At Brave Trails, we believe there is no one way to be a camper, a leader, or a young person discovering who they are. Many of our campers and staff identify as neurodivergent. That can look like ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, learning differences, anxiety, or simply experiencing the world in a way that does not fit into traditional expectations. We do not see this as something to “manage.” We see it as something to understand, support, and celebrate.
Read MoreHeld annually on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to celebrate transgender and non-binary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. Advocates also use the day to raise awareness around discrimination and violence that trans people still face.
Read MoreAt Brave Trails, we believe LGBTQ+ youth are not just our future. They are out now. We are deeply concerned by recent changes in Kansas that invalidate updated gender markers on driver’s licenses and enforce restrictions requiring transgender people to use bathrooms aligned with sex assigned at birth. Policies like these do more than alter paperwork. They impact real young people navigating school, travel, healthcare, and daily life.
Read MoreWhile broad support for LGBTQ+ people remains relatively strong, acceptance is not evenly share —and the gaps are widening. For transgender and nonbinary people in particular, the climate has become markedly more hostile. National polling shows that 62% of Americans now support restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and 69% favor limiting the participation of trans athletes in sports aligned with their gender identity. These shifts are not abstract. They show up in classrooms, locker rooms, and lunch tables.
Read MoreDuring Black History Month, we are taking intentional time to honor the voices, leadership, and legacy of Black trailblazers who shaped the world we live in and who continue to guide how we move through it today. Throughout history, Black trailblazers used their voices to name injustice, imagine a better world, and push real change into motion. We share these stories with care, honoring both the pain and the power in our community’s history. These voices remind us that resistance can be gentle, that love can be strategic, and that hope can be sustained.
Read MoreExploring the ideal LGBTQ+ summer camp for your child? We’re here to help. At Camp Brave Trails, we believe every LGBTQ+ young person deserves access to a safe, inclusive, and affirming summer camp experience. Whether your camper is looking for leadership development, outdoor adventure, creative expression, or simply a place to belong, affirming summer camps can be life-changing.
Read MoreToday, federal health officials announced new actions that would significantly restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse minors, including changes that could make care inaccessible even in states where it remains legal. While these measures are still unfolding, the message they send is already being felt by young people and families we serve across the country. For us, this conversation isn’t only about policy. It’s about people, our young people. 65% of our campers identify as trans or nonbinary, and Brave Trails exists so they can experience what every young person deserves: safety, belonging, and the freedom to grow into themselves.
Read MoreLGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth arrive carrying nerves, hesitation, and often a lifetime of being misunderstood. Many come feeling guarded, unsure of how much of themselves they are allowed to show. And then, something shifts. They leave with confidence, friendships, and a deep sense of belonging that many of them have never experienced before. Families often ask what makes Brave Trails different from other summer camps. The answer is simple and powerful. This is a place where queer and trans youth are not just included. They are centered, celebrated, and cared for.
Read MoreToday, federal health officials announced new actions that would significantly restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse minors, including changes that could make care inaccessible even in states where it remains legal. While these measures are still unfolding, the message they send is already being felt by young people and families we serve across the country.
Read MoreLast year, we launched our first-ever Camper Board—and it was such a powerful success that we’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year! At Brave Trails, youth voices have always been at the center of our mission, and the Camper Board continues to be one of the most impactful ways we uplift, honor, and learn from our campers.
Read MoreEvery summer, we witness something extraordinary. In the cabins, along the hiking trails, and under the stars, young people step into themselves—sometimes for the very first time. At Brave Trails, more than 70% of our campers identify as gender diverse, and it’s one of our greatest honors to create a space where they can be affirmed, celebrated, and surrounded by possibility.
Read MoreOur history is one of defiance and brilliance. As queer and trans people, we’ve pushed back against erasure and demanded space to live fully, love loudly, and lead boldly. This LGBTQ+ History Month, we honor the visionaries and freedom fighters whose bravery made our lives possible today.
Read MoreTen years ago, Brave Trails planted a seed: a camp where LGBTQ+ youth could thrive as their fullest selves. Today, that seed has grown into a movement—and the next chapter is just beginning. From launching our Forever Home to expanding mental health care, we’re building a future where the world looks more like camp.
Read MoreThe Magic of Summer 2025 celebrates Brave Trails most transformative season yet — where LGBTQ+ youth across the country forged community, embraced queer joy, and stepped into leadership. With expanded reach into the Southeast (Georgia), hundreds of campers, robust mental health support, and deep financial aid, this post reflects on the milestones, impact, and stories that made summer 2025 unforgettable at Brave Trails.
Read MoreWe asked our campers and youth leaders what they actually want to see from allies this Pride season—and their answers were clear, courageous, and full of heart. From everyday actions to bold advocacy, they reminded us that allyship isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up. In this special blog post, we’ve compiled 10 tangible ways to support LGBTQ+ youth this Pride, inspired by their voices and grounded in real impact. Whether you’re new to allyship or looking to deepen your commitment, this list is for you.
Read MoreTrans History Week is here! From May 5–11, we’re uplifting the rich legacy of trans and gender-diverse people throughout history. Trans people have always existed—and always will. Join us in honoring their stories, celebrating their impact, and continuing the fight for trans liberation.
Read MoreIn the current political climate, LGBTQ+ youth face unprecedented challenges that significantly impact their mental health and sense of belonging. The Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health reveals that 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported their well-being being negatively impacted by recent politics. In this context, affirming environments like Camp Brave Trails are more essential than ever, offering safe spaces where LGBTQ+ teens can thrive.
Read MoreStronger Together. As LGBTQ+ affirming camps, we stand united against discrimination and for a future where all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can thrive. Our commitment to safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces has never been more important.
Read MoreIn celebration of Black History Month, let's take the opportunity to learn about the Black LGBTQ+ individuals who played a crucial role in shaping the community. This compilation highlights 10 influential figures who made significant contributions during a period when living openly as a queer or trans person of color posed substantial challenges. Reflecting on their legacy is essential as we persist in the fight against racism, striving for a future that is more courageous and inclusive.
Read MoreWe've seen an increase in parents, guardians, and caretakers asking how they can better support their LGBTQ+ youth. Your ability to show up for your child is invaluable and can make a world of difference. This guide is here to provide heartfelt, actionable ways to nurture your child's well-being and confidence during these challenging times.
Read More
