“CampOut is about finding a place to call home within a structured environment of peers and mentors. A place that offers guidance, a place to retreat and gather knowledge. A place to be heard, to share and celebrate diversity with others of the same persuasion.
It’s not just the peers and mentors that will change the experience, but the community behind it. That is perhaps the most essential component: having an experience that transcends beyond camp. Fellow campers, the counselors, and many others will serve perhaps as a new-found family and community. If there is one thing “we” in the LGBT community know well, it is the meaning of family, what it means to us and how we go about creating those bonds even when there are none”
– Hector Perez, Founder
CampOut will support LGBT young people become responsible, respectful adults: self sufficient and able to care for themselves and their families; with healthy family and social relationships; and willing and able to contribute back to their communities. CampOut will focus on LGBT young people aged in their mid-late teens, those questioning their sexual orientation, or in LGBT families. With this focus, CampOut will be open to all kids
CampOut will take proven approaches and make them accessible and appropriate for LGBT young people, including Summer Camp and mentoring. CampOut is currently consulting kids, families, experts and practitioners about the details of its service model but the core service offering will include:
• Summer CampOut: giving access to summer camp and the learning, development and fun that have made camp an essential element of American culture.
• Ongoing Mentoring with LGBT Adults: providing more trusted and supportive adult relationships and role models.
• Sustained relationships for both kids and families: through an online community of CampOut alumni, and contributing to the creation of safe and welcoming places for LGBT kids in schools and communities.
CampOut is seeking your support to turn this concept into a reality. This webpage outlines the CampOut concept, and we are seeking:
• Your feedback and reactions to the concept;
• Members of an Advisory Board to help guide these early stages;
• Individuals or organizations to be partners with us developing the infrastructure or providing services;
• Expressions of interest from potential mentees; and
• Financial supporters, interesting in contributing to the initial infrastructure and operating expenses.