Before the summer began, we provided our readers with an informative list of ten LGBT-inclusive summer camps. One of those was The Naming Project, a Christ-centered camp serving youth of all sexual and gender identities, which happens to be run by GLAAD's very own Director of News, Ross Murray!
LGBTQA youth ages 14-18 who are interested in talking and learning about sexuality and gender in the context of their own spiritual understanding are encouraged to attend The Naming Project summer camp. While the overarching theme of the camp is "The Light Shines" based on John 1, daily activities also include kayaking, swimming, arts and crafts, and much more.
This summer is especially important, as it marks The Naming Project's ten-year anniversary! Over the past ten years, more than one hundred youth from all over the country have been a part of the program. In fact, the camp was featured in the documentary 'Camp Out' released in 2006. The film follows ten campers as they "attend the first summer camp for gay Christian youth."
Even with its wild success, The Naming Project only functions due to the work of about 6-8 volunteers. A week of camp roughly costs about $8,000, but many campers are granted scholarships or have plane tickets bought for them. There are many other regular costs that include renting the camp site, transportation of campers, and purchasing necessary supplies. Regardless of varying funding from year to year, the Naming Project has provided so many LGBT youth with unforgettable summers... and we are determined to make that happen for ten more summers to come!
A campaign to raise money for The Naming Project began on June 1 and is ending on July 20, which means there are 28 days left to donate! The ultimate goal is to raise $10,000, and so far we have $6,165. Any donation is appreciated, so if you'd like to contribute now, click here!
Other ways to help include creating awareness of the camp's need for funding by tweeting, and liking and sharing the camp's facebook page. A sample tweet is as follows:
Any 14-18 YO Christian campers for LGBTQ-inclusive church camp? The Naming Project Summer Camp is July 20-25, 2014 www.thenamingproject.org
And INDIEGOGO writes that the following should be communicated through these posts:
The Naming Project Summer Camp is for 14-18 year olds or those who have completed 8th-12th grades who are of any sexual orientation or gender identity or expression who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality and gender in terms of their own spiritual journey and are excited to spend time with other teen campers and staff while worshipping, bible study, canoeing, swimming, hiking, singing, doing arts and crafts. Scholarships are available for limited basis. Our theme for this summer is The Light Shines, based on John 1. The light was a part of all creation, and the light has dwelt among us. And we carry a bit of that light with us out in the world. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.
Any and all attention brought to the positive and life-changing work of The Naming Project is appreciated!