7 Best Queer-Affirming Camps for LGBTQ+ Youth in 2026

Looking for a truly affirming overnight summer camp for your LGBTQ+ youth for 2026? Beyond just inclusive, we’ve selected 7 of the most supportive sleepaway camps, dedicated to celebrating their full, authentic selves. These camps focus on safety, community, and fun experiences where they can simply thrive as they are. Want more options? Browse all LGBTQ+ inclusive overnight camps. 🌈

Camp	State	Age Range
Camp Brave Trails	CA, GA, NY	12-17
The Story School	MA	8-17
Camp Ten Trees	WA	8-17
Odyssey Teen Camp	MA	12-18
CampSeen	CO	12-17
Camp Outright	VT	13-17
The Naming Project	MN	14-18

---

Camp Brave Trails – CA, GA, and NY

Camp Brave Trails is a leadership-focused overnight camp for LGBTQ+ youth ages 12–17, with locations in California, New York, and Georgia. Campers explore identity, community, and passion through workshops, outdoor adventure, and creative programs. With gender-neutral cabins, excellent staff, and a mission to build the next generation of LGBTQ+ changemakers, Brave Trails offers a safe, affirming space where teens thrive.

---

The Story School Summer Camp – MA

The Story School Summer Camps offer immersive live-action role-playing (LARPs) for campers ages 8–17. Campers play the role of heroes of their own design, making identity equal parts playful and affirming and encouraging all campers to be their true selves. Kids and teens enjoy STEM, arts, and outdoor quests while building resilience and self-discovery. Serving large populations of LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse campers, The Story School offers an inclusive and affirming environment where creativity and individuality thrive.

---

Camp Ten Trees – WA

Camp Ten Trees is the Pacific Northwest’s original residential camp for LGBTQ+ youth and children of LGBTQ families. Founded in 2000, their week-long sessions blend traditional camp fun—swimming, archery, hiking—with workshops on identity, social justice, and coalition building. Camp Ten Trees creates a caring, inclusive community where diverse youth connect, grow, and celebrate their authentic selves.

---

Odyssey Teen Camp – MA

Odyssey Teen Camp, in the Berkshires, is an overnight camp for teens 12–18 where every camper is celebrated—LGBTQ+ youth, gamers, goths, geeks, artists, activists, neurodivergent teens, and anyone who is authentically themselves. For nearly 25 years, OTC has blended classic camp traditions with evolving programs that reflect what teens care about.

From gaming and drag shows to hands-on experiences with visiting artists, campers explore their passions in a supportive, judgment-free zone. OTC believes every teen deserves a safe space to call home, where they can make friends and be exactly who they are!

---

CampSeen – CO

CampSeen, run by YouthSeen, is a summer camp for queer and trans teens of color, located on 61 acres in the Colorado Rockies. Designed for ages 12–17, it offers hiking, swimming, arts, and social justice programming in a tech-free environment. With a focus on empowerment, healing, and belonging, CampSeen provides LGBTQ+ youth a safe, affirming space to connect, celebrate identity, and build lasting friendships.

---

Camp Outright – VT

Camp Outright, hosted by Outright Vermont, is a residential camp for queer, trans, questioning, and allied youth ages 13–17. Nestled in Vermont’s natural beauty, campers enjoy arts, hiking, swimming, drama, yoga, and campfires alongside workshops on identity and community. With a focus on queer joy and belonging, Camp Outright celebrates every camper’s authentic self, creating a vibrant, affirming community. Full and partial scholarships are always available to ensure Camp Outright is accessible to all youth who can benefit from this space.

---

The Naming Project – MN

The Naming Project is a faith-based summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14–18, blending outdoor adventure with spiritual exploration. Rooted in Christian values of love and inclusion, campers enjoy canoeing, hiking, swimming, arts, and worship while discussing identity and faith. Founded in 2003, The Naming Project provides a safe, affirming space where teens grow in confidence, celebrate their gifts, and explore spirituality authentically.

---

Want more LGBTQ inclusive camps? 🏳‍🌈

Browse all LGBTQ inclusive overnight summer camps. Filter by activity, age, location, and more to find the perfect fit for your kid or teen in summer 2026.