Content
Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
Sudbury

LGBTQ summer camp for teens seeking funds

The Rainbow Camp, based in Thessalon, is considering scaling back their summer camp to one week if they can’t raise enough money to keep it afloat.

Demand for Rainbow Camp so high, organizers want to add second session

CBC News ·
Rainbow Camp help LGBTQ teens meet in a supportive summer camp environment. (www.welcomefriend.ca)

Organizers of a camp in northeastern Ontario for LGBTQ teens are looking for the public's help.

The Rainbow Camp, based in Thessalon, is considering scaling back their summer camp to one week if they can't raise enough money to keep a second week afloat.

Organizers say that every year there is a waitlist for the camp, which is why they want to have two-week long camps this year.
Harry Stewart, chair of the Welcome Friend Association, says that because of high demand, the Rainbow Camp is looking to add a second week to its summer schedule. (Harry Stewart-- LinkedIn)

Harry Stewart, chair of the Welcome Friend Association, which funds the camp, said a crowdfunding site has been set up.  

"We've only been running camp for one week and we can only take a maximum of 35 youth," Stewart said. "And because we had a waiting list last year, we've decided to do two camps this year."

Stewart said the camp is important because it provides teens with the opportunity to be themselves.

"I've got a father who has a gay son and said 'You know, your camp saved my son's life. It gave him some new friends, it gave him confidence to be who he is,'" Stewart said.

"It's a lot of work, but the rewards are just wonderful."

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News
Corrections and clarifications|Submit a news tip|

External Links