camps out there, sponsored by the Laurel Foundation which has been supporting and running free camps for youth with HIV/AIDS for the last 25 years, and in 2017 started a camp to support trans and gender nonconforming youth. Open for youth aged 10-17; provides a safe space for youth to be themselves and to be mentored by adult trans role models. See an article about the camp here. Again, it is FREE. One of the few camps that still has covid protocols, campers will be organized in small cabin groups with two counselors.

2024 Dates: JUNE 23-JUNE 29TH

Camp Lightbulb. Provincetown, New York City, and Los Angeles. Camp for LGBTQ youth 15-18. (18-20 can be CITs). They began in Provincetown, Massachusetts in 2011. Camp is always organized around six elements: “camp fun & art & the outdoors & community & well-being & service.” Camp Lightbulb connects campers to the rich LGBTQ history and LGBTQ communities in each of the sites where their camps are held. Unlike many camps Camp Lightbulb is not completely cell-phone free. Note: “Camp Lightbulb campers are independent, can self-manage, and do not need full-time supervision.” Cost for summer camp week: $650-1950.

2024 dates:

1. Los Angeles: July 1 to July 5, 2024
2. Provincetown: Week 1: July 8 to July 12, 2024
3. Provincetown: Week 2: July 15 to July 19, 2024 – WAITLIST
4. Provincetown: Week 3: July 22 to July 26, 2024
5. New York City: July 29 to August 2, 2024

Camp Lilac. Ohio. A week-long camp for transgender and gender-diverse youth aged 12-17, founded in 2017. The purpose of the camp is to provide a safe, nurturing, youth-led environment and participants can do a variety of traditional camp activities, including arts and crafts, high-ropes course, and archery, as well as trans-specific workshops. Cost: $950

2024:

• Session 1: July 21-July 27
• Session 2: July 28-August 3

CampOUT: Ocala, Florida. A week-long camp for youth ages 10-17 from all aspects of the rainbow and LGBTQ+ community (including children of LGBTQ families, and allies). Camp “holds many components of your typical camp including canoes, archery, camp games, swimming, sports, arts & crafts, bonfires and more! What sets us apart from the rest is we focus on helping our campers do the most courageous thing possible, of being and loving their authentic self. Utilizing workshops, adventures, experiences, peer connections, and positive role models we can create an environment our youth can thrive.” Includes both gender-specific and gender-neutral cabins. COST: $1200, but limited scholarships available.

2024 dates: July 14-19

Camp OutDoors: Based in Phoenix and Prescot, AZ, USA. “Out of the Closet and Into the Woods.” This is a camp for LGBTQ youth aged 11-24. They have a 5 day session for ages 11-17, and another one for ages 11-24. This camp is aimed at helping youth build leadership skills, work collaboratively, and create community. “Camp activities vary and evolve each year and range from educational workshops on topics like “LGBTQ History” and “Non- Violent Communication” to community activities like our 250 person drum circle, horseback riding, and zip-lining.” FREE to all. Youth are housed based on age, not gender or sexual orientation.

2024: TBA

Camp OutRight. Vermont. This is a week-long residential summer camp in Starksboro, Vermont for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, questioning, and allied youth aged 13-17. Youth aged 18-19 are encouraged to join the counselor in training program. Camp activities include traditional camp fun like archery, swimming, boating, tennis, as well as arts and theatre, and social justice related workshops. Cost: $625. There are a limited number of partial scholarships available for VT youth who are in financial need. This year will be their 13th year!

2024 Dates:

• Session 1: Friday, July 5 – Thursday, July 11
• Session 2: Saturday, July 13 – Friday, July 19

Camp Rainbow Phoenix: PFLAG Durham, Ontario, Canada. For LGBTQ youth aged 13-17. “Youth Leadership Camp focuses on building and nurturing the leadership potential and personal resiliency of youth in an effort to help them become agents of positive social change in their schools, families, and communities. ” This camp is FREE, and is funded through donations from the community.

Dates:

• Birth Years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 – July 21-26, 2024
• Birth Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 – Aug 18-23, 2024

Camp Seen: Colorado. A camp for LGBTQ teens on “61 acres that offer a mix of alpine, prairie, and riparian ecosystems. ” Camp provides a space for interdependence, friendship and community belonging, and campers are supervised by dedicated counselors who provide a safe space for youth to be themselves. Cost is $3000 for the week, and scholarships are available.

