What is Queer Camp?
Queer Camp is the only 2SLGBTQIA+ youth summer camp in Arkansas, and one of approximately 40 2SLGBTQIA+ youth summer camps out of the over 12,000 summer camp programs in the United States. That means not even 1% of summer camps in the US are made for queer youth. We are proud of the supportive, caring community of campers, families, and volunteers that make up Queer Camp, and we invite you to join us! We currently offer a one-week day camp, a weekly hangout, and periodic events throughout the year.
Queer Camp
Queer Camp is a day camp for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies ages 12-18. Queer Camp creates a space where campers feel safe, celebrated, loved, and valued by their community without fear of judgment. QC is supported by a diverse community of adult LGBTQ+ volunteers and staff.
Open Doors
Wednesday Open Doors is a weekly opportunity for our community of campers, volunteers, families, and friends to get together, eat a free meal, and hang out.
Other Events
Queer Camp hosts periodic fundraisers, Queer Camp Lite weekends, a Nightmare Before Gay Christmas Halloween party, and in 2025 we will hold our first ever Queer Camp Generations, a one-day adult-only Queer Camp event!
Our Story
It's no secret that queer youth struggle with higher rates of bullying, mental health struggles, and feelings of isolation compared to their peers. Summer camps can be a difficult experience for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who feel like they don't belong. Our journey began with a simple idea to create a safe space where disempowered queer youth in Arkansas can explore their identity, find community, and have fun in the same ways as any other kid attending a summer camp.
This idea blossomed into a powerful force for change. Queer Camp creates an accepting, supportive, empowering community for 2SLGBTQIA+ teens and allies, fostering connection, compassion, and love. Queer Camp offers a space where queer teens can relax, make friends, find support from both peers and adult mentors, utilize necessary services, and participate in fun, creative camp activities. Our campers leave with new friends, experiences, and a sense of belonging.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a safe, inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to explore, build connections, and foster personal growth. Through our programs and events, we support young individuals in embracing their identities and creating a strong, supportive community.
Since our establishment in 2021, we have offered over 300 unique camper experiences, witnessing the transformative power of unity and compassion at an 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming summer camp community.
Join us in creating a brighter future for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth!
Why Queer Camp is Needed
Camper haikus written at Queer Camp 2024.
In recent years, Arkansas has often made news headlines for leading the nation in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation, particularly in laws targeting queer youth. These laws include bathroom bans, sports bans, limiting youth gender-affirming care, school "outing" laws, and repealing queer legal protections. But these laws and news headlines alone don't reveal the full extent of struggles for queer Arkansans. Consider these facts:
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In 2024, Arkansas received the worst score of any state for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in the history of reporting by Out Leadership.
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The Human Rights Campaign's 2024 State Equality Index gave Arkansas the lowest ranking possible.
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Arkansas ranks in the top 5 highest poverty rates in the US according to the 2022 US Census Bureau, and has trended in the top 10 in the US for many years. Poverty rates disproportionately affect BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, leaving these vulnerable community members with few resources for support.
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The Trevor Project's 2022 study revealed the following about 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Arkansas: a staggering 74% struggled with anxiety, 62% struggled with depression, 48% considered suicide, and 17% had attempted to end their lives.
These issues are a common trend for Arkansans and paint a bleak image of the lives of Arkansas' 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Despite all of this, queer Arkansans keep fighting to make our state better. This is why Queer Camp is a necessary: We are a loving community, a refuge for queer youth, and a beacon of hope for future generations.
Help us make a difference by donating, sponsoring, or volunteering!