Frequently Asked Questions

  • Queer camp is for LGBTQIA+ youth in middle school, junior high, and high school (ages 12-18).​ We are also thrilled to welcome supportive allies who want to help create a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for queer youth. Allies’ presence, support, and advocacy are important for fostering acceptance and understanding. Together, we celebrate identity, build community, and amplify the joy and resilience of our campers.

  • ​Queer Camp is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. For the safety and privacy of our community, the exact location of our summer camp and other Queer Camp events is shared only with registered campers, approved caregivers, and vetted volunteers shortly before each event.

  • The format of camp can change a little each year, but the general layout of a day at camp typically looks something like this: Campers arrive each morning between 8-9 am, enjoy some chatter and morning games with their camp Color Team, then head to a selected Track period where campers will focus on a weeklong project or experience with their Track Group. Past Track focuses have included D&D, creating an art mural, creating a garden, and more! After Tracks, campers join Empowerment Groups with licensed therapists to explore discussions centered around LGBTQIA+ experiences. Then, everyone comes together for an hour lunch before breaking out for various afternoon activities, including art projects, video games, tabletop games, outdoor recreation, makeup and beauty, singing, theater, and more! Finally, campers rejoin their Color Teams to discuss the day, then head home around 6 pm. Queer Camp runs for 5 days each summer, and usually includes one day of field trips and a Family Night dinner.

  • Queer Camp is a day camp. While we hope to offer an overnight option in the future, at this time, we are not able to accommodate campers overnight. Campers return home each evening.

  • The camp registration fee for 2026 is based on when you sign up . Queer Camp works hard to keep the camp as affordable as possible, charging only what is needed to cover costs. No camper will ever be turned away due to financial hardship.

    Queer Camp offers both partial and full scholarships to families who need them. Donations to Queer Camp directly support camper scholarships and help keep registration fees accessible for everyone.Your donations support camper scholarships and help keep the registration fee affordable!

  • For those wondering what the week will be like, here's a sampling of things we have provided in past years:

    • Relationship and self-care skills

    • Theater, gaming, art, and nature focus tracks

    • Field trips for each focus track

    • Hair and makeup lessons with guest stylists

    • Support groups to process experiences around gender identity and sexual orientation

    • Testimonials from our leadership team about their journeys

    • Lunch and unlimited snacks every day

    • Free clothing from the Rainbow Closet

    • Free affirming haircuts (with parental permission)

    • Free time to hang out

    • Outdoor games, hikes, and water play

    • Indoor games and video games

    • A sensory-safe space for when you need to get away

    • Activism, queer history, and queer psychology classes

    • Name change clinic (with parental permission)

    • And all the traditional camp activities you’d expect—just with a Queer Camp twist!

  • Queer Camp has been hosted on the campus of an affirming church; however, Queer Camp itself is not a religious organization or program. Both Queer Camp and its host are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers and volunteers. No religious activities, services, or practices are incorporated into the Queer Camp program.

  • The safety and well-being of our campers is Queer Camp’s highest priority. We have clear policies and procedures in place to create a supportive, affirming, and inclusive environment where all campers can feel accepted, respected, and valued.

  • Queer Camp volunteers and staff are primarily made up of LGBTQIA+ people ranging in age, race, and religious affiliation. We appreciate and encourage allies to help at camp, but we prioritize opportunities for queer adults to engage with the youth, provide mentorship, and serve as good role models for our campers.

  • Campers should wear whatever makes them feel most comfortable and truest to themselves. Whether it's jeans and a t-shirt, a favorite dress, or something entirely unique, Queer Camp welcomes campers to express themselves freely at camp and let their individuality shine. On the rare occasion that a camper experiences an issue with their clothing, on-site washer/dryer and free clothing resources are available to all campers. That said, Queer Camp is usually held in July, and Arkansas's July heat typically reaches the upper 90s (F), so we encourage campers to dress for warm weather or wear layers to adjust to indoor/outdoor temperature differences.

    • Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, so a refillable water bottle is necessary.

    • Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Arkansas summer heat reaches the upper 90s (F), so please dress for warm weather. Wear layers and comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions. This might include a light jacket, raincoat, swimsuit, or extra layers for cooler mornings.

    Personal Health Items: Please bring any necessary personal items, such as medication, inhalers, or EpiPens, along with instructions for use if applicable. Parents and guardians should inform Queer Camp leadership regarding specific medical needs to ensure appropriate camper care; our trained Camp Nurse will work with parents/guardians to manage medications and prioritize camper health and safety.

  • Queer Camp is committed to making camp accessible, affirming, and welcoming for all campers. Accommodations include:

    • Gender-Inclusive Facilities: Restroom facilities are gender-inclusive and/or private in order to respect and accommodate campers’ diverse gender identities.

    • Respect for Names and Pronouns: Campers and staff are encouraged to share their chosen names and pronouns on name tags, and everyone is expected to use them correctly and respectfully.

    • Dietary Needs and Food Accommodations: During registration, families can share dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and religious or cultural food restrictions. Our kitchen staff are trained in food safety and in handling dietary accommodations, and alternative meals or substitutions are always made available.

    Structured Activities with Flexible Participation: Queer Camp provides a predictable daily schedule with structured activities to support campers who benefit from routine and clear expectations. At the same time, participation is flexible—campers, especially neurodivergent campers, may opt out of or modify activities to accommodate sensory needs, energy levels, or social comfort.

  • Camper safety, dignity, and comfort are top priorities at Queer Camp. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind. Any camper who feels unsafe or mistreated is encouraged to report their experience to camp leadership immediately. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed appropriately. If necessary, individuals who violate this policy may be removed from camp.

  • Camper information is stored on a secure, private platform accessible only to Queer Camp leadership. Information is shared with staff or volunteers strictly on a need-to-know basis and is never shared outside the organization. All staff and volunteers receive training on privacy and confidentiality policies, including specific protocols around photography and social media. Out of respect for the safety and privacy of campers and their families, Queer Camp does not publicly share photos of campers.