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.
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.

Be The Reason They Go
Every day, 2SLGBTQ+ youth quietly scroll past Rainbow Camp’s posts — watching but unsure if they belong. You can change that. A $2,000 donation gives one teen the chance to belong — to laugh, to grow, and to be exactly who they are. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by July 15. Sponsor a camper today. Be the reason they go.
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