Welcome to CampOUT!

UBC CampOUT! is a leadership and learning summer camp for queer, trans, Two-Spirit, questioning, and allied youth from across BC & the Yukon. Since 2009, our supporters have made it possible for us to offer transformative, strengths-based leadership development opportunities for over 800 LGBTQ2+ youth. CampOUT! brings us together to learn about decolonizing, anti-racist and disability justice approaches to education and leadership from each other and from mentors in community. CampOUT! participants gain social and life skills, inspiration, and beautiful networks of support! We are committed to removing financial barriers so all interested individuals can experience the outdoors, gain leadership skills, grow awareness of social issues, and access critical health literacy resources, and ask campers for a nominal fee to hold their place. We prioritize work with Indigenous, rural, and under resourced communities and youth.

Typically, the camp is held at Chá7elkwnech, Camp Fircom on Gambier Island, Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territory. Year round we operate at The University of British Columbia – Vancouver Campus on the shared territories of  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations.

In the last two years we pivoted planning and training to support youth during COVID-19 while keeping our communities and elders safe. We were so grateful to be back together on Gambier again in 2022.

In affiliation with the University of British Columbia, the camp provides opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, build self-esteem, foster hope and resilience, and connect with resources to support health and well-being (physical, mental, social, sexual, educational, and spiritual). Participants return to their home communities with new skills, resources, and friendships. CampOUT! provides a supportive space for LGBTQ2S+ youth to celebrate and be celebrated for who they are. 

CampOUT! is housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. The Faculty of Education provides CampOUT! with a supportive institutional infrastructure, operational resources, and numerous opportunities to collaborate with and build new relationships across communities. By supporting CampOUT!, UBC is helping to fulfill the University’s commitment to fostering safer learning spaces and strengthening community outreach across the Faculty and campus.

Our annual program operating funds are raised each year by our wider community of supporters. CampOUT! is grateful to be supported by many individual donors and organizations across Canada.

The project is guided by the CampOUT!’s Community Advisory Committee, which is represented by key community organizations, UBC staff and faculty, and camp alumni. Our advising partners make us stronger and keep us relevant, connected, and adaptable to the ever-changing needs of BC’s youth.

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