Camp Eclipse: OUT in the woods brings together ANY INTERESTED YOUTH, between the ages of 16 and 24 for 4 days of empowering workshops focussed on issues which affect lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people; outdoor nature activities; and networking opportunities. This camp is open to any youth, whether they are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning, and everything in between and beyond.
At Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods, youth learn HOW to make it better for themselves and others now!
To keep up to date and recieve important notices about future Camps, join our Camp Eclipse Facebook Group. You may also be intersted in our LBGTQ Youth Goup.
Recent tragic incidences across North America are bringing attention to the troubles LBGT 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 overcome 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 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 discover 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.”
2011 will mark the third 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.
Various workshops, lead by community leaders and youth leaders are offered. Some of the workshops include:
“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.”
Please note that it costs over $300 for each Camper, but that we only ask for $25 to ensure that money is not a barrier to attendance. If you are able to, please consider donating more to ensure that Camp Eclipse will be available every year.
If you are interested in supporting this important Camp, or are interested in more information, please contact Costa Kasimos at 1-709-579-1009 or executivedirector@nlsexualhealthcentre.org.