As Brave Trails continues to expand and thrive, we are thrilled to announce that next summer we will host our first full camp session in the Southeast. Alongside our West Coast and East Coast sessions, we will be running a 9-day overnight LGBTQ+ leadership summer camp in the Metro Atlanta area of Georgia! We are excited to be closer to youth in this region and hope this expansion brings resources and queer joy to the South. We're thrilled to announce Blake Mitchell (they/he) as our Summer Camp Director for Brave Trails!
As we stand on the precipice of a brighter future, it's your unwavering support that enables us to dream bigger and reach higher. Our goal is to create a world that honors and uplifts LGBTQ+ individuals in every way imaginable. Together, we are writing a beautiful chapter in the ongoing story of love, acceptance, and celebration. Check out the incredible things we were able to accomplish in 2024!
Reflecting on the incredible journey of the past ten years is nearly impossible to capture in a few words, but here’s what I can share: Brave Trails came into my life in early adulthood when I was still discovering my own identity and the importance of having access to LGBTQ+ spaces. I initially applied to be a cabin counselor simply to be the type of person I needed growing up. The goal I wrote down on my staff questionnaire that first summer was to make a positive impact on at least one young person’s life and let them know they deserve to embrace their authentic identity. That goal soon shifted into a new career trail, and this work has continually filled my cup with an abundance of love, pride, and community.
Find out the top 10 reasons why LGBTQ teens love Camp Brave Trails! Camp Brave Trails is a leadership focused summer camp for LGBTQ youth, ages 12-17. Camp is located in California and Maryland.
Held 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.
In 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.
Looking for the right LGBTQ summer camp for your kid? We’re here to help! We at Camp Brave Trails believe that every LGBTQ young person deserves the opportunity to have a safe, welcoming, and affirming summer camp experience. Check out our list of 13 affirming summer camps service LGBTQ+ youth in the US and Canada.
With 2023 coming to a close, we reflect on another year of advancing our mission rooted in love, community, and pride. A huge thanks go out to our campers, staff, parents, donors, and community supporters whose invaluable contributions played a pivotal role in connecting LGBTQ+ youth with their people, place, and passion in 2023. Thanks to your unwavering support, we've had another incredible year of programming!
Throughout the month of November, we will also present various ways for you to engage and support our mission. Making a donation stands as one of the most effective means to contribute to our cause and assist us in reaching our goal of raising $50,000 in November. This support will enable us to further expand our efforts and amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ youth. Join us in this #SeasonOfGiving!
Together, as a community, we've built a non-profit organization that now offers a diverse range of youth programs and is working towards establishing our permanent forever home. This growth is ushering in a transformation of our leadership team to have a more significant impact on our organization. As part of this evolution, we're entrusting our talented new directors with the responsibility of nurturing our summer camp culture and programming. We're thrilled to announce Sophia Hastings (she/they) as our Summer Camp Director for Brave Trails!
As we stand on the precipice of a brighter future, it's your unwavering support that enables us to dream bigger and reach higher. Our goal is to create a world that honors and uplifts LGBTQ+ individuals in every way imaginable. Together, we are writing a beautiful chapter in the ongoing story of love, acceptance, and celebration. Check out the incredible things we were able to accomplish in 2023!
During the month of June, many companies launch pride collections, but not all brands prioritize giving back and making an impact to the LGBTQ+ community. We are overjoyed with the support we are receiving this pride season and beyond from brands small to large!
As part of #BlackHistoryMonth we thought we’d share some Black LGBTQ+ influencers who are making history as creatives, activists, and educators in our community. We know our LGBTQ+ ancestors would be proud of these folks for continuing the work they started. In moments of uncertainty, these are the voices we should turn to for guidance and wisdom. Representation matters and it’s important we continue to amplify #BlackLGBTQVoices year round. Please click on the images below to follow these modern queer heroes!
Find out the top 10 reasons why LGBTQ teens love Camp Brave Trails! Camp Brave Trails is a leadership focused summer camp for LGBTQ youth, ages 12-17. Camp is located in California and Maryland.
During the month of June, many companies launch pride collections, but not all brands prioritize giving back and making an impact to the LGBTQ+ community. We are overjoyed with the support we are receiving this pride season and beyond from brands small to large!
It feels incredible going into our 8th summer of programming being in the position of paying for a core staff to join us all summer long. Meet our core 22, a team who is about to embark on a mission of a lifetime, connecting 350 youth to this people, place, and passion this summer in California! We are blown away by the talent this team exudes and know our youth are in for a true treat this summer.
Finding a therapist is a whole journey and can take time to find the right fit, especially when you are seeking therapy that is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Any therapist can indicate that they are LGBTQ+ affirmative on sites like Psychology Today, so these types of questions can be important information for you as a client to ask when having a consultation with a new therapist. Even when seeking services from known LGBTQ+ community clinics, these considerations can help you determine if a therapist is the right fit for you.
In honor of Black History Month, it’s important to educate ourselves on the Black LGBTQ+ folks who paved the way. Here is a list of 10 Black influencers who made a prominent impact on the LGBTQ+ community during a time that living as an openly queer or trans person of color was not an easy task. We must remember their legacy as we continue anti-racist work for a braver and bolder tomorrow.
Our summer camp staff is the beating heart of our mission. Find out the top 10 reasons why LGBTQ+ role models love to work for Camp Brave Trails each summer! Applications to join our team are now open!
