LGBTQ2+ youth from across Canada and the United States are given the chance to experience summer camp in an inclusive, non-judgmental atmosphere in beautiful Northern Ontario.
What's Rainbow Camp® all about?
Rainbow Camp® is a one-week camp for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, Two Spirit (LGBTQ2+) and allied youth, their siblings and children in Queer families.
Rainbow Camp® provides opportunities for campers to make new friends and develop skills through traditional camp programming and innovative curriculum. More than anything, Rainbow Camp® is a fun, inclusive space for campers to be themselves without worry of judgement.
Donate through Northern Credit Unions Crowd Funding campaign. We receive the full amount of your donation. You will receive a tax receipt for donations over $10.00
Donate through CanadaHelps. We do not receive the full amount of your donation. You will receive an instant tax receipt.
Why do we need your help?
Rainbow Camp® was founded in 2012 and has struggled each year to raise funds to make camp financially accessible to those who need it most. The limitations of renting a small camp space and a lack of funding each year has prevented Rainbow Camp® from expanding beyond 35 campers and 12 staff. We need your help to keep Rainbow Camp® operating each year and to expand to accept more campers who want so desperately to participate.
A large percentage of our campers come from the foster care system, and can't afford camp at all. We provide subsidies to ensure that youth from all backgrounds can access Rainbow Camp® despite financial barriers.
All of our campers identify as part of the LGBTQ2+ community with 80% identifying as trans. Your support enables our campers to experience one amazing week to make the other 51 weeks of their year that much more bearable.
What our campers and parents say about Rainbow Camp
Rainbow Camp has given me a safe space that I can be 100% myself and feel valid and loved
I learned a lot of things, a lot of new experiences that I am going to use in my life
moving forward. It exceeded my expectations!
This has been the most connection she has had since the pandemic.
My daughter has not stopped talking about camp. She loved meeting everyone, she is bragging about all her new friends around the world, and she loved that she was able to be herself and didn’t have to fear judgement from anyone.
I miss everything about camp, every year even through the toughest moments I think of camp and it helps me keep going ❤️ y’all are miracle workers I swear❤️
My daughter enjoyed her week at camp…called it “life changing”!! Thank you to all the staff and team!! You are greatly appreciated!
I’ve been going to rainbow camp for 2 years and it is amazing! I’ve not only made friends, I’ve made family. I feel so accepted when I go and I can have a hate free week with loving counselors and caring friends. Thanks Chris and Harry! Can’t wait to come back next year 🙂
Rainbow Camp’s philosophy is that LGBTQ2+ young adults can live the change they want to see in the world.
My first dance that I was able to be myself.
I was afraid my son would commit suicide. Then he went to Rainbow Camp and came back happier than I had ever seen him. I believe Rainbow Camp® saved his life. Thank you!
What will the funds be used for?
Rainbow Camp® runs on donations to provide campers with the kind of inclusive experience they so desperately need. Your dollars will go directly towards:
- Enabling youth from the foster care system to attend Rainbow Camp®.
- Travel costs for our campers.
- Providing nutritious, balanced meals.
- Supplying campers with arts & crafts materials to express their individuality and experience through art therapy.
- Supporting camper activities such as outdoor skills, makeup demonstrations, canoeing, Rainbow Camp® dances, and much more.
- Renting the camp location for the three-week duration of camp.
- Paying our wonderful, skilled, and supportive staff.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to learn about and support Rainbow Camp®!
