Summer is around the corner, and with school out for June, July and most of August, North Carolina’s queer and trans youth will be looking for ways to spend their day.
There are multiple summer camps for LGBTQ+ children across the Tar Heel State that offer many options for young folks.
Outward Bound — Asheville
Outward Bound is an organization based in the mountains of North Carolina, and it allows for LGBTQ+ identifying youth to take backpacking and rock climbing expeditions with LGBTQ+ instructors. The age groups eligible for these camps are high school aged kids from 14 to 18.
There will be nine different courses offered from June through late July. Registration can be found at https://www.outwardbound.org/course/blue-ridge-mountains-backpacking-rock-climbing/.
QORDS (Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer)
QORDS, an acronym for Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer, is a virtual camp experience for queer youth interested in music and art. According to the QORDS website, kids are divided into groups based on their age and will attend various workshops on various topics, including activism, queer science history and others.
Registration can be found at https://qords.org/.
Girls Rock NC
Girls Rock NC is a transformative experience where young girls, trans and gender-expansive youth rising to third through 10th grade come together to unleash their musical potential and build confidence through music education and empowerment workshops. Through a supportive and inclusive environment, campers learn to play instruments, form bands, write songs and perform live on stage. Beyond music, the camp actively develops leadership skills, self-expression, and a sense of community, empowering girls to find their voices and pursue their passions fearlessly.
Registration can be found at https://www.girlsrocknc.org/summer-camp.
ASPYRE Youth Camp
ASPYRE camp, hosted by the LGBT Center of Raleigh, is intended to empower young members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to learn about advocacy and activism while making a positive impact in their communities. This year, ASPYRE is set to take place at Chestnut Ridge campgrounds in Efland, NC, where over the course of three days and two nights, participants will engage in workshops, group activities and outdoor recreation.
Registration can be found at https://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/aspyre.