Happy 10 Years Brave Trails!

A Message from Jake:

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.

Witnessing firsthand the profound impact Brave Trails has had on communities has been a privilege. Seeing campers grow into adults who now work in careers such as caregiving, activism, teaching, mentoring, and with organizations like GLSEN to create even greater change is truly inspiring. Watching our camp evolve from a one-week program to a multi-state, full-summer camp with year-round mental health support has been a immense gift. I feel better sleeping at night knowing LGBTQ+ youth have more community, affirmation, and resources than I did growing up. I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a small role in shaping our program into what it is today.

The fight for this safe and empowering space is ongoing, and this work remains as vital now as it was a decade ago. Every queer and trans individual deserves to envision a future, build community, and amplify their voice. I look forward to seeing how the Brave Trails community continues to expand and impact even more LGBTQ+ individuals in the years ahead.

Help us honor our decade of programming by making a donation to this vital work. All donations are tax deductible and will support the creation of our forever home!

To all the staff, campers, parents, board members, and the wider community who contribute to making Brave Trails what it is today: You have truly made the world a better place. Let's cherish the memories we have made this past decade and carry them with us as we envision an even more vibrant future for this community! 

Be Brave! Be Bold! Be True! Be You!

In Community,
Jake Young - Communications Director