2024: July 20th- July 27th

Camp Speers YMCA LGBTQ Week: Outside Philly, PA in the Poconos Mountains. This camp is “for LGBTQ youth, allies, and children with LGBTQ parents, grades 7-12. This will be a safe space for all campers to have fun and participate in traditional camp activities while building confidence and focusing on the four YMCA values.” Cost: $965, contact them for financial aid.

Dates: June 30-July 5th

Transcend Talahi Camp, with Transcending the Binary. Michigan, about 30 mins from Ann Arbor. Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth Camp. Ages 13-17. Spend a week in a supportive, relaxing environment while partaking in traditional camp activities such as lake front, camp fires, arts and crafts, hiking, boating, and more. Cost: $425-525 (3 tiered options).

Dates: TBA

Camp Ten Trees. Pacific Northwest. This camp is one of the oldest LGBTQ camps in the US and “is a place for diverse youth [8-17 years old] who share common experiences to come together and form a community that is truly their own.  In addition to traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, and nature hikes, campers engage in age-appropriate workshops exploring identity, issues of oppression/privilege, youth coalition building, social justice, and more. After a long hiatus stemming from the COVID pandemic, we are happy to announce that we are officially going back to camp in 2024!” Youth week rates range from $500-$2400. Teen week rates range from $800-$3000 and LEADs rate ranges from $1100-$4850.

Dates:

• Session 1: Teen Week! (For Queerspawn and LGBTQIA+ teens ages 13-17) August 11th-17th
• Session 2: Youth Week! (For Queerspawn and LGBTQIA+ youth ages 8-12) August 19th-23rd

Camp Ten Oaks: Canada. Two locations, one near Ottawa, and one closer to Toronto. This is a “sleep-away camp for children and youth ages 8-17 from LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer) identities, families and communities.” It was the first of its kind in Canada, and opened its doors in 2005. Activities at Camp Ten Oaks include sports, waterfront activities, hiking and nature exploration, as well as social justice discussions, and they believe in empowerment through play. Cost: sliding scale $995-1550

Dates: CTO East July 28 – August 3, 2024, and CTO West August 27 – September 2, 2024.

Transcending Adolescent Camp: Central Florida. “Transcending Adolescence has created a summer camp program for transgender youth to have a safe space to connect with each other and receive support from a staff of trained camp counselors.” Ages 13-17. They also have a mentorship program that helps youth stay connected throughout the year. Cost is $1200.

Dates: 2024 TBA

Camp True Colors. Willow River, Minnestoa. This camp is organized by One Heartland which serves youth of different social identities who may be navigating isolation/stigma in their lives. True Colors is their camp for LGBTQ youth and in 2022 they will host 4 separate sessions which they are very excited about! Camp activities include canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and talent shows, as well as educational sessions on matters pertaining to the LGBT community. Cost: Sliding Scale: The lowest cost is $50.00 and the highest $1850.00. We do offer financial assistance to make camp affordable.

Dates: TBA

Welcome Friend Association’s Rainbow Camp: Summer camp located in Northern Ontario, Canada for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, 2 spirited, plus and Allied youth, their siblings and children in Queer families, ages 8-18. Campers are split into different sessions by age (8-11, 12-14, and 15-17). They also have a two week Leaders in Training program for youth 17-18. This camp includes traditional camp activities as well as workshops that focus on gender, sexuality, health, community, leadership, and creating safe spaces. Several different sessions over the summer!

2024 Dates: See here! (Too many to list here)

2. WEEKEND/SINGLE DAY CAMPS/RETREATS

ASPYRE Camp: Greensboro, NC. A Safer Place for Youth to Reach for Excellence (ASPYRE) Leadership Camp is for middle-school and high-school LGBTQ and allied students to learn how to make a difference in their schools and communities through team-building activities and presentations. Due to donations, cost is only $25 per student.

2024: TBA

Camp Aurora: Manitoba, Canada. Hosted in Whiteshell Provincial Park, this is a weekend retreat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 14-19. This is an inclusive environment for youth to themselves and feel supported, while doing the typical summer camp activities like canoeing, swimming, crafts, s’mores, a talent show, and more! Cost: unknown, but one of their goals is to support youth of different socio-economic backgrounds.

