Camps for 2SLGBTQ+ ages 12-17
Welcome Friend Association's Rainbow Camp®, Rainbow LEAD, and Rainbow Quest are camps for young people who are 2 spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning (2SLGBTQ+) and allied youth, their siblings and children in Queer families. WFA's Rainbow Camps® are committed to developing a camp community which honours creativity, individual choice, and social justice while having fun!
Rainbow Camp®
Rainbow Camp® includes choice-based programming from all three of our program streams: education and activism, artistic endeavours, and active outdoors alongside traditional camp activities such as group games, cabin challenges, campfires and waterfront programming!
Our goal is to offer a custom experience which means that participants can design their own ideal Rainbow Camp® program. We will be offering multiple programs so that participants can choose sessions and activities that they feel most passionate about.
We will be offering programming in three major streams: education and activism, artistic endeavours, and active outdoors.
Education and Activism includes educational programming, guest speakers and presenters, and social justice. Programs have included: Trans 101, Seven Grandfather Teachings, Intersectionality 101, ABCs of 2SLGBTQ+, Queer Music, Sign Language, Metis Culture, Sex Ed, Coming Out: Tips/Tricks + Safety Plans, Insect Identification, Faith Formation and Spirituality, Privilege Walks, Non-Binary Discussion Group, Queer History, and more!
Artistic Endeavours include arts and crafts, music, dance, drama, and writing. Programs have included: Journaling, Learn to Knit, Bob Ross Painting, Zumba, Bead Animals, Storytelling, Pottery, Ukulele Jam Sessions, Drama and Improv, Mindful Movement, Poetry, Karaoke, Stories through Dance, Cooking, Natural Clay Sculpting, Songwriting, Sketching with Charcoal, and Drag Make-up Workshop.
Active Outdoors programming includes our waterfront area, field, and wooded area. Specific programs include Swimming, Gaga Ball, Canoeing, Water Games, Fire Building and Survival Skills, Nature Walks, Basketball, Fort Building, Field Games, Beach Yoga, Compass Navigation, Soccer, Building Sandcastles, and Beach Volleyball.
Campers will also participate in camp-wide activities such as large group games, cabin challenges, cook-out and sleepout (yes! Sleeping under the stars!!!). These activities are based on a theme for the week which will be announced in your camper welcome package!
Rainbow LEAD
Become a LEADer at Rainbow Camp®! The Rainbow LEAD (Leadership Exploration And Development) program is designed for 2SLGBTQ+ youth who are age 15-17 who want to experience the fun and excitement of summer camp… while taking on added responsibility and honing leadership skills.
The Rainbow LEAD program aims to foster skills in collaboration, accountability and leadership through the lens of camp counsellors and leaders in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This program also serves as a great bridge for former Rainbow Camp® campers who want to become counsellors.
The Rainbow LEAD Program is a two-week program. Week one will focus on leadership, team-based activities, and social change. In addition to the leadership programming, LEADers will have opportunities to participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, campfires, and crafts.
In the second week, LEADers will be paired with a cabin group of younger campers and can employ their leadership skills with the support of Rainbow Camp® counsellors as mentors. LEADers will have opportunities to lead programming such as crafts, discussions, reflection circles, campfires, games, and group activities.
Rainbow Quest
Based on the success of our Adventure Week pilot project in Summer 2022 and 2023, we are expanding to offer TWO Adventure Week programs in Summer 2025! Our adventure week programs include a 3-day canoe trip where participants get to sleep under the stars (in tents), learn about the natural environment, gain camping skills and spend time outside in nature!
Please note that there will be a swim test administered on the first day of camp. If you do not pass the swim test or are a weaker swimmer, you will be placed in a canoe with a certified lifeguard during the canoe trip instead of being able to choose your canoe partners. You do NOT need any prior camping or canoe experience, we will teach you everything you need to know!
Campers attending a Rainbow Quest Camp will also spend a couple days onsite at Rainbow Camp doing all the typical camp stuff such as swimming, campfires, games, and crafts.
