First time applying to Brave Trails? These questions help us learn about your interests, experiences, and what you're hoping to discover at camp.

1. Camp Experience

Have you ever attended a sleepaway camp before? If yes, tell us about your experience. What did you enjoy, and what did you find challenging?

2. Comfort in High-Energy Environments

Camp is a lively, high-energy, and social environment with minimal alone time. How do you feel about being in this kind of setting?

3. Connection with Nature

Brave Trails is a rustic, nature-based camp where electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and gaming consoles are not allowed. How do you feel about disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in this environment?

4. Motivation and Goals

What excites you about attending an LGBTQ+ leadership camp? What personal goals would you like to work toward while at camp?

5. Passion and Social Justice

At Brave Trails, campers explore social justice topics and work on a personal passion project. Which social justice issue are you most passionate about, and why? What is one idea for a passion project you could work on at camp? (It can be big or small, whatever inspires you to make a difference!)

6. Leadership and Making a Difference

Leadership can look different for everyone! What are some ways you've helped others, stood up for something you believe in, or made a positive difference, big or small? What leadership skills would you like to develop while at Brave Trails?

7. Deep Discussions and Serious Topics

During camp, we discuss important topics like gender, identity, body image, mental health, environmentalism, racism, and immigration in an educational and activism-based way. Are you comfortable participating in these types of discussions?

8. Excitements and Concerns

What are you most excited about if you're selected to attend camp? What are you feeling nervous or unsure about?

9. About You

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you? (For example, activities you're involved in, things you're passionate about, or accomplishments you're proud of.)

Welcome back! These questions give you a chance to reflect on your growth, share what you've been up to, and tell us what you're excited to explore next.

1. Excitement About Returning

We're so excited you want to return to camp! What excites you most about coming back to Brave Trails this summer?

2. Nerves and Concerns

Is there anything you're feeling nervous or unsure about as you prepare to return to camp?

3. Reflecting on Brave Trails' Impact

How has Brave Trails impacted you as a person and as a leader?

4. Your Growth and Leadership Since Camp

Since your last time at camp, how have you demonstrated leadership in your school, community, or the world? What steps have you taken to grow personally and as a leader? Please be as specific as possible.

5. Passion to Action (PTA) Group

Last summer, which Passion to Action group were you part of? Are you hoping to continue with that topic this year, or are there new social justice topics you're passionate about exploring?

6. Growth in Leadership Challenges

Were there areas of leadership you found challenging last summer? If so, how have you grown in those areas since then?

7. Goals for This Summer

If selected to attend this summer, what are your top three goals for yourself while at camp?

8. Leadership Qualities

What are your favorite leadership qualities that you see in yourself?

9. Programs and Workshops

Are there any specific programs or workshops from last summer that you hope are offered again this year?

Invited to apply for UJL? These questions help us learn more about your leadership journey, your interest in mentorship, and how you'd like to support the next generation of Brave Trails campers.

Please Note: Campers invited to apply for the Unicorn Justice League program will receive their invitation during the week applications open.

1. Impact of Brave Trails

How has Brave Trails influenced you as a person and as a leader? Were there any programs or workshops that made a lasting impact on you?

2. Reflection on Leadership at Camp

Thinking back to last summer, in what ways do you feel you showed up as a positive leader and role model in your cabin or during programs? Feel free to share specific examples, qualities you demonstrated, or memorable moments.

3. Why UJL?

Why do you want to be part of the UJL program this summer?

4. Role Model Qualities

What makes you a good role model for younger campers?

5. Future at Brave Trails

The UJL program is designed to prepare older campers for future leadership opportunities, including the possibility of joining the Brave Trails staff. What excites you about the idea of becoming staff in the future?

6. Goals for UJL

If selected, what would be your top three goals for yourself as part of the UJL program?

7. Excitements and Concerns

If selected to attend camp this summer, what are you most excited about? What are you feeling nervous about?

8. Leadership Qualities

What are your favorite leadership qualities that you see in yourself?

9. Inspirational Leaders

Are there any Brave Trails staff members who inspire you as a leader? If so, who comes to mind, and what about their leadership style stands out to you?

Ready for an adventure in the wilderness? These questions help us learn about your interests, goals, and comfort with the outdoor experience. No previous backpacking experience is required!

1. Hiking and Backpacking Experience

Have you ever been hiking or participated in an overnight backpacking trip? If so, tell us about your experiences. What did you enjoy, and what challenges did you face?

