Somewhere, Charles McVety just had an aneurysm.

I actually had to Google him to get the joke.

Mendalla

Check out this video - this is why this camp was created.  I tried to post the video but couldn't.  If someone can please do so below...

Here's that video - good luck with the camp!

BTW - in case you hadn't noticed, Alex already created a thread discussing this video.

Thanks somegalfromcan.  The thread itself is interesting - regardless of the motivation behind this video. What the video protrays is real.  In Sault Ste. Marie (pop 80,000) I am told there was 6 teen suicides.  2 for being gay and 4 bulling related..this year alone.

totally awesome idea!!

Alberta has a similar camp=Camp Firefly

..... in January I am going to start putting some money aside to help sponsor someone...

Hugs

Rita

@ chansen - LMAO!

@ RitaTG - lovely idea to sponsor someone ... what a special gift that would be.

Does seem like a great idea! 

New Northeastern Ontario Rainbow Camp hopes to end bullying
 

Check out online article....

http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/details.asp?c=37990

Thought you might find these stats of interest......

Among the findings of the 2009 Canadian Climate Survey on Homophobia:

• 59% LGBTQ high school students reported they were verbally harassed, compared to 7% of non-LGBTQ students.
• 25% of LGBTQ students indicated being physically harassed due to their sexual orientation, compared to 8% of non-LGBTQ students.
• 31% of LGBTQ students reported personal harassment on the internet or via text messaging, compared to 8% of non-LGBTQ students.
• 73% of LGBTQ students reported they felt unsafe at school, compared to 20% who did not.
• 51% of LGBTQ students reported they did not feel accepted at school, compared to 19% of non-LGBTQ students

Rainbow Camp is desgined to create "safe spaces" for the kids attending and to promote social justice. It's not just a "fun camp" - while regualr camp activites will be happening, this camp allows kids the opporuntiy to be together with kids like them. Somehing that in rural Canada just doesn't happen. In larger cities, "safe space" is hard to find - thus again, this camp is striving to make a difference to all those who attend.

• PURPLE SPONSORS: $1,000 + ($1,000 is the actual cost to send a camper to camp)
• BLUE SPONSORS: $500 - $999
• GREEN SPONSORS: $300 - $499
• YELLOW SPONSORS: $200 - $299*
• ORANGE SPONSORS: $100 - $199
• RED SPONSORS: $25 - $99
  *note: Registration cost for one camper is $275.00
  ** note: Please make cheque payable to Welcome Friend Association

In appreciation for your contribution, if you so wish, we will feature your name and logo in our promotional materials and on our website. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me personally.
Harry Stewart, Chairperson
Toll Free: 1-888-909-2234
www.welcomefriend.ca 

Stand Up! (Ireland 2011) Don't Stand For Homophobic Bullying. A Crossing The Line Production For BeLonG To Youth Services. BeLonG To. Ireland's National Service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Young People. 

Arg..I can't get the video to link....

Article on Xtra.ca 

For many queer kids, summer camp is a horrible, hetero experience.

Not anymore.

This summer, youth will have a new opportunity to find a safe space at the Welcome Friend Association’s new Rainbow Camp program..............

Check out the story at http://www.xtra.ca/public/Ottawa/Camp_Somewhere-11688.aspx
 

This is why we need camps like this....safe spaces etc....

http://www.danoah.com/2012/04/a-teens-brave-response-to-im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html

http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3527747