What is Camp Eclipse?
What does a typical day look like?
How do I apply?
Why is Camp so important?
How can I support Camp Eclipse?
What is Camp Eclipse?
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Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods takes a strength based, harm-reduction, and solution focused approach to the issues faced by lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LBGT) youth. Camp is open to any interested youth, between the ages of 16 and 24, from across the province, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Camp builds upon the strengths of youth who are then empowered to:
Camp creates a safe space for youth to:
At Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods, youth learn HOW to make it better for themselves and others.
What does a typical day at Camp look like?
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Every day is different and exciting!
On the morning of August 18 in St. John's, a bus will pick us up and bring us to the Environmental Education Centre (formerly Brother Brennan Centre, Salmonier Line). After we have a quick snack and put our belongings in our bunk rooms, we will take part in some ice breakers to get to know each other. This will be followed by lunch where we will work together to create some community guidelines. This will be followed by a workshop, then supper, and then an evening activity. The following days, we start with breakfast and a team building activity. This is usually followed by a workshop lead by a mentor or youth leader. Some workshops in the past have included:
After the first workshop, we then take a lunch break before doing another workshop. All participants, youth and mentors included, help lead the workshops through discussions and open dialogue. We incorporate various activities with the workshops which help keep things interesting. We then break for supper and free time. During free time, some people enjoy art, take part in nature hikes, watch a movie, or just hang out and chat. We usually end the day off with a camp fire either by the pond or in the outdoor classroom. This is a great opportunity for chats and to reflect on the day. Of course, you can't have a camp fire without a sing along and s'mores!
All participants are encouraged to take part in workshops and activities. However, we appreciate that people sometimes need personal space to reflect or relax.
How do I apply?
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Planned Parenthood will be hosting the fourth annual Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods from August 18 to 21, 2012 at the beautiful and tranquil Environmental Education Centre, Salmonier, Newfoundland.
To keep up to date and receive important notices about Camp Eclipse, join our Camp Eclipse Facebook Group.
To be part of Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods 2012, use the following links to download application forms:
Campers (16 - 24)
Youth Leaders (18 - 24)
Mentors (24 and up)
Please print and fill out the forms, and send them to:
Costa Kasimos
Planned Parenthood
203 Merrymeeting Rd
St. John's, NL A1C 2W6
or fax to 709-726-2308.
The deadline to apply is June 15, 2012. Applications will be reviewed and all applicants will be e-mailed. Accepted applicants will be e-mailed a registration package with a registration form. Registration forms and a $25 commitment fee will be due by August 3, 2012.
Why is Camp Eclipse so important?
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Recent tragic incidences across North America are bringing attention to the troubles LBGTQ youth face on a daily basis. Discrimination and stigmatization in the form of gender oppression, heterosexism, and homo/bi/transphobia have life long impacts. Compared to other youth, LBGT youth are more likely to have: higher drop-out rates from school; lower self-esteem; higher rates of depression; higher rates of drug and alcohol use; increased incidences of mental health issues; greater exposure to extreme violence and bullying; higher rates of homelessness; and at the extreme, higher rates of suicide. Of course, everyone’s experience is unique and people cope in varying ways, depending on their environment, support network, and the resources available to them.
“I learned that I am valued. I am equal.”
“I can be happier in life; the mentors were amazing and really helped me turn my life around.”
Camp Eclipse empowers youth to cope better with these issues. It is a four day leadership retreat where youth learn from community leaders and other youth how to take a leading role in ending discrimination and oppression. At Camp Eclipse, youth learn how to implement positive change in their schools and communities, how to be a support for other youth, and how to be even more resilient in the face of adversity.
“Acceptance is overwhelming. Simply put.”
Open to all youth, Camp Eclipse provides youth the opportunity to build strong social support networks by meeting and interacting with other youth and community leaders. It provides these youth with a safe, non-judgemental environment where they can exchange ideas, learn about healthy lifestyle choices, and develop coping skills.
Camp Eclipse is held at the Environmental Education Centre (www.brotherbrennancentre.ca). This setting provides peace and tranquility for uninterrupted personal growth, reflection, learning, and healing. Participants have said how they felt, "revitalized" and had a "renewed hope that there are good people in the world."
“I am not alone and there are many others like me.”
“There is support out there; you just have to reach for it.”
2012 will mark the fourth year Camp Eclipse is offered. We hope to be able to accept at least 30 youth. The majority of youth that attend are from rural Newfoundland, where resources and supports for these youth are lacking. Many youth have expressed feelings of isolation and loneliness, and, if open about their identities, are often targeted by bullies. The number one reason youth apply to attend Camp Eclipse is to meet other youth and to learn how to create positive change.
“…camp has definitely made me stronger and more accepting of myself, and has helped me overcome many a wall since then.”
“Every workshop was an influential, meaningful experience for me. The volunteers were inspirational. I really got a lot out of everything here.”
Camp Eclipse focuses on building resilient youth who are then able to help themselves and others. They are encouraged to take positive steps to help end discrimination against sexual minorities and gender variant people. It teaches them how to work with their teachers and school administrators to create safer schools and communities for other youth. It also teaches them how to overcome challenges in their lives so that they can live to their fullest potential. Since this camp, a number of youth have gone on to create Gay/Straight Alliances or Diversity Clubs in their schools, or are assisting with a local GLBT youth group.
“I am going to be okay no matter what because I have a community, an amazing strong community that I know will always be there for me.”
How can I support Camp Eclipse?
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Please note that it costs over $400 for each Camper, but that we only ask for a $25 commitment fee to ensure that money is not a barrier to attendance. If you are able to, please consider supporting Camp Eclipse to ensure it will be available every year.
If you are interested in supporting this important Camp, please use the PayPal Donate button at the top of the screen to make a donation on line. Or, please contact Costa Kasimos at 1-709-579-1009 or executivedirector@nlsexualhealthcentre.org for more information.