2024: TBA

Camp Eclipse: Newfoundland, Canada. “Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods”takes a strength based, harm-reduction, and solution focused approach to the issues faced by lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LBGTQ) youth,” and provides a space for youth to build relationships, find support and have fun! For youth 16-24, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Founded in 2019. Full cost of camp is $400, but they only ask for a minimum of $50.

Summer 2024: TBA, usually held in August

Camp FYrefly. Canada. Founded in 2004. This camp  is a 3-4 day educational, social and personal learning retreat with camp locations in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. They seek to honor the Indigenous land that the camps are located on, and acknowledge continuing colonial violence. They are open to Campers who are lesbian, gay. bissexual, trans*, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, queer, questioning, pansexual, asexual, and allied youth between the ages of 14 and 24. “fYrefly is an acronym which stands for fostering, Youth, resilience, energy, fun, leadership, yeah!”

2024 Dates:

• Saskatchewan: July 11-14, 2024
• Ontario: TBA
• Camp Chief Hector, Kananaskis, AB August 25-29, 2024
• Edmonton, AB July 25-28, 2024

Glitter Camp: Olympia, WA. USA. “Glitter Camp is our annual youth-led camp for LGBTQA2S+ youth ages 12-21 and Stonewall staff, volunteers, and Board members. We’ve had to skip the last few years because of the pandemic, and we’re thrilled that it’s back! Since 2010, we’ve gone on an annual excursion for three or four days  to a comfortable camp (heated cabins!) to plan and re-vision Stonewall Youth programs, bond, share, and participate in awesome workshops. We treat each other with respect and conspire together about the social justice work we want to do in our community”

2024 Dates TBA: usually held in August

OutLandish: California. Outlandish! aims to bring LGBTQIA+ youth out into nature for day-long hikes and other activities. The participants, accompanied by qualified adults, will be immersed in the natural world where they can learn about themselves and the complex ecosystems around them. Because we believe the outdoors should be accessible to all people, each trip is FREE or by any donation.

P10/Project 10 Summer Camp: Montreal, Canada. P10 runs an annual bilingual weekend retreat in July which gives 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 14-17, and 18-25 (two different groups) the chance to connect with each other, relax, and have fun in the woods! Activities include hiking, swimming, s’mores, a talent show, crafts, sports and more.

2024: Dates TBA

Sam and Devorah Foundation Retreat: Berkshires, MA. USA. This organization hosts weekend retreats for trans youth, as well as leadership retreats for trans young adults. From a description of the 2018 retreat on their website: “[T]eens participated in support groups, yoga, educational workshops such as legal issues, and a gender journey session. Interspersed were recreational activities including a rope course, nature walks, art projects, and a giant campfire with singing, skits, and s’mores. A hairstylist was on hand giving participants gender-affirming haircuts. The counselors and teens spontaneously organized a drag make-up night as well as a late bunk night where teens were encouraged to ask the counselors anything and everything about being trans. Connections and friendships sprouted everywhere; a safe, caring and supportive community formed.”

Cost: Estimated $175-200. Full and partial scholarships available.

2024: TBA, usually held in September or October

Camp Unirondack’s QSA Retreat Upstate New York. A weekend for LGBTQ high-school students to connect and have fun, and talk about LGBTQ issues. $40 per person if accompanied by an adult adviser. $60 if coming as an individual. I learned about Camp Unirondack (A UU Camp/Conference Center)at the Tri-State Summer Camp Conference and their regular summer camp was one of the first in the country to offer gender-inclusive cabins, and their summer camp isn’t even an LGBTQ specific camp! They are awesome. They have many different kinds of programming, including a Queer-Youth weekend.

2024: September 13-15, 2024

TYEF Youth Retreats: Weekend retreats in the summer and fall in a confidential New England location. TYEF retreats focus on providing a space for trans and gender non-conforming kids aged 6-16 to socialize, have fun, and participate in a variety of traditional camp activities like swimming, kayaking, archery, arts and more.  Cost: $485 a camper, partial and full scholarships available.

2024: July 26-July 28th

The Youth Project:This camp is located in Nova Scotia and has three 4-day long camps. 2021 Camps were virtual and day-camps due to covid. Not sure if they continued in 2022 or will continue in 2023.

