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Each summer the YES program sponsors YES Summer Community Camp! It's FREE! The purpose of the YES Summer Community Camp program is to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people with the support, knowledge and skills they need to take charge of their own health and well-being. Because so many LGBT youth lack a support network that is affirming of their identities, we seek to create a supportive network through the camp program.

 

Young people who want to join the Camp program are required to sign up at a Camp Orientation workshop during the month of June. All Orientations are held at the YES office at the Center. In July, all campers begin to come to weekly Family Group meetings so they can get to know each the people who will live in their cabin. After a series of Family Group meetings here, we head off to a week of residential camp at the Fairview Lake YMCA Camp and Conference Center in Stillwater, New Jersey.

Lead the way - Youth leaders are trained to serve as Family Group Leaders for Community Camp. Family Group Leaders act as camp counselors for our week-long residential camp program, which includes the facilitation of a 6-week family group cycle before we leave for camp to build community and prepare campers for the week of camp. Family Group Leaders receive a stipend for their participation. Training begins in May including a four day training retreat at Fairview Lake YMCA Camp. The Family Group Leaders’ commitment extends through early September when we have our Camp reunion and celebration. Applications for Family Group Leaders are available in March.

The residential week of camp includes workshops in the mornings for all campers, followed by afternoon and evening activities, such as swimming, hiking, boating, talent shows, art s and crafts workshops, nature walks, sports, ice cream parties and lots of fun! Sign up at a Camp Orientation workshop during the month of June.

YES Summer Community Camp Dates 2008
Residential Week of Camp: Sunday, August 17th, 2008 through Sunday, August 24th, 2008

 

 

contact us Call 212.620.7310 and ask for the YES program (or a specific staff person's name), or email us at YES@gaycenter.org.