FAQs - Ten Oaks Project

IN THIS SECTION: Camp Lifting Leaves

Camp Ten Oaks has shown me that I can be whoever I want to be. And, nobody can ever judge me for that.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

The sense of belonging and community that I get from Ten Oaks is something that I can feel year-round.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

As staff, we create an intentional space for our campers where for one week, they don’t have to be afraid or ashamed of anything about themselves.

Camp Ten Oaks volunteer

I can credit the beautifully diverse chosen family that I now have to Ten Oaks. It’s filled a great void in the community for me.

Camp Ten Oaks camper parent

Being a camper has opened my eyes to the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, to the diversity of the group I’m a part of.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

When I left Project Acorn, the world was a different, more magical, and more manageable place.

Project Acorn participant

The best part of Project Acorn for me was seeing how much love and support is built in such a short span of time.

Project Acorn volunteer

At Project Acorn, I realized that I can have a powerful voice.

Youth Advisory Committee member

inquiring minds may want to know…

These FAQs are specific to Camp Lifting Leaves 2023! If you want to download a pdf with this info please click here.

What is camp lifting Leaves?

Camp Lifting Leaves is a partner project of the Ten Oaks Project, Indigenous well-being agencies, and child welfare agencies across Ontario. We have seen a growing need for connection and community building amongst children and youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities who are involved with an Indigenous well-being agency or child welfare agency, and we are thrilled to offer a camp just for them! The activities and programming offered at Camp Lifting Leaves will be similar to our other camp programs.

what kind of programming is there at Camp lifting Leaves?

The programming and schedule change every year based on what youth are interested in and the skills and interests of our facilitators. There will be time spent swimming, kayaking, canoeing, exploring the forest, having campfires, and using the archery range and high ropes courses. We also host Centered Spaces! What’s a Centered Space (CS) you ask? CS are spaces facilitated by and for people who share a specific identity, such as Indigenous or trans.

Who can attend?

The in-person session of Camp Lifting Leaves is for children and youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, families, and communities who are at least 12 years old and have an active file with an Indigenous well-being agency or child welfare agency. Each agency with children and youth attending camp must provide one chaperone (a staff member or volunteer) for every four youth who are participating and any one-on-one support that is needed. The virtual session of Camp Lifting Leaves is for children and youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, families, and communities who are at least 8 years old and have an active file with an Indigenous well-being agency or child welfare agency.

when is it?

In 2023, Camp Lifting Leaves will have two separate sessions. Virtual Camp Lifting Leaves will be hosted from March 24-26, and in-person Camp Lifting Leaves will be hosted from October 13-16.

how much does virtual camp lifting leaves cost?

Virtual Camp Lifting Leaves will cost $500/camper. Funding is available through OCBe for youth. If funding through OCBe is not available then we will coordinate with the OACAS to cover the cost. Payment will be required after registration.

how do i register/ register a young person I’m working with?

To register, visit Camp Lifting Leaves Registration

how do i get more information?

If you want to find out more about camp, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to speak with you to answer specific questions that you or your child may have and to learn more about your child’s needs and desires for their summer experience.