Spotlight on Durham GSA Leadership Camp

Through your support of Community One Foundation, a 2011 Rainbow Grant to Durham PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) was made possible, and this grant has made a tremendous impact not only to the attendees of the camp but to thousands of youth from the Durham region.

In July of this year, some 20 LGBTA youth and counsellors spent 4 days at a camp in Durham and I had the pleasure of joining them in order to see our grant in action. At the camp, attendees had the same experiences that every youth enjoys which makes camp such a great time - archery, nature walks, canoeing, swimming, roasting marshmallows, crafts (and of course, Smores!), singing (man-o-man some of these campers have incredible talent!), in addition to gaining some valuable information to lead a Gay / Straight Alliance in their school this fall. All in an environment where they were physically and emotionally safe to truly and genuinely be themselves!

During the time at the camp, I watched these kids connect, develop and share in ways that have truly inspired me! They pushed the boundaries of their comfort zones, shared deeply personal stories and experiences, and challenged some of their beliefs. I, along with every counsellor, have been changed by the time spent with this incredible group of youth. There was belly-aching laughter, releasing pent-up tears, quiet reflection and genuine connecting.

As the camp was coming to an end, everyone, campers and counsellors alike, were dreading to have to say good-bye, but were equally excited over reconvening next year! The hugs were strong and very long, the tears flowed and plans to maintain connections were made.

These incredible youth will be returning to their schools in the fall to run a Gay / Straight Alliance, and thanks to YOUR support, they have some tools to support this work, and a network to help them make a difference to EVERY youth - LGBT and straight in Durham!

History has now been made--the FIRST LGBTA camp east of the Rocky Mountains, and plans are underway to begin planning next year's!

As you are going about your day, and thinking that you'd like to make a real difference, please know that by choosing to support Community One, you have positively (and permanently) changed the lives of many; and that through these incredible youth, countless other lives will be impacted.