Camp Coyote is for trans-identified and gender-questioning youth age 20 and under, providing a safe space and an opportunity to meet new ppl and engage in activities like “trans-health discussions, campfires, scavenger hunts, swimming, arts & crafts, resources, and more!” Dates: TBA

Camp Seahorse is for LGBTQ + identified youth aged 20 and under, providing a fun place to be free of homophobia. “Activities include: writing, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, support & discussion groups, resources, campfires, ghost stories, swimming, and much more.” Dates: TBA

3. MUSIC, ART AND THEATRE BASED CAMPS: 

Rainbow Circus: Toronto, CA. “This immersive camp week will include lots of circus learning, as well as games, crafts, and shenanigans. Suitable for kids those ages 5-17, students will be grouped by age to be with their peers! Our programming is geared toward supporting neurodivergent students and creating an affirming space for 2SLGBTQ+ folks and all of our coaches fall into at least one of these categories.” Cost: $440 + HST

DATES 2024:

• July 2-5th Circus camp (5+)
• July 8th-12th Performance camp (8+) -experience required
• July 22nd-26th Rainbow Teens (12-17)
• July 29th-Aug 2nd Circus camp (5+)
• Aug 12th-16th Rainbow Teens (12-17)

Pride Rock: Rochester, NY. Day music camp for LGBTQ+ Youth and allies between the ages of 10-17.  “Campers receive instruction on the instrument of their choice, attend workshops, form a band with new friends, write an original song together, and perform in a showcase at a local venue.” Cost: $375, with a sliding scale based on need.

Dates: Aug 5–9, 2024

QORDS: Haw River Summit, North Carolina. “Queer-Oriented Radical Days of Summer” is a music and activism-oriented camp, open to queer and gender non-conforming youth or youth of (LGBTQQIA) families, aged 12-17. First camp was held in 2013. They will be back in person in 2024 after being online due to covid! Campers learn to play a musical instrument, and perform together at the end of the week!

2024: Dates TBA

Gender Generations: Victoria, BC, Canada. (Formerly known as the Trans Tipping Point). This is a biennial retreat organized by the Victoria Pride Society which allows trans youth to connect with other youth, and creatively express themselves.

2024: Will not be held in 2024–but will be back in 2025!

4. SPIRITUALITY-BASED Camps/Retreats:

The Dubois Center’s Rainbow Camp: Illinois. Started in 2015. A one day of fun activities, including swimming, horseback riding, archery, pontoon rides, and an end of the day BBQ. “DuBois Center is a place where everyone is welcomed as a child of God. Come experience camp in the beauty of God’s creation and have a whole lot of fun. Rainbow Camp is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer singles, couples, and families. Straight allies are welcome too.”Cost $40 for adult, $35 for child. Horseback Riding is extra, and there are some early bird rates available.

2024 Dates: TBA, Usually held on a Saturday in early August.

Ga’avah (Pride): New York camp for 6-18 year olds with both summer sessions and monthly meet ups during the year. “Activities include swim, arts, theater, athletics, outdoor adventures, LGBTQ visitors, discussions, fireside chats, leadership and advocacy.” Cost: unclear from website

2024: July 1-August 16

Keshet Teen Shabboton Gatherings For LGBTQ & ALLY TEENS. ”Meet new friends, learn about LGBTQ organizing and identities, and celebrate Shabbat with a warm, vibrant community of LGBTQ and ally teens and adults.These peer-led Shabbaton weekends of learning, Jewish ritual, and community building are open to LGBTQ and ally Jewish teens.” Ages: 13-18. Cost: $54 for food, lodging, programming, and group transport from select locations. Limited scholarships and air-travel help available.

Dates and Locations:

• East Coast Shabbaton: March 29-31
• Midwest Shabbaton: March 15-17th
• West Coast Shabbaton: May 10-12th

Machane Lev. This is one of the first Jewish camps in Canada for LGBTQ youth, or youth who come from LGBTQ families, and it was founded in 2018. It is for kids aged 8-16. Machane Lev means “Camp Heart.” “It’s a place where you can bring and be your whole heart. There are many ways to be Jewish. There are many ways to be family. There are many ways to be. You are valuable, and belong.” Camper Cost: $1250 CAD (scholarships available).

