For so many, time spent at summer camp – splashing in a lake, perfecting arts and crafts, roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire – can be formative experiences of childhood and adolescence. But what about LGBTQ kids? In an era of relentless online (and real life bullying), not to mention vitriolic political divide, does a non-heternormative young camper feel safe being on their own away from home? At Camp Beacon, the answer is a resounding yes, as it is Kentucky’s first summer camp designed exclusively for young LGBTQ people, giving them unforgettable summer memories in a safe, supportive and empowering environment.

Camp Beacon was born from Melissa Benson and Jess Cleveland. After Benson’s child had a negative experience going to a summer camp, she wanted to find her a camp where she was safe to be herself. “[Melissa] called her friend Jess and they did some research, but the nearest camps they could find were in California and Massachusetts,” Mason Kalinsky, interim director of Camp Beacon, shares. “They wanted to have a summer camp closer to home. So they started one.”

At Camp Beacon, LGBTQ+-identifying youth ages 13-17 can enjoy a classic summer camp experience, complete with ziplining, arts and crafts, equine activities and more. With gender-neutral dorms and bathrooms, kids are free to be themselves without fear of bullying or discrimination. And on top of that, other than a $25 registration fee, the camp is completely free to ensure financial reasons are never a barrier for attending.

“Almost every teenager who comes to our camp has a story of a time where they were bullied or excluded for being LGBTQ+,” Kalinsky says. “No one deserves to be isolated or harassed for simply being who they are. We offer them a space where they can have a normal summer camp experience, just like other teenagers do, but in a way that accepts them for who they are. Many of our youth don’t have any place where they can be comfortable being themselves in their day-to-day life, so being able to be around other LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ adults can be life-changing for them.”

And Kalinsky affirms that over the five days campers spend at Camp Beacon away from home, social skills are learned and lasting friendships are formed. “A lot of our campers will come into camp not knowing anyone else and feeling very shy,” he says. “I’ve seen almost every camper who attends camp open up and make friends while they’re at camp. By the end of the session, all of our campers will be chatting and having a great time.”

With the positive impact Kalinsky has seen Camp Beacon make on its campers – the friendships that have lasted well beyond camp as well as the affirmation it provides – he is committed to ensuring its survival amidst relentless sociopolitical turmoil. “We are determined to continue existing and continue to provide camp for our campers despite whatever may happen politically,” he says. “We know that this is important for our campers and we want to make sure it continues to happen. The biggest thing that we need is financial support. Because we don’t charge our campers at all for going to camp, that means we need to raise the money to send people to camp each year.”

Indeed, to support Camp Beacon, head to campbeacon.org to make a donation of any amount. Additionally, Kalinsky shares that the camp is in need of more volunteers, specifically mental health professionals and folks interested in helping support the work of Camp Beacon year-round.

It’s not everywhere that kids discovering and navigating their identity can feel safe, but thanks to the work of Camp Beacon, there is a special opportunity for them to embrace who they are, spending a special summertime week building confidence and connections that can last a lifetime.