Sarnia-based not-for-profit Diversity Ed is hosting a new camp for 2SLGBTQ youth from across Ontario this summer.
There will be 80 spots available in the Aug. 3-7 QT (queer, trans) Camp at the Lambton Center grounds in Lambton Shores, said Diversity Ed’s Crystal Fach.
Typical camp activities like archery, hiking, arts and crafts, and bonfires are going to be mixed in with advocacy education, peer mentorship, queer and trans history and SafeTalk certification, Fach said.
“Because we know that a lot of 2SLGBTQ youth have high rates of suicidal ideation, so giving them the equipment they need when they hear certain things to be able to bring that information to an adult and to keep that person safe,” Fach said.
The camp for high-schoolers is about meeting new friends and having fun, but also gaining knowledge to be advocates for change, Fach said, noting a youth ambassador program is also planned through Diversity Ed, to have youth advocates around the province.
“We’re going to focus on our youth that are more marginalized or have less access to these camps, but definitely it’s going to be open to all 2SLGBTQ youth,” Fach said.
Registration opens April 10 and details will be at Diversity Ed’s Facebook page, Fach said.
The camp is similar to a child welfare camp for 2SLGBTQ youth called Camp Lifting Leaves that the provincial government announced recently was expanding as part of an $820,000 investment over three years.
Part of that funding is also going to expanding staff training and encouraging more 2SLGBTQ foster families in Ontario, officials said.
It’s unclear if Diversity Ed’s camp will benefit, Fach said.
The agency is partnering with the local Children’s Aid Society chapter on various initiatives, Fach said.
“We’re crossing our fingers but regardless this camp is happening,” Fach said about the potential for funding.
Camp QT is not restricted to youth in the child welfare system, Fach said.
“I’m just grateful that the government is seeing the importance of our youth having access to these spaces,” Fach said.
“Because it’s not always comfortable for them to go to a non-2SLGBTQ camp, for a variety of reasons.”
About 14 per cent of the 50 youth served in the Sarnia-Lambton Children’s Aid Society identify as 2SLGBTQ, said executive director Dawn Flegel.
It’s believed that number is low because some don’t feel safe self-identifying, she said.
Meanwhile, just four per cent of foster parents identify as 2SLGBTQ, she said, noting the local system has about 45 homes.
It’s “critical” to increase that number, but some 2SLGBTQ people have historically been hesitant to sign up, she said.
“We still hear through word of mouth ‘Oh, I didn’t think I could because I’m trans. I didn’t think I could because I’m gay,’” Flegel said.
All are welcome, she said.
“So we’re hoping to get that word out more in the communities, to have more people available for children and youth.”
Information sessions were being planned with Diversity Ed, she said recently, to dispel myths and encourage more participation.
“I think there are lots of people in this community that have lots of love to give (and) there are amazing youth out there just waiting for the right placement,” Fach said.
The provincial funding is also expected to go to more training on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersectionality to help ensure CAS provides services in an inclusive and affirming way; and to raising awareness about the discrimination that 2SLGBTQ youth and families face, Flegel said.