Our 2024 Impact

 

In 2015, Brave Trails embarked on a mission that has since touched countless hearts and transformed lives. Our commitment was clear: to impact the LGBTQ+ community in ways that celebrate queer joy and create a nurturing space for trans healing. Today, as we reflect upon our 10 year journey, we find ourselves inspired by the profound significance of our work, particularly in the face of recent challenges posed by anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans laws and rhetoric.

In times of adversity, it's our community that shines the brightest. We extend our deepest gratitude to every camper, parent/guardian, dedicated staff member, generous donor, and unwavering supporter. Your belief in our mission has not only kept our dreams alive but also made transformative summers, like the one we've just experienced, possible.

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.

IN 2024, WE’VE DONE SOME AMAZING THINGS. HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • We provided 7 weeks of overnight leadership camp – five 9-day sessions in California and New York!

  • We proudly served over 350 campers from 38 states and 6 countries.

  • Through your donations, we were able to make camp more accessible by awarding over $130K in financial assistance to campers in need.

  • We hired 50 paid staff and 90 volunteers to join our unicorn team as role models to the LGBTQ+ youth we serve.

  • We hosted our fifth annual LGBTQ family camp, where 139 campers had a quintessential camp experience with other awesome families. We also ran a family camp in Georgia for the first time this year.

  • We took 9 campers and 4 staff on a queer-focused backpacking trips exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains!

  • We provided 1,600 hours of queer-affirming mental health services to youth in California.

  • We finished our first building on our forever home property, which will be the first-ever summer camp & community space solely dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth!

  • All of this and more! Join our newsletter to stay connected.

 
Jake Young