School isn’t safe, but Camp Ten Oaks is.

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

School isn’t safe, but Camp Ten Oaks is.

Daphne

Age 17
Camper since 2009

Gaylord. Botchi boy. That’s so gay.

I hear that all the time. I hear that every day in the hallway at school. I even hear it from my own friends.

This is what high school is like for me… and I live in Toronto. That’s why I need Ten Oaks. It’s a break from the homophobia I face every day.

Before Camp Ten Oaks, I’d never met anyone with two dads. It gave me a completely new outlook on my family. It made me feel proud and like I do belong somewhere.

Because of camp, I know there are kids out there who are like me and are also struggling at school. Kids who are proud, but have to hide their parent’s sexuality because it’s not always safe to come out.

Your donation saves lives, and it changes lives. It gives us kids of 2SLGBTQ+ families something we all need — it gives us a community.