Tampa Bay’s 1st Place Favorite Local LGBTQ Youth Event
More than 100 youth from throughout Tampa Bay and beyond participated in CampOUT last year, which promises “more than your average summer camp.” The week-long, overnight experience clearly made its mark, cultivating a space for adventure, experiences and authentic expression.
“CampOUT provides an experience for youth unlike any other that is pivotal to their healthy development as queer people,” Camp Counselor and Lifeguard Lindsey Spero explains. “As a transgender young adult and staff member, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of a queer community-focused experience and how many lives were changed because of our visibility.”
Campers are given the tools, resources and supplies they need to “assist their growth as a queer person,” they continue. “Without programs like CampOUT, queer students in the state of Florida would be even more at risk of self-harm, extreme mental trauma and suicide, but because of our presence, we’re noticing a direct benefit in the health of our campers and staff.”
CampOUT will return July 16-23 in Ocala, once again providing access to canoes, archery, camp games, swimming, sports, arts & crafts, bonfires and other activities. “Utilizing workshops, adventures, experiences, peer connections and positive role models we can create an environment our youth can thrive,” CampOUT explains.
This year’s outing is open to those who are LGBTQ or an ally with a maximum capacity of 112 campers and 50 staff members. Limited spots remain, with a May 15 deadline to sign up for this year’s festivities.
“CampOUT was a wild dream we would have on the couch in late night convos, but dreams come true with a lot of hard work and passion,” CampOUT Vice President Grizzly Mann says. “Winning this award in only our first year is beyond amazing!”
It also sheds “even more light on maintaining safe spaces for queer youth, especially in the state of Florida,” they add. “And we won’t be stop! Everyone deserves to be their authentic self.”
