Brave Trails 2023 Recap

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.

As we gear up for our 10th year of programming, we kindly invite you to consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support our work and impact. Whether through a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor, your generosity will help us continue making a positive difference.

Thanks to your unwavering support, we've had another incredible year of programming:

Leo (he/him) & Taryn (he/him)

Leo, a first-time camper, and Taryn, returning for his third year, instantly bonded this summer at camp. Their friendship blossomed as they dived into all sorts of camp activites, soaking up lessons and experiences that made them grow as individuals. The photography workshop became their sweet spot, where they captured camp's beauty, pride, and joy while enhancing their skills and enthusiasm for the craft.

What made Leo and Taryn stand out was not just their photo skills but also their passion for  dismantling misogyny and toxic masculinity within the LGBTQ+ community. Both being transmasc, they actively joined a workshop that celebrated femininity in the Queer and Trans community. In a heartfelt chat, they talked about the challenges faced by those identifying as Femme.

Their impact was quick and powerful, prompting Leo and Taryn to reflect on their own lives and find ways to be better in how they treated others. Excited to share their learnings, they became agents of positive change in the camp community. Their vibes encouraged campers and staff to try new things, enjoy the good moments, and build strong connections.

Leo and Taryn's motto, "Every transmasc deserves a glittery twirl spinny moment," echoed around camp, reminding everyone to be true to themselves. Their lively spirit also sent a message that being a supportive friend, even while wearing a rainbow tutu, isn't just accepted but celebrated!

Hanna Senbë she/her

Unicorn Justice Lead & Head Counselor

Hanna returned for her third summer at Brave Trails, now marking her second consecutive summer as a dedicated role model, actively involved throughout the entirety of the camp season. Hanna brings extensive expertise in youth development, showcasing notable contributions such as crafting neurodiversity training, creating our innovative Passion to Action curriculum, advancing our Unicorn Justice League, and supporting our staff at a Head Counselor. Serving as the Passion to Action lead, Hanna designed a curriculum that enabled campers to explore their passions, engage in research on current events, and effect tangible change on their chosen topics. In her role as Unicorn Justice Program Lead, Hanna, alongside co-lead Jamie, provided a platform for our eldest campers to delve into leadership opportunities, preparing them for potential future roles as staff members and equipping them with skills applicable to their future careers. Hanna truly models what it looks like to truly embody a leader in spaces like ours. We know Hanna will continue do great things for communities like ours!

Passion To Action

Brave Trails consistently incorporates initiatives to cultivate leadership, education, and community engagement among campers. This summer, our dedicated staff member, Hanna Senbë, revitalized our Passion to Action program, placing a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts. Campers explored their personal passions, shared knowledge, and engaged in meaningful actions, fostering teamwork and inspiring positive change in their communities. The summer underscored the importance and power of giving youth a platform to make their voices heard.

Throughout our five camp sessions, over 50 camper groups embarked on diverse projects, addressing topics such as ocean conservation, fast fashion, transgender athletes, neurodivergent advocacy, racial justice, disability rights, and more. Notably, a group of five 12-18 year olds delved into gun control, dedicating six days to researching its impact on  students. They ended their activism work at camp by making a courageous call to their congressperson in front of the entire camp. This powerful moment garnered applause and empowered fellow campers to advocate for change.

These projects ignited impactful conversations, leaving both campers and staff inspired. We eagerly anticipate witnessing how these passion individuals will continue to make a positive impact in the world.

Kofi Opam they/them

Racial Justice Lead + Cabin Counselor

Kofi returned for their second year at camp, having made a significant impact the previous summer. This time around, they eagerly assumed the role of Racial Justice Educator and cabin counselor. In their capacity as the Racial Justice Educator, Kofi collaborated with fellow staff members of color to develop a curriculum focused on teaching campers the essential principles of anti-racism. The curriculum delved into the historical aspects of racism within camp environments and empowered campers to be allies in fostering safe spaces for people of color. Notably, Kofi orchestrated our inaugural raising of the Juneteenth flag, commemorating the U.S. federal holiday established to recognize the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865. This event served as a poignant moment for both campers and staff, fostering an acknowledgment of the historical presence of white supremacy in the United States and paying tribute to Black LGBTQ+ trailblazers and activists who paved the way for progress. Kofi stands out as a trailblazer, embodying excellence as a trans role model within our team.

Partnership with TOMS

TOMS has been an invaluable and steadfast ally in championing Brave Trails' mission. Their dedication goes beyond financial support, with a generous donation of $75,000 earmarked for our Mental Health Program. Demonstrating remarkable compassion annually, they assemble mental health boxes containing fidget toys, coloring books, and other essentials, offering crucial aid to our campers. As part of their commitment to fostering queer joy at camp this summer, TOMS provided charter buses for all four of our California sessions, allowing campers and staff to enjoy a beach day. Over 100 LGBTQ+ individuals at each session had the opportunity to experience genuine queer magic and affirming beach moments, courtesy of TOMS. Adding to the enchantment, they collaborated with Bethenny Frankel to provide two staff, four campers and their plus ones with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: VIP tickets to Taylor Swift's eras tour and a pre-party at the TOMS office. TOMS' comprehensive support underscores their unwavering dedication to Brave Trails' mission, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them!