Trans Awareness Week: Honoring the Power of LGBTQ+ Camp for Trans Youth
Every summer, we witness something extraordinary. In the cabins, along the hiking trails, and under the stars, young people step into themselves—sometimes for the very first time. At Brave Trails, more than 70% of our campers identify as gender diverse, and it’s one of our greatest honors to create a space where they can be affirmed, celebrated, and surrounded by possibility.
For many trans and nonbinary youth, the world doesn’t always offer space to explore freely. That’s why we build camp with deep intention—making it a safer place for self-discovery backed by evidence and care. Research shows that LGBTQ+ young people who have at least one affirming space experience 35% lower odds of attempting suicide and significantly stronger mental-health outcomes. That statistic isn’t abstract to us—we see the truth of it every summer in the confidence, joy, and relief that unfold when campers feel fully supported.
Affirmation by design: Why our approach matters
From our gender-neutral housing to our gender-diverse role models, from our identity and leadership workshops to our neurodiversity accommodations, every aspect of Brave Trails is built to help youth feel safe in who they are and bold in who they're becoming.
Studies from college campuses show that gender-inclusive housing increases belonging, reduces safety concerns, and improves mental-health outcomes for trans and nonbinary young people. We see the same impact at camp: when youth don’t have to justify themselves just to sleep or get ready in the morning, they have the freedom to focus on friendships, leadership, and joy.
Likewise, research on LGBTQ+ youth programs has shown that identity-affirming workshops strengthen self-esteem, resilience, social support, and pride—all of which are protective factors against depression and anxiety. At Brave Trails, our workshops invite youth to explore identity, build leadership skills, and connect with peers and mentors who simply get it. These are not just activities; they are evidence-based interventions that nurture belonging and well-being.
What affirmation feels like in real time
One camper, Ruth, shared:
“It was the first time I have felt truly seen as a trans person living in the South… Camp has given me both confidence to express myself and a better understanding of my identity.”
Ruth’s story reflects what we hope every camper experiences: the relief of being seen and the joy of being understood. Whether it’s trying on a new name, wearing clothes that finally feel right, or meeting mentors who mirror their journey, each moment at camp becomes an act of affirmation—an act shown in research to improve emotional well-being and identity pride.
Another camper, Kaden, told us:
“I have never felt safer than I did here. I found my forever family… I now feel comfortable in my body and identity.”
When we talk about community, this is what we mean—a network of belonging that stretches far beyond campfire songs and summer memories. Studies show that identity pride and strong social support are directly linked to lower depression symptoms and better educational and emotional outcomes. Brave Trails helps young people carry that support into the world, long after the last day of camp.
Celebrating the brilliance of trans youth
As we honor Trans Awareness Week, we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and joy of our trans and gender-diverse campers and staff. They remind us daily that authenticity is power and that community care is transformational.
We invite you to learn more about our programs, refer a camper, or share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can continue to celebrate and uplift trans youth—not just this week, but every day.
In 2025, the need for supportive communities like Camp Brave Trails is more critical than ever. Such environments play a pivotal role in fostering resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment among LGBTQ+ youth, counteracting the negative impacts of societal challenges.