Camp OUTdoors

Sponsored Content | April 4, 2026

one·n·ten’s Camp OUTdoors offers something many LGBTQ+ young folks have not always been able to experience in traditional outdoor programs, an environment where they are fully welcomed, supported, and included. While summer camp is often associated with adventure and friendship, often, it has not always been a space where LGBTQ+ youth feel safe to be themselves. Camp OUTdoors changes this, providing an environment where young people can explore the outdoors, build confidence, and connect with a community that affirms who they are.

Each summer, youth from across Arizona and beyond come together for a week focused on connection, self-discovery, and fun. The program includes two sessions, one for youth ages 11 to 17 and another that extends participation to young people up to age 24. This structure allows both teens and young adults to engage in an experience that reflects their stage of life while still fostering a broader sense of community.

Financial accessibility is central to the program’s design. Camp OUTdoors is completely free, removing a significant barrier that often prevents youth from participating in summer camps or outdoor programs. By removing the cost, Camp OUTdoors ensures more campers have the opportunity to take part in an enriching and transformative experience.

From the moment campers arrive, the environment is intentionally grounded in respect and authenticity. Campers are welcomed using their chosen names and pronouns and staff actively cultivate a space where everyone feels seen and valued. Cabin arrangements also reflect this approach. Cabins are organized by age group rather than gender, helping campers feel more comfortable while encouraging connection among peers. Individual showers and bathrooms further support privacy and ease.

Throughout the week, campers participate in a mix of traditional summer camp activities, creative exploration, and self-esteem & leadership building. Archery, hiking, and team-building exercises are paired with opportunities in the arts, allowing participants to try new things and develop a range of skills. Workshops blend creativity, learning, and community building, with offerings that may include nature-inspired art, LGBTQ+ history and storytelling, leadership development, and creative expression through music, performance, or visual arts. The experience is designed to feel both empowering and enjoyable while encouraging personal growth.

Moments of joy and celebration are just as important as structured activities. One of the most anticipated traditions is the camp-wide silent disco, where campers come together for an evening of music and dancing. Experiences like this contribute to a strong sense of connection and allow young people to simply enjoy being themselves.

The support offered at Camp OUTdoors extends beyond the summer months. Additional retreats throughout the year provide continued opportunities for connection, including the Trans and Non-Binary Youth Retreat in November and the 2gether N Color Retreat, for LGBTQ+ youth of color, in February. These identity-specific programs reinforce connection and community in a space where campers don’t need to explain themselves because everyone at the retreats, camp staff included, share similar identities.

Applications for this summer’s sessions are currently open. Youth ages 11 to 17 may attend the first session, while youth and young adults ages 11 to 24 are eligible for the second session. With limited space available, early applications are encouraged. For many participants, Camp OUTdoors becomes more than a week away from home. It becomes a place where they are seen, supported, and able to imagine new possibilities for themselves.

Learn more and apply at https://onenten.org/lgbtq-programs/camp-outdoors/