2. Motivation and Goals

Why do you want to attend an LGBTQ+ leadership backpacking trip? What personal goals would you like to work toward during this experience?

3. Interest in Nature and Environment

What do you hope to learn about the environment and nature on this trip?

4. Excitement and Concerns

What are you most excited about if you're selected to attend the trip? What are you feeling nervous or unsure about?

5. Social Justice and Passion Projects

Leadership development and social justice are key components of the Brave Trails experience. On this trip, hikers will have the opportunity to lead and participate in meaningful discussions. Which social justice topic are you most passionate about, and why?

6. Leadership Qualities

What are your favorite leadership qualities that you see in yourself?

7. Physical and Rustic Environment

Backpacking is physically demanding. You'll carry 20–30% of your body weight while hiking, camp outside in tents, and have no access to showers or indoor plumbing during the trip. How do you feel about this type of environment?

8. Engaging with Serious Topics

During the trip, we'll discuss important and sometimes challenging topics, such as injustice, gender, identity, body image, mental health, environmentalism, racism, and immigration. Are you comfortable participating in educational and activism-based discussions about these subjects?

9. Electronics-Free Environment

Our base camp and trails are completely electronics-free. Phones, laptops, gaming devices, and similar items are not allowed. How do you feel about disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in this type of setting?

You can use this simple fill-in-the-blank script to get started:

"Hi! My name is _____, and my pronouns are _____. I'm _____ years old.

Some of my favorite activities or classes at school are _____, and in my free time, I love _____.

Three to five words that describe me are _____.

When I'm feeling overwhelmed, something that helps me is _____.

I'm most excited about attending Brave Trails because _____.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me!"

Make it your own! Feel free to add something fun about yourself, share a favorite interest, or tell us what you're looking forward to at camp. You can use notes, practice beforehand, or read from a teleprompter if that makes you more comfortable.

Video length should be 1-3 minutes!

1. Record your video.

Use a phone, tablet, or computer. No special equipment or editing required!

2. Upload your video.

We recommend using Google Drive or an unlisted YouTube video. Both allow you to share your video without making it publicly searchable.

• Google Drive Uploading Instructions

• YouTube Uploading Instructions

3. Check your privacy settings.

Make sure anyone with your video link can view it without requesting permission.

• Google Drive: Under General Access, select "Anyone with the link" and set permission to "Viewer."

• YouTube: Set your video visibility to "Unlisted," not "Private."

This allows our Camper Selection Committee to watch your video while keeping it from being publicly listed. Anyone who has the link may still be able to view or share the video.

4. Copy and paste your link.

Add your shareable video link to the appropriate section of your CampSite application.

A few important reminders:

• Video production quality will never affect your application or financial aid eligibility.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing campers may include an interpreter in their video. Please make sure the camper is visible.

• If you need accommodations or don't have access to a recording device, contact us. We'll work with you to find a solution.

• You may delete your video after receiving your official acceptance letter.

Not at all! Brave Trails is a place to develop your leadership skills, not a place where you're expected to arrive with them already mastered.

Whether you're already involved in your community or just beginning to discover what you're passionate about, there's room for you to grow at Brave Trails.

Absolutely! Many campers join Brave Trails without any previous overnight camp experience. We want to learn about your comfort level, questions, and concerns so we can better support you.

That's completely normal! Many campers feel nervous when applying for the first time. You can practice, use a script, or record multiple takes. We're not judging your camera skills. We are just looking to get to know you and make sure we are the right space for you.

You might be able to use a device at your local library or borrow one from a trusted adult. If that's not an option, reach out to our team. We'll help you find another solution.

We want the application process to be accessible to everyone. If you need support with recording your video, answering questions, or completing your application, please contact our team so we can discuss accommodations.

Yes! You can return to your CampSite account to finish your application. We recommend reviewing the questions ahead of time so you can prepare your answers at your own pace.

Our Camper Selection Committee reviews completed applications to learn about each camper's interests, goals, and readiness for the Brave Trails experience.

We consider the full application, not just one answer or video. We also work to bring together a diverse community of campers with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

You don't need a long list of accomplishments to belong here. We're interested in who you are, what matters to you, and how you'd like to grow.

No. Financial assistance needs do not affect admission eligibility.

Nope! Returning campers are not required to submit a video, but we encourage you to record a quick hello. It's a great way to introduce yourself to your counselor before camp begins.