Virtual Camp 2023
Check back soon for more information!
What's new about camp this year?
Camp is a little different this year because we are running multiple sessions, giving campers the flexibility to join whichever works best for them! We are also excited to announce that camp this year will include in-person meetups in the Seattle area. We look forward to finally being able to connect with campers in real life rather than simply over a Zoom screen.
What's the theme for camp?
Virtual camp will be geared around 2 themes, one for each week of both sessions. The first week of every camp session is themed around Self-Expression and Creativity, while the second weeks are themed around Self-Care and Advocacy. The creative skills that campers will learn in the first week will be used to show campers how to engage in advocacy and activism work in the second week!
Workshops
Campers will be guided through a specific topic or activity related to the camp themes. For example, the first week of every camp session is themed around Self-Expression and Creativity, during which we'll cover things like Pride Flag Designing and Improv Comedy. The second week is themed around Self-Care and Advocacy, which will feature guided meditations and workshops on queer history.
Affinity Groups
These groups will be led by counselors of a given queer affinity. They are a great way to for campers to find other peers who share an affinity (e.g. lesbian, trans-masc, aromantic, gender expansive, etc.) and discuss what it means to be part of that affinity group.
Cabin Time
Campers will be led through activities by their cabin counselor(s) and will meet consistently with similar aged peers. This is a great opportunity to form close relationships with a core group of youth.
Game Hours
Just like at in-person summer camp, we want all campers to get together to have fun and hang out as a group. Game hours allow campers to have unstructured free time to vibe, bond, and engage with each other through things like Jackbox or other online games!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I volunteer?
Camp can't happen without volunteers to help create and lead activities! We are currently seeking volunteers for camp this year. Visit https://forms.gle/qi4fRtVLgggH19f79 or email eleanor@camptentrees.org to apply.
When will virtual camp be hosted?
Camp will be hosted Monday-Friday for about 5 hours each day from July 31 to August 11 and August 14 to August 25. Monday through Thursday activities will be from 9am-2pm PST, while Fridays may have some evening activities.
When is the deadline for registration?
The deadline for registration for the first camp session is July 24th. That allows our team to put together your camper's care package and mail it in time for camp activities! Check back soon for a deadline for second session registration.
Who are some of your special guests at camp this year?
So far, some of our special guests include Cool Whip, an improv comedy group from Spokane, WA, and Representative James Roesener, the first trans man elected to state legislature. Though these two guests seem very different, we want to emphasize their connections to our camp week themes; week one is themed around Self-Expression and Creativity, while week two is themed around Self-Care and Advocacy.
Is participation mandatory every day or for all camp activities?
No! Virtual camp is flexible to your schedule. Campers can participate in activities as they choose - there are no requirements for any camp events. We want to give our campers autonomy in how and when they choose to engage.
Who can be a camper?
CTT Campers are either LGBTQIA+ identified or have immediate family members that are LGBTQIA+ identified and must be 8-17 years old at the time of camp.
How much does camp tuition cost?
Camp Ten Trees is committed to maintaining financial accessibility for our campers. We will never turn a camper away for financial reasons. We offer sliding scale tuition and "Camperships" (camp scholarships) to make camp possible for everyone. We ask that you pay at the highest level that you can; tuition payments are vital to keeping our programs running and making camp accessible for all of our campers. Camp Ten Trees is a non-profit organization that is supported solely by donations, grant funding, and program fees. The sliding scale tuition rates for the 2023 Virtual Camp are $50-$150 USD per camper.
Can I sponsor tuition for another camper?
Absolutely! If you would like to contribute to the Camper Scholarship Fund, please indicate that on your application form and a staff member will be in touch. Alternatively, you can make donations to Camp Ten Trees directly on our website by clicking here. If you have questions about receiving Camperships or making a donation to our Campership fund, please contact info@camptentrees.org.
What is the application process like?
To apply for 2023 Virtual Camp with Camp Ten Trees, complete and submit the form below. It must be completed and submitted all at once. There is no fee to apply. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and camper spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats have filled. There is a limited number of camper spaces reserved for BIPOC-identified (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) campers. If your camper has been accepted, you will receive an email from our Virtual Camp Director with your official invitation and next steps, which include a link to submit your tuition payment - see information about our sliding scale above. Submit payment within two weeks to confirm your attendance. After the two weeks have passed, if your payment has not been received and/or you have not responded to your invitation email, your spot may be reallocated to another camper on the waitlist.
If you need any assistance or accommodations or if you have additional questions for our team, please email eleanor@camptentrees.org.