Summer Camp 2021

Summer is coming to an end, and what a fantastic summer it has been! We were finally able to go back to Provincetown for our magical summer camps, but magical does not even begin to describe it. From around the country, LGBTQ+ youth made their way to our uniquely beautiful hostel on Truro beach—excited and nervous about what may unfold throughout the week, completely unaware that everyone in our quaint home would become a family. After a year and a half of a global pandemic, the connections formed were more important than ever. 

Each day carried something new and different, whether it was kayaking on Provincetown’s blue bay (and forming The Camper Kayak Chain™), singing together to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon on the funk bus, or doing the Cha Cha Slide at Gay Prom. Not to mention our weekly Gender Euphoria Fashion Show! Absolutely to toot our own horn: this was a highlight piece of programming that campers cited as “transformative” and “the best night of camp they’ve ever had.” Campers exchanged clothes, did each other’s makeup, strutted on the runway to their favorite songs, and cheered for each other with the loudest screams. So many happy tears were shed. Some campers were inspired to change their names and pronouns as a result. Even the most reserved campers came out of their shells and did death drops in the middle of their strut! In every way, our summer camp brought out the best of everyone, every day. 

But our summer camps are something to be experienced, not described or read about. It was fun; it was beautiful; it was special beyond measure. While this summer is over, next year will come soon enough and be better than ever! So, we will wait excitedly to meet you and become a family. Do not forget to sign up for next summer—registrations are open in September!

Written by Gina Kanegawa on August 31, 2021