Why We Need a Home of Our Own

For 12 years, Rainbow Camp® has rented space each summer to make camp possible. That model worked when funding was more stable. Today, relying on short-term rentals is risky and limits how many youth we can serve.

Each year we face:

• Uncertainty: We must renegotiate dates and fees annually, with no long-term security.
• Limited capacity: We can only run a few summer sessions, even as more youth apply.
• Rising costs: Rental, food, and staffing costs are climbing faster than our funding.
• No year-round use: We cannot offer retreats or leadership programs during the year because we don’t control the site.

Owning our own property changes all of this. It allows us to plan long-term, serve more youth, and protect a Brave Space that 2SLGBTQ+ campers can count on.

Our Vision: A Permanent Rainbow Camp® Site

We are launching a Capital Campaign to purchase land and create a permanent home for Rainbow Camp®. Our goal is to raise $1.5 million to:

• Purchase 10–15 acres in Northern Ontario with lake and forest access.
• Develop essential infrastructure – cabins, washrooms, dining/meeting space.
• Build accessible, affirming spaces for campers of all gender identities and expressions.
• Create capacity for year-round programming – retreats, leadership training, and Brave Space education.

This is more than a property purchase. It is an investment in mental health, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Why This Matters Now

2SLGBTQ+ youth are facing increased hostility and isolation, especially in rural and Northern communities. Many arrive at camp having never met another queer or trans young person their age.

At Rainbow Camp®, they finally:

• Hear their name and pronouns respected.
• Meet peers who “get it.”
• See queer and trans adults leading with pride.
• Experience a Brave Space where they can breathe, laugh, and imagine a future.

Parents tell us they see a visible change when their child returns from camp. Some tell us bluntly: “Rainbow Camp kept my child alive.”

A permanent home allows us to protect and expand that life-saving impact, instead of rebuilding from scratch each summer.

Campaign Goal & Impact

Ways to Give

1. One-Time Gifts

Make a one-time gift to the Capital Campaign today through our secure online donation form.

2. Monthly Giving

Spread your support over time with a monthly contribution dedicated to the Capital Campaign.

3. Leadership Gifts & Naming Opportunities

For donors considering gifts of $10,000 or more, we offer customized recognition and potential naming opportunities (cabins, program spaces, etc.). Please contact us to discuss options.

4. Corporate & Foundation Partners

We welcome partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community groups who want to make a visible, long-term difference for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

All gifts are processed through Welcome Friend Association, the registered charity that operates Rainbow Camp®. Where possible, please indicate “Capital Campaign” with your gift.

Give to the Capital Campaign

About Welcome Friend Association & Rainbow Camp®

Welcome Friend Association (WFA) is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies through education, training, and programs.

Rainbow Camp®, a program of WFA, offers a safe, fun, and affirming summer camp experience for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, their siblings, and children in queer-identified families.

Our work has been recognized nationally, including the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada for founding Rainbow Camp®.

Contact Us About the Capital Campaign

If you would like to discuss a leadership gift, corporate partnership, or other ways to support the Capital Campaign, we would love to hear from you.