‘You can see their minds grow’: identity development of LGBTQ youth at a residential wilderness camp

ABSTRACT

There is a substantial literature on the meaning of residential wilderness camps for youth and the benefits that they experience as a result of these camps. However, there is little work that details the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) youth at camps that are specifically designed for them and run by LGBTQ staff. Two focus groups were held at an LGBTQ camp and qualitative data analysis was undertaken. Results indicate support for the extant camp literature through positive identity development, experiences of social inclusion as well as support for cultivating positive attitudes toward physical activity. There was a lack of evidence to support increased spiritual connections and environmental awareness, possibly due to emphasizing programming around queer issues rather than intentionally programming nature-based activities and facilitating spiritual connections.

KEYWORDS:

• Lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• adolescent

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.