Northern Ont. 2SLGBTQ+ youth camp in crisis after losing key donation

A northern Ontario summer camp for youth that identify as 2SLGBT+ says it’s in crisis. It’s getting requests from campers at the same time it’s lost funding.

A northern Ontario summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth says it is struggling to meet a surge in demand while facing a critical drop in funding.

Rainbow Camp, located near Echo Bay on the shores of Lake Huron, has operated since 2012, offering a week-long retreat for youth aged 12 to 17. This year, organizers say they’ve been inundated with requests from campers – many of whom come from rural and isolated communities where they face rejection or lack support.

“There’s this need for belonging, and we offer it,” said Harry Stewart, the camp’s co-founder and president of the Welcome Friend Association.

“Not all families are behind their child under the rainbow.”

Camp sees surge in applicants as corporate funding dries up

Stewart said the camp is now in crisis as corporate donations – particularly from U.S.-linked companies – have “dwindled or are not there.”

“Larger corporations that have anything to do with the United States have really backed off in funding because of the whole diversity thing that’s going on there … they feel they’re being monitored,” he said.

A lifeline for queer youth

The camp, which was recently awarded the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, provides a rare safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, many of whom describe it as life-changing.

Daniel, a former camper turned counsellor, recalled his first experience at Rainbow Camp in 2019.

“I didn’t realize how much of a weight I’d been carrying at that point – of my identity and my identity getting in the way of who I was and who I was interacting with,” he said. “But I remember showing up and suddenly that weight was lifted, and I was like, ‘Okay, I’m good.’ You don’t even realize the difference it makes until it’s there.”

Now, as a counsellor, Daniel sees the growing need firsthand.

“It’s wonderful seeing how many people are now feeling safer to come out and explore their identities,” he said. “I’m not surprised that there’s more interest being shown – because we need that.”

Stewart shared a recent example of a camper who was pulled from attending after their family learned the camp affirms 2SLGBTQ+ identities – a situation that underscores the camp’s role as a refuge. The organization said the child’s protection worker feared for the youth’s safety.

“This is why Rainbow Camp exists – and why we need your help,” he said.

Urgent call for support

Despite the rising demand, the camp has raised just $40,000 of its $100,000 operating goal for this summer. Stewart warned that without immediate help, they may have to turn youth away.

In an email to CTV News, the camp’s co-founder emphasized the stakes:

Rainbow Camp is now appealing to the public for donations and support to raise awareness.

“This would be devastating,” Stewart said. “Many of our campers come from communities where queer youth often feel isolated. Rainbow Camp is the only place some of them feel safe to be who they are.”

For more information on Rainbow Camp or how to offer support, visit their social media page.