Camp is home to me. - Ten Oaks Project

IN THIS SECTION: Stories

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

Camp is home to me

Kenya

Age 16
Camper since 2009

My name is Kenya. I’m 15 years old, and I’ve been attending Camp Ten Oaks for years. At Camp Ten Oaks, we have a policy of not turning any camper away, and we fundraise to make sure everyone who wants to has a chance to go to camp.

When you give to the Ten Oaks Project, you aren’t just donating money. Think about it as giving a child a safe place, a place where smiles are made and creativity is worshiped. Think about it as helping someone with being who they really are.

Camp Ten Oaks matters because people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community need a place to feel accepted and appreciated. Since it’s a little hard to find that in society, Camp Ten Oaks is the perfect place.

I went through a hard time a couple years ago, and what got me through it was Camp Ten Oaks. I wanted to be in a space where people aren’t shamed for their bodies or what they wear, everyone’s identities are celebrated, and every day includes swimming, making art, and being surrounded by friends. Camp is home to me, and the promise of returning every summer is what kept me going.

Ten Oaks staff, the volunteers, and donors have changed my life! Thank you for making me the person I am today, always encouraging me to be the person I aspire to be, and encouraging me to do the best I can. Most importantly, thank you for giving me friendships that’ll last a lifetime.