Our Camp

At Camp Lavender, we celebrate identity, champion inclusivity, and cultivate resilience. Our program blends classic camp activities with workshops and discussions on activism, social justice, and community building.

• Brave Spaces: We prioritize the wellbeing of every camper, with a focus on queer and transgender youth. We create the safest spaces possible, while also encouraging our camp community to safely experience discomfort and challenges in order to learn, grow, and thrive.

• Leadership Development: Teens will gain tools to advocate for themselves and others while learning to lead with authenticity. For older campers, we also offer a specialized leadership program within camp called Counselors in Training, where youth leaders can follow their passions and give back to their community in meaningful ways.

• Community Connections: From campfires to workshops, we foster friendships and solidarity. Our campers not only connect with their local LGBT+ community, but forge valuable connections with their peers.

• Our Vision: We are dedicated to a liberated future, where all people are free to thrive and bloom in community.

Activities

• Activist Skill-Building: Grassroots organizing, navigating social justice issues, and learning your legal rights.

• Creative Expression: Art, music, and theatre workshops to amplify your voice.

• Classic Camp Fun: Hiking, swimming, crafts, and talent shows -- because it's summer camp!

Who Can Join?

Camp Lavender is open to all high school youth, from incoming freshman to graduating seniors. We focus on creating an inclusive environment, especially for those who may not feel supported elsewhere. College freshman are also welcome to apply to be a Counselor in Training.

Safety at Camp Lavender

Safety is a top priority, especially for the population we serve. For emotional and social wellbeing, we always strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone's identity is respected and celebrated. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination of any kind are never tolerated. All counselors and staff are trained in light mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, and supporting both LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth. We are all mandated reporters.

For physical safety, our camp's address is kept private until after a family has successfully registered and completed an interview. All of our families consent to Camp Lavender staff seeking emergency medical care in the very unlikely event of a medical emergency. We have an open door policy and take appropriate steps to prevent youth from sneaking out. We also have several safety plans in place in the event of any type of emergency, including site-required fire drills.

Accessibility Policy

We are committed to making our summer camp experience enjoyable for our entire community. Although we are not a disability-centered camp, we are fully led by a disabled board. Prospective staff and campers with any sort of disability are entitled the same rights to attend camp as non-disabled staff and campers, and will never be rejected from Camp Lavender due to their disability. Our goal is to accommodate all people, although we are sometimes limited in our capacity to do so. If you have any questions about yourself or your camper, please reach out to us at info@camplavender.org! Here are some accommodations we offer all of our campers:

• Self-Selected Activities: Campers select their own afternoon activities on the same day of the activity, allowing them to gauge their own accessibility needs at the time.

• Alternate Activities: Any potentially strenuous or overstimulating activity will always have an alternative activity that is designed to be as accessible as possible for campers to opt into.

• Calls Home: Offered on a case by case basis to campers with significant homesickness, anxiety, or other types of distress. Otherwise, electronics are not allowed at camp.

• Turtle Time: Each day includes an hour of quiet time for staff and campers to nap, meditate, or whatever else helps them to recharge. We encourage all campers to take this time to stim, relax, rest their joints, and listen to their bodies.