Welcome Friend Association (WFA) is dedicated to fostering understanding and acceptance of gender and sexual diversity. We provide vital programs like Rainbow Camp®, Rainbow LEAD, and Rainbow Quest to support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
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High rates of isolation and mental health challenges among 2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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Discrimination, rejection, and bullying faced by queer and trans youth at home, in schools, and in faith communities.
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Lack of safe and affirming spaces where youth can express themselves freely and authentically.
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Barriers to access for summer camp experiences due to financial hardship or geographic isolation.
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Limited visibility of positive 2SLGBTQ+ role models for youth navigating identity and belonging.
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Shortage of inclusive leadership opportunities for queer youth to grow confidence and skills.
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Disconnect between 2SLGBTQ+ youth and affirming adult mentors who understand their lived experiences.
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Need for broader education and awareness among families, communities, and organizations to support queer youth.
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Systemic stigma that contributes to disproportionately high suicide rates and poor mental health outcomes.
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Year-round gaps in support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth outside of summer programming.
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Operate Rainbow Camp® to provide a safe, affirming, and life-changing summer experience for 2SLGBTQ+ and allied youth.
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Deliver Brave Space training to schools, faith groups, and workplaces to foster inclusive, respectful environments.
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Recruit diverse staff and volunteers who reflect the identities and lived experiences of our campers.
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Ensure financial accessibility by subsidizing camp fees—no youth is turned away due to cost.
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Offer online year-round programming (e.g., Rainbow Online Connection) to maintain connection and support.
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Provide leadership development opportunities for returning campers to grow confidence and advocacy skills.
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Partner with affirming churches, unions, and businesses to expand reach and build sustainable community networks.
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Leverage storytelling and camper testimonials to raise awareness, empathy, and financial support.
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Use targeted outreach to reach rural, northern, and underserved communities where support is limited.
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Evaluate program impact through camper feedback, parent surveys, and mental wellness indicators.
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Raise funds through diverse streams including grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.
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Every 2SLGBTQ+ youth feels safe, seen, and celebrated, no matter where they live.
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Dramatic reduction in isolation, depression, and suicide rates among queer and trans youth.
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Sustainable access to affirming spaces across Canada through in-person and online programming.
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Stronger, more inclusive communities that actively support and uplift 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
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A new generation of confident 2SLGBTQ+ leaders empowered through mentorship and leadership training.
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Cultural and systemic change in schools, faith groups, and organizations through Brave Space education.
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Expanded national reach so youth in all provinces and territories can access our programs.
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Permanent, stable funding model that secures the future of Rainbow Camp® for decades to come.
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Recognition as a national model for inclusive youth programming and mental health support.
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Ongoing impact tracking showing increased camper confidence, mental wellness, and social connection as indicators of success.
Be the reason they go.
Be the reason they grow.
Be the reason they belong.
🌈 Be The Reason They Go & Grow
For more than a decade, Rainbow Camp® has been a life-changing space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their allies. A place where acceptance isn’t earned, it’s celebrated.
Thanks to your generosity, hundreds of campers have experienced belonging, joy, and safety, often for the very first time. But our work isn’t done.
As we look to the future, Welcome Friend Association is planning the next chapter of Rainbow Camp®: perhaps a permanent, year-round home designed to grow alongside the community we serve. Our vision includes accessible cabins, nature-based learning spaces, leadership development, and Brave Space programming that empowers youth well beyond the summer — while also expanding our online programming to reach 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies who may not yet be able to attend camp in person, ensuring connection and support year-round
Your support today helps us build that future. A future where every young person can explore who they are in a space made just for them.
Welcome Friend Association's Rainbow Camp® is a camp for young people who are 2 spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning (2SLGBTQ+) and allied youth, their siblings and children in Queer families.
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