Latest news with #WelcomeFriendAssociation
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Rainbow Camp faces ‘nerve-racking' financial pressure
Rainbow Camp has faced heightened financial pressure since mid-June, relying on more donations to make way for more campers to visit. 'The registrations that were coming were asking for full sponsorship, which is campership (cost of the camp) and travel,' co-founder Harry Stewart told The Sault Star. A full sponsorship costs $2,000 with travel as most campers come from Toronto and further. 'A bus for us there and back is $4,200, which when you're doing for a minimal number of kids makes it difficult, flying costs more, but this is what we do and it's nerve-racking this year,' Stewart said. Aside from travel, staff wages, which are minimum wage, and food are also factors in the pricing and the current financial woes. Founded in 2012, Rainbow Camp offers a safe, fun, and welcoming summer experience where 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 12-17 can be their 'authentic selves.' The camp, run by the Welcome Friend Association, operates on a tiered fee model, allowing it to extend support to youth regardless of their financial situation, ensuring no youth is turned away. The program combines traditional camp activities with 'intentional support' for identity, mental wellness, and a sense of belonging. Year-round programming includes Rainbow Quest, Rainbow Online Connection, and Brave Space Training. Located just east of Sault Ste. Marie, Rainbow Camp has hosted more than 1,000 youth from across North America. More than 70 per cent of campers receive financial subsidies. Rainbow Camp has shouldered past challenges. Staff shortages in 2023 forced the season to end prematurely, in mid-July. More than 140 campers were affected, albeit the Thessalon-area facility did complete four sessions in the first two weeks of July, including two one-week camps for 32 and 37 campers respectively, a two-week adventure camp with five campers and a two-week leaders in training program. Staff shortages were also branded that year for Camp McDougall shuttering its summer program early. Despite entering the season with a full staff complement and offering 'competitive' wages, the facility, located west of Thessalon on Lake Huron, It's not all gloom. The community has shown support and donations, while the camp's founders – this also included Chris Southin – were recently presented with the Governor General of Canada's Meritorious Service Medal, recognizing Canadians whose 'exceptional contributions bring honour to the country.' But it hasn't all been recognition. Rainbow Camp's current canvassing efforts have also brought the haters out, Stewart said. 'When we put out a post for fundraising, we spend more time getting the hate off it,' Stewart added. 'The climate that comes from the bullying and hate from schools, it affects our kids and what they go through like peer pressure and it's also family-oriented.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Northern Ont. 2SLGBTQ+ youth camp in crisis after losing key donation
A northern Ontario summer camp for youth that identify as 2SLGBT+ says it's in crisis. It's getting requests from campers at the same time it's lost funding. A northern Ontario summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth says it is struggling to meet a surge in demand while facing a critical drop in funding. Rainbow Camp An undate aerial image of Rainbow Camp, a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive youth camp located near Echo Bay on the shores of Lake Huron. (Supplied/Rainbow Camp) Rainbow Camp, located near Echo Bay on the shores of Lake Huron, has operated since 2012, offering a week-long retreat for youth aged 12 to 17. This year, organizers say they've been inundated with requests from campers – many of whom come from rural and isolated communities where they face rejection or lack support. 'There's this need for belonging, and we offer it,' said Harry Stewart, the camp's co-founder and president of the Welcome Friend Association. 'Not all families are behind their child under the rainbow.' Harry Stewart Harry Stewart, the co-founder of Rainbow Camp and president of the Welcome Friend Association, speaks with CTV News via Zoom in July 2025. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario) Camp sees surge in applicants as corporate funding dries up Stewart said the camp is now in crisis as corporate donations – particularly from U.S.-linked companies – have 'dwindled or are not there.' 'Larger corporations that have anything to do with the United States have really backed off in funding because of the whole diversity thing that's going on there … they feel they're being monitored,' he said. A lifeline for queer youth Rainbow Camp Arrivals An undated photo of youths arriving at Rainbow Camp, a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive youth camp located near Echo Bay on the shores of Lake Huron. (Supplied/Rainbow Camp) The camp, which was recently awarded the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, provides a rare safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, many of whom describe it as life-changing. Daniel, a former camper turned counsellor, recalled his first experience at Rainbow Camp in 2019. Daniel - Rainbow Camp Councillor Daniel, a former Rainbow Camp attendee turned counsellor, is shown wearing a flower crown during camp councillor training in July 2025. (Rainbow Camp/Facebook) 'I didn't realize how much of a weight I'd been carrying at that point – of my identity and my identity getting in the way of who I was and who I was interacting with,' he said. 'But I remember showing up and suddenly that weight was lifted, and I was like, 'Okay, I'm good.' You don't even realize the difference it makes until it's there.' Now, as a counsellor, Daniel sees the growing need firsthand. 'It's wonderful seeing how many people are now feeling safer to come out and explore their identities,' he said. 'I'm not surprised that there's more interest being shown – because we need that.' Camp councillors - Rainbow Camp Camp councillors for Rainbow Camp training in July 2025. (Rainbow Camp/Facebook) Stewart shared a recent example of a camper who was pulled from attending after their family learned the camp affirms 2SLGBTQ+ identities – a situation that underscores the camp's role as a refuge. The organization said the child's protection worker feared for the youth's safety. 'This is why Rainbow Camp exists – and why we need your help,' he said. Urgent call for support Despite the rising demand, the camp has raised just $40,000 of its $100,000 operating goal for this summer. Stewart warned that without immediate help, they may have to turn youth away. In an email to CTV News, the camp's co-founder emphasized the stakes: 'Rainbow Camp is in crisis. The demand for camper sponsorships has soared, and our funding cannot keep up. Unless immediate support is found, we may be forced to turn youth away, or worse.' — Harry Stewart, the co-founder of Rainbow Camp Rainbow Camp is now appealing to the public for donations and support to raise awareness. 'This would be devastating,' Stewart said. 'Many of our campers come from communities where queer youth often feel isolated. Rainbow Camp is the only place some of them feel safe to be who they are.' Rainbow Camp activities An undated photo of youths participating in Rainbow Camp activities, a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive youth camp located near Echo Bay, Ont. (Supplied/Rainbow Camp) For more information on Rainbow Camp or how to offer support, visit their social media page.
