Sure Sign of Spring: Return of Rainbow's Camp Coordinator.
A sure sign that spring has arrived is the return of Rainbow Resource Centre’s Camp Coordinator, Alice Charles (she/her), who’s back for her fourth year to organize and lead Rainbow’s summer camp fun — and this year the camp season will be bigger and better than ever before.
“I’m so excited to be back at Rainbow again. I love the work that I do here, my co-workers, the experiences I’ve had and the things I continue to learn and create.” Alice, who’s hosted a virtual camp through the pandemic, two in–person afterwards and now this year, will be planning running two different camps for the first time. “It feels easy to jump back in and with the new challenge of an added Day Camp,” she says, “I’m ready to take this on and with enthusiasm craft lasting memories filled with fun and growth.”
Rainbow proudly offers two subsidized summer camps for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning (2SLGBTQ+) youth in Manitoba. These camps, which take place in tranquil, natural settings, build confidence, create feelings of acceptance, and foster positive and lasting friendships.
Camp Aurora, Manitoba’s only overnight camp for 2SLGBTQ+ and ally youth aged 14-17, aims to build capacity, resilience, and community for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, which is critical in these challenging times when 2SLGBTQ+ youth are often on the frontlines of a culture war in schools, sports, and often, at home. Every year, the programming includes a variety of sessions that focus on creativity, expression, education, support, hands-on activities, self-care practices and more.
For many 2SLGBTQ+ youth who come to Camp Aurora from rural communities, this time is a rare opportunity to meet like-minded people, to live authentically for a first time, and to make friends that may last a lifetime.
In the past, workshops have included a drag show with local performers, learning about queer history, queer sex education, and affirming yoga – to name just a few. The experience also includes classic camp elements, like swimming, canoe trips, campfires, arts and crafts, recreational games, and even a dance.
“Over the years, Camp has really grown and changed with our youth in mind. We’ve created a variety of programming, introduced the youth to community members and mentors and given them space to really be free and express themselves,” says Alice. “At the end of Camp, the kids are always wishing for another day, more time to spend with new friends and more time for activities. We’re so excited to once again, give the youth what they’ve been asking for by adding an extra day to Camp Aurora.”
More than just expanding Camp Aurora, this year, Rainbow is launching a new way to engage 2SLGBTQ+ youth over the summer months. Rainbow’s new Spirit Day Camp, located at the Manitoba Theatre for Youth People in Winnipeg, is a summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 10-13.
“I’m thrilled I get to lead and be a part of Rainbow’s first day camp for youth 10-13 years old. The younger ones no longer have to wait until they’re 14 to experience the magic of Camp Aurora.” Alice says, “From the programming to the facilitators and everything in between, I’m really looking forward to bringing the similar feel of Camp Aurora to the Spirit Day Camp.”
Alice is just getting back into the swing of things but already has a vision for what’s coming this year. “I think this year is filled with potential and possibilities to future years,” she says. “I think Youth need the space to be authentically themselves and I’m hoping that our capacity grows each year to meet their needs. The Camp team will think creatively to bring in new programming and facilitators; ultimately building on what we’ve learned over the years to bring another unforgettable transformative experience for everyone involved.”
She’s keen to get started and wants everyone to know registration opens in May. Be sure to follow Rainbow on all channels so you don’t miss your chance; spots will fill up fast. To learn more visit: https://rainbowresourcecentre....
Camp facilitators welcome 2SLGBTQ+ youth to Camp Brereton in the Whiteshell, where Camp Aurora takes place.
Camp Aurora and the new Spirit Day camps are only possible thanks to your generous donations. Please help support this rare opportunity for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Manitoba.