2024 Dates: Sunday, August 18th to Monday, August 26th

The Naming Project: Minnesota. Camp for youth aged 14-18 (or who have completed 8th-12th grade) who want to explore gender and sexuality in relation to their spirituality. Typical camp activities of canoeing, swimming, campfire songs, hiking, along with bible study, worship and reflection time. This year’s Theme: Abundant Life! Cost: $400

2024 Dates: July 28 – August 2, 2024

Pilgrim Lodge Camp Pride: Maine. Camp for LGBTQ youth and allies (entering 7-12th grade, and recent graduates) founded in 2017. “Camp Pride exists as a space for us to explore our identities, our faiths, and ourselves, in addition to all the regular summer camp activities like swimming, hiking, boating, arts & crafting, and enjoying the beautiful shores of Lake Cobboseecontee. We are an interfaith camp hosted by Pilgrim Lodge, a camp of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC).” Atheists or youth of no faith are welcome to attend, but should understand that spirituality will be a frequent part of conversation. Cost: $550-725. Contact them about scholarships.

2024 Dates: June 23rd-29th, Sun to Sat

Spirit Pride Project: Texas.“Spirit Pride Project (SPP) exists to create a welcoming and safe community for youth and young adults of all sexual orientations and gender identities to experience and share spirituality, community and acceptance.” This camp is for LGBTQIA people, and children of LGBTQ people aged 12-30, applications are divided between 12-17 yr olds, and 18-30 year olds. Allies aged 14-25 are also welcome. Folks are housed according to age. Located in East/Central Texas, cost is $200 per camper, and they work with folks to make it possible for everyone to come.

2024 Dates: January 26-28, 2024 and April 12-14, 2024

Queer Talmud for adults. See below.

5. SPORTS:

Able to Sail: Longmont, Colorado, 20 miles north of Denver. This camp focuses on building self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of empowerment through learning how to sail! They will have two LGBTQ weeks this summer, for any LGBTQ-identified folks aged 12-18. The cost is $395.

2024 Dates: July 8-12th and July 29-August 2nd

Venture Out: New England and Pacific Northwest Trips. “Backpacking and Wilderness Trips for the Queer, Trans, and LGBTQ + Community.” Run for queer people, by queer people, supporting leadership development, creating a safe space for queer and trans people to be in the outdoors, with the added goal of supporting QPOC access to the outdoors. They include youth trips for kids aged 13-19 in New Hampshire, cost is $875 and includes food and equipment. Scholarships available! They also have adult trips (see adult camps below for more details) and a Family Camp for parents (see below “children and parents”).

6. Day Camps

Épanouie: Pasadena, California. A day-camp (10am-2 pm) for trans-feminine youth ages 10-12. Épanouie is 5 days, and youth will connect with others who have a similar gender journey to them, having a ton of fun playing indoor and outdoor games, making art, and engaging in team-building activities. Activities focus on increasing resilience, while also “providing youth with skills and information for body positivity and puberty awareness.” Organized through a collaboration between the Los Angeles Gender Center, the Institute for Girls’ Development, and the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Cost: early bird–$610, $640 after June 1st. Some partial scholarships available.

2024: Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th

Camp Dragonfly: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Camp Dragonfly is a summer camp for trans+, gender-creative and gender diverse kids, their siblings, and friends ages 6-13. Cost: $175 per kid, $350 cap for families sending more than one kiddo! If cost is a barrier, please get in touch.

Dates 2024: TBA

Camp FIERCE: California. Day camp. Camp FIERCE stands for Freedom of Identity and Expression Through Rainbow Community Empowerment. This is a “Day Camp for Rising 3rd-9th graders led by Rainbow Community Center Youth Program Staff and LGBTQI+ High School and Young Adult Counselors. Participants can expect to enter an affirming space and participate in a wide range of self expression, arts, and empowerment activities. Additionally, youth will engage with LGBTQI+ Queer Teaching Artists who will join our camp for specialized programming each week.” Cost: $450. 

2024 Dates:

• 3rd-6th grade: Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th
• 7th-9th grade: Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th

Camp Free 2 Be: DC/MD/VA area. “Camp Free2Be is a week-long summer day camp for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth ages 6-14. Kids come for fun, games, songs, crafts, science, skits, LGBTQ+ history, friendships, community, and being their authentic selves!”

