Here’s a detailed overview of Rainbow Camp® — safety, who we serve, travel, accessibility, daily life, and our specialty programs. If you don’t see your question answered, we’re always happy to talk.
2026 update: Traditional overnight summer camp sessions are not running in 2026. We are actively working toward the return of overnight programming in 2027. The information below explains the Rainbow Camp® experience we are working to bring forward again.
Rainbow Camp® was created for 2SLGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 12–17. Our camp programming has included Rainbow Camp®, Rainbow LEAD, and Rainbow Quest. Traditional overnight sessions are not running in 2026 as we prepare for the next chapter of Rainbow Camp®.
Rainbow Camp® is a summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ teens ages 12–17. Campers include 2 Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied youth, their siblings, and children in queer families.
Our camp programming has included:
Yes. Rainbow Camp® is accredited with the Ontario Camps Association (OCA). The OCA sets standards for safety, leadership, programming, and administration. Accreditation means we meet or exceed those standards.
You can learn more about the OCA at their website if you’d like to see the specific standards we follow.
The well-being and safety of campers and staff has always been a top priority. As an OCA accredited camp, Rainbow Camp® has followed high standards for:
In previous overnight seasons, Rainbow Camp® