by Brendan McDonald
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is running “Pride Camps” for middle and high schoolers in June and July.
Campers are invited by the university to “build community with other LGBTQ+ and allies” their age.
The camps are “designed for students to socialize and learn with friends, gaining a deeper understanding of queer history, health topics and wellness,” according to the university’s advertisement page for the camps.
It adds, “Students will also enjoy traditional camp activities, including arts and crafts, and playing games.”
The middle school camps are for grades 6-8 (ages 10-13). The high school camps are for grades 9-12 (ages 14-18).
Organizers note that “First-time Pride camp registrants will be given priority over returning camp registrants.”
“The camp is led by Nicole Kurth, UW-Green Bay Pride Center Coordinator, and Pride Center student interns,” the middle and high school camp descriptions read.
Nicole Kurth (pictured above) received “an outstanding achievement award for helping to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people” from the University of Wisconsin System.
“Pride camps” for children are an emerging trend on college campuses. The University of Evansville in Indiana is set to run a weeklong “Pride Camp” from Sunday, June 18, to Saturday, June 24, for teenagers ages 13-17.
Campus Reform reported:
The University of Evansville in Indiana is set to run a weeklong “Pride Camp” from Sunday, June 18, to Saturday, June 24, for teenagers ages 13-17.
Teens who attend will “[b]uild lifelong friends with incredible activities throughout the week while learning about social justice and activism” and “[h]ear powerful stories of LGBTQ+ history and heroes – and learn how to write your own story your way.”
The university describes the event as a “first-of-its-kind summer camp” and as “[e]mpowering queer/questioning youth and allies to discover their authentic selves and build a caring, supportive community of peers.”
Topics for sessions and activities the teens will experience include sex and gender, the study of LGBTQ+, and the “future of LGBTQ+ concerns in politics.”
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Brendan McDonald is a rising junior at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, New Hampshire. He has interests in writing and communication and is also a reporter at NewBostonPost.
Photo “University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Pride Camp” and “Nicole Kurth” by UW-Green Bay.