• Session 1: July 15-19, 2024
• Session 2: July 22-26, 2024

Camp Indigo: Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado; Akron, Ohio; Austin, Texas. This day camp (9:00 am to 3 pm) for trans and non-binary kids is organized by two different age groups, 4-11 year olds, 12-17 year olds. There are scholarships/financial aid available. “Camp Indigo was founded on the belief that trans and gender diverse kids deserve a ‘normal’ summer day camp experience. When so much of a child’s life is based on educating others and trying to find their place in the world, Camp Indigo is what childhood is meant to be: fun, friend-centered, and full of wonder.” Ages 4-11 cost: $500, Ages 12-17 cost: $550

2024:

Boulder, Colorado

• June 3rd-7th
• June 10-14th

Oakland, California

• June 24th-28th
• July 1st through 5th
• July 8th – 12th

Akron, Ohio

• July 1st-July 5th

Austin, Texas

• July 15-20th
• July 22-26th

Primitive Pursuits: Gender-Creative Camp: Ithaca, NY. Tuesday-Friday, 8:45-4:30 pm. AGES 11-15. “his camp specifically centers youth identifying as transgender, gender-nonconforming, questioning, or non-binary (TGQN) and will be led, in part, by adult mentors who also identify as LGBTQIA+. In a supportive and fun environment, we will express our creativity as well as exploring our deep connection to nature. Singing, theater games, and artistic endeavors merge with naturalist, outdoor living and ancestral Earth skills in this creativity-focused week. Weaving our stories together, we will create the basket that will carry us through this week and beyond.” Cost: $385-485 (some financial aid available.)

Dates: 2024 7/8-7/12

Rebels of the Moon: Vermont. “A [day] camp built for young women, gender nonconforming and trans youth who are interested in connecting to nature, yoga, social justice, community and radical self-love. We will spend each day focusing on one of the 7 energy centers in the body as we explore what it means to step into your personal power and voice.” Ages 12-17, cost $200-275

Dates: July 31 – August 4 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Camp Unicorn: Pasadena, CA. A summer day camp (1pm-4 pm) for trans and gender non-conforming kids aged 6-10. Connect, create, empower! “Join others on a similar gender journey for four days of arts, crafts, games, and unicorn magic!” Includes a unicorn pop bake-off, face-painting, water balloons, and a magic show. Cost: early bird: $360 (till June 1st), then $385. Bring a friend discount of $50. Some partial scholarships available.

2024: TBA

7. CAMPS OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA:

Gendered Intelligence. Essex, UK. For trans and non-binary youth, ages 11-17, and 16-25. “On camp you can expect a range of activities and games to get involved with, such as art, journaling and exploring nature. All this, plus sharing round campfires, cooking and eating as a community and living in a trans-only space for 3 days.” Founded in 2010.

2024 Dates: TBA

Hojokamp: The Netherlands. A camp for LGBTQ + youth aged 13-25. Organized by Stichting Outway, this camp has existed since 2002, and provides a space for LGBTQ youth to be themselves! 6 days of different activities, including workshops and games. You can only attend once, in order to provide space for others. Cost: 229 euros.

2024 Dates: 4 to 9 August 2024

Mosaic Camp: Wales, and Brighton UK. Delicious food, good company and interesting workshops. “Mosaic’s retreats provide you with an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, as well as to join an accepting, friendly and fun LGBT+ community. You will have the chance to make friends, partake in great activities, soak up the atmosphere, and learn useful skills.”

2024 Dates:

• Winter Retreat, Brighton. 12th – 14th February 2024
• Summer Camp Snowdonia, Wales. 28th July – 4th August 2024.

OASIS. near Barcelona, Spain. Their first camp was held in 2015, and their program has grown from 3 days to a week. They serve youth of diverse gender and sexual identities and expression. I can’t find information about age, but it seems to be teen/adolescent focused. They write that camp is a fun place to socialize with others like yourself, and includes workshops on different identities, comprehensive sex ed, arts and crafts, as well as workshops for parents. They also have sports activities, including kayaking and hiking, and performances by LGBTQ artists. (2024: link is broken, not sure if this camp still exists).

2024 Dates: Usually held in July

Inside Out Hui, Porirua, New Zealand. Shift is a “national hiu (gathering)” for youth of “minority sexes, sexualities, and genders!” It is for young people aged 15-20. “Hui is the Māori word for a gathering and we use it to mean an awesome gathering/queer camp! Our hui are usually held on a marae over a few days with awesome guest speakers, workshops, a talent show and all sorts of fun.” More info here. Cost is a suggested $100. Minimum $10, but folks can pay what they can.

2024 Dates: TBA

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8. COLLEGE STUDENTS:

Camp Pride, is a camp organized through Campus Pride. Charlottesville, NC. This is a leadership academy for undergraduates (from 2 year, 4 year, HBCU, southern, religiously-affiliated and TCU colleges/universities, aged 18 +), with a social justice focus and emphasis on learning leadership and organizing skills.

2024 Dates: TBA

T*Camp: An InterCampus Retreat for Trans/Genderqueer & Gender Questioning Students. Southern California. This is a 3-day retreat for college students from different campuses to discuss gender and learn from each other. Organizers are hopeful that this will be especially valuable to students who may not have many other trans/genderqueer/questioning students on their campus. Cost: $150.

2024 Dates:  April 12-14, 2024

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9. For FAMILIES AND CHILDREN to Attend Together

Camp Brave Trails. California and Georgia. In 2018 Brave Trails hosted their first family camp weekend for LGBTQ parents and their kids. There were yoga classes, parents-night off, hiking, arts and crafts, teen adventures, toddler town, family games and more! This year they are hosting a family camp in Georgia!

• SESSION 1 (LOS ANGELES, CA): FEBRUARY 2-4, 2024
• SESSION 2 (LOS ANGELES, CA): FEBRUARY 9-11, 2024
• SESSION 3 (ATLANTA, GA): APRIL 12-14, 2024

Ferncliff Rainbow Family Camp: Rainbow Family Camp is a weekend camp retreat experience specifically geared towards families with LGBTQIA+ children and youth, including those who are gender non-conforming, non-binary, and trans.

•  June 21st-23rd, 2024

Harbor Camps host two family weekends for families of transgender and gender-non-conforming youth (Labor Day Weekend, and the weekend before Labor Day Weekend) as well as week-long overnight camps for kids 8-17.

Camp Highlight: Located in Wernersville, PA at a 600-acre camp facility. Camp Highlight (for kids of LGBTQ families) hosted its first Family Camp in October 2018. Now the adults can enjoy the fun too! Adults are $210 and children ages 3 to 18 are $160. Children under 3 years old may attend for free. Optionally, families may pay $690 for the whole family. Dates TBA, usually in October.

Camp It Up!: Quincy, California. LGBT Family camp. Activities for adults, tweens, teens, and children. Swim or float in the lazy river, learn new specialty art skills, tie-dye, participate in the carnival, and more fun activities. Summer camp has 1-10 day sessions. Sliding scale fees, and there are different costs depending on age. See here.  

Summer 2024: July 3rd-7th.

Keshet Camp: near Yosemite. Jewish LGBT Family camp, for anyone with an LGBTQ parent. Now celebrating over two decades of existence! A place where families can feel included and safe, and celebrate their commonalities. Keshet is Hebrew for Rainbow. Child-care available for all ages, allowing adults and children to participate in various activities like yoga, hiking, arts and crafts, S’mores, etc.

Dates: August 22 – 25, 2024

Camp Out Camp: Southwest Michigan. This is the Midwest’s first and only lgbt family camp! They are all inclusive and have campers ranging in age from 2 months-65 years old! “At CampOut Family Camp, you define family. We are open to all families that identify with the LGBTQ community.” Held over the course of a weekend, activities include waterskiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, canoing, tennis and more. Childcare is also provided at particular times so that adults can have some child-free time together. Adults: $350 each, Children 5 and Up: $300 each and Children Under 5: Free

2024: AUGUST 15TH – SUNDAY, AUGUST 18TH 2024

Provincetown Family Camp: Organized by the Family Equality Council and COLAGE, this is one of the biggest annual gatherings of LGBTQ-Identified families in the world. And they are celebrating their 30th year this year! “Family Week will include more opportunities than ever to build community and to get empowered on today’s issues. Join us for daily events or relax on the beach with other LGBTQ families.” There are many different options for a variety of age groups.

2024 Dates: July 27 – August 3

Back to Table of Contents.

10. Last but not least, a selection of CAMPS FOR ADULTS! 

Camp Camp: Enjoy a traditional summer camp making new friends and playing like a kid again! Accommodations are based on three options, gendered, non-binary, or gender inclusive. Each session has about 200-250 attendees, ages 21-80+. This is the perfect vacation for folks who like the outdoors, being active, and meeting new people! Cost: $1975 (Options for reducing fees by being staff are available, and there are a few campership funds to help reduce cost as well).

2024 Dates: august 11-18

Easton Mountain Retreats: New York. Easton Mountain is a “community, retreat, and sanctuary created by gay men.” They have programming for gay, bi, queer, and trans men throughout the year, with various themes, including weeks celebrating Thanksgiving, New Year, and Fall fun, as well as weeks for Bears, writers, folks in recovery, folks involved in Kink, and gay men of color. Dates and prices vary, see here for more details. 

Jamboree: Canada. “Jamboree is a great, inexpensive vacation like you’ve never experienced before! Each year, 275 LGBTQ adults (19+) from the Out & Out club rent a summer camp in the Haliburton area (3 hours northeast of Toronto).” Cost for 7 days: $692 (early bird)-$717. Cost for 4 days: $420 (early bird)-$445.

2024 Dates:

• Saturday August 17-Saturday August 24th
• Tuesday, August 20-Saturday August 24th

Camp Lost Boys: Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. A camp for Men of Trans Experience to celebrate male/masculine identities in an outdoor space. This is not workshop based or academic, it is about having fun in the outdoors! Get the chance to experience a boyhood you may not have been able to experience. Cost: $475-780 (depends on whether you are in a shared cabin or private room). Note that while there are many ways to be male/a man, this is for male/men-identified folks only, and is not a space for non-binary identified folks.

2024:

• Colorado May 10th-13th, 2024
• Pennsylvania June 7th-10th, 2024
• Oregon Aug 30th- Sept 2nd, 2024

Queer CampOut, New Mexico. “Queer Campout was founded by a group of friends and friends-of-friends and friends-of-friends-of-friends in 2017. The idea is just what it says: camping out, with a bunch of other queers! We’re using “queer” here as an umbrella term encompassing non-heterosexual sexualities, as well as trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer folks. Frequently within public spaces, queers don’t feel safe. The goal of this camping trip is to create space in our community that centralizes the safety and comfort of queers. That means fat queers, skinny queers, femme queers, butch queers, trans queers, queers of color, agender queers, genderfluid queers, queers without documentation, queers of different abilities, queers of all flavors. ”

2024 Dates:

• May 17-20 – QTBIPOC
• September 6-9 – Open to All

Queer Talmud: “A gathering of queer folks, radicals, and seekers who come together for five days to immerse themselves in rigorous yeshiva-style learning in warm, loving, and joyful community….we build a vibrant learning space that celebrates queer culture, cultivates intergenerational relationships, and reveals the deeply rooted radical queerness of the Jewish tradition.” On hiatus due to covid-19

Black and Wild (formerly the Rusty Anvil): Vermont. 4 day back-packing trips for BIPOC, reconnecting BIPOC to nature through mindful wilderness trips and ancestral skills workshops. “Being out in nature is a way for us to shed ancestral traumas related to the wilderness and feeling a sense of belonging. We deserve to enjoy wild spaces and learn wilderness skills without worrying about our safety, and truly benefit from the healing that nature has to offer.”

Venture Out: New England and Pacific Northwest Trips. “Backpacking and Wilderness Trips for the Queer, Trans, and LGBTQ + Community.” Run for queer people, by queer people, supporting leadership development, creating a safe space for queer and trans people to be in the outdoors, with the added goal of supporting QPOC access to the outdoors. Their events include Winter Getaways, Nature Reflection, Classic Backpacking, Trans-masculine, and POC centered trips in NH, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts and Oregon. There are different skill levels from beginner to experienced, and prices range from $275-800 depending on location/length of trip. Check out more details here.

2023 Dates: Variable: check out their website for the most up to date info!

References: 

Google searches, comments and emails from people who want their camp added, and these excellent websites/articles:

GLAAD 2014 list of camps 

Brave Trails 10 Best LGBTQ Summer Camps (2014) 

PFLAG’s List of Youth Camps 

5 Camps for Trans Men 

LGBTQ Camps Give Youth a Place Where They Can Be Themselves in a Safe Environment

Gender Sexuality Info LLC Camp List

Image Credit: Chalk rainbow by Alex Jackson on Unsplash