Here's what our campers are saying about Queer Camp
Queer camp is a transformative experience that our campers carry with them long after camp. Don't just take our word for it. Explore the many testimonials we have received from our past campers.
Ava & Carrie - Queer Campers tell all in this riveting tale of their experience at camp. 🌈
Michaela shares what Queer Camp experience was like for her and why she'd recommend it for others. 💕
Queer Camp was such a lovely experience! I haven't felt such instant safety in a group since I was a kid. I felt like I had a chance to thaw and exhale. Honestly it was like a family reunion kind of feeling, but the family was all brand new. I hope I see you at the next one!
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-Anonymous
I first came to queer camp two years ago and went again last year because I'd had such a good time. Having a safe place to just be is so important and I didn't realize I was lacking that until I went! I loved camping already but being around a bunch of other queer people was so great. We got to do crafts and activities together, and semi-guided talks that really helped us connect with each other. It can be scary to talk to people you don't know, but knowing that a lot of us were queer helped to bridge that gap, and I ended up having some really profound, heartwarming conversations around the picnic tables with people. I also very much enjoyed being out in nature for the week!
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-Sam (he/they)
After putting off transitioning for nearly four years, merely signing up for Queer Camp 2024 was the final push I needed to really start being myself. Coming from Texas, seeing and getting to know so many other queer people, especially other trans people, was incredible. I made the decision and started estrogen one month and one week before camp. Despite flying for the first time, alone and halfway across the country, to meet with a group of strangers with whom I would be sleeping in the middle of nowhere with, it was the safest I had ever felt. I grew to love the outdoors even more than I already had. Everyone made me feel so welcome, it felt like home. Just before the trip ended, when I and a couple other campers were talking about how we were originally worried about not being queer or fit enough to come on the trip, Ty joined us and made it very clear that we belonged.
Coming back to rural Texas after spending the week with some of the sweetest, coolest people I had ever met was a culture shock. Looking forward to Queer Camp 2025 is what got me through the following year. Seeing friends from the previous trip, as well as making new friends was part of what I enjoyed most about the 2025 trip. One of those new friends, my tentmate, and I spoke about possibly moving in together as roommates to flee Florida and Texas, respectively. After about 6 months, and a little help from those around us, we made it to a much safer area, and a more permanent home. Less than a week later we became girlfriends :) Long story short, Queer Camp gave me the motivation to further my transition, got me out of an aggressively transphobic state, and introduced me to my incredible girlfriend. I have and will continue recommending it to those around me.
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-Ava (she/they)
We don't always find community while stepping out of our comfort zone, and camping with ~20 strangers in the high desert was certainly that for me, but being here was truly an experience I am so grateful for. We all seemed to find that perfect fit of having lighthearted fun and building lasting heartfelt connections. Our amazing hosts, Ty and Christy (& Ty's lovely mom!), made the planning and preparations easy! They looked after everyone at camp and made sure we all felt comfortable, had a good time and emphasized safety. Our camp cook/camp guide Koi took good care of us and made sure we kept on schedule! Trips to town made sure we all had plenty of comfort food and drinks. Even washing dishes became a bonding ritual. We all really looked out for one another. The balance of high energy vs low energy activities was perfect for beginner and experienced campers. I came away from this experience with friends and wonderful memories. I will definitely be attending again! Cheers!
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-Michaela (she/her)
When I signed up for Queer Camp last year, I never could have expected just how much of an impact one week at Treehouse Camp in Santa Fe would have on my wellbeing. Not only is it a unique experience that will leave lasting memories, there is an air of professionalism and responsibility that the hosts have that leaves you perfectly at ease to fully enjoy the camping experience. Immediately upon arriving at camp you are greeted by fun music and smiling faces, both the campground and people warm and inviting. A clearly laid out itinerary is written down on a white board including meals, activities, and all relevant time frames. If you have dietary restrictions or anything of the like, fear not! As someone with symptomatic celiac disease, I was worried about the possibility of cross contamination with my food sensitivities, however my fears were immediately put to rest as everything that was gluten free was clearly labeled and in a completely separate container from the other supplies at camp at all times, and if I had any questions, concerns, or suggestions it was always taken seriously and all measures taken to correct/adjust for any misshaps with no fuss. Our hosts happily took trips into town to pick up whatever relavent supplies were needed on the fly, and I never had any issues or symptoms the entire trip. Talk about going the extra mile!
When I started watching Ty's videos over 10 years ago, I would have never expected that he would get into sheparding such well put together camping trips- or that I'd get the opportunity to go to one! And by the time that week in Santa Fe was over, I was already yearning for the those campfire sunsets on the plane ride home. You're not just going on a camping trip, you're making lifelong connections and communing into nature in one of the most beautiful places in the western United States with some of the most kindhearted, considerate, and joyful humans I've ever had the pleasure to meet. It's not something you want to miss out on. Hope to see you there!
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-Ashton (he/him)
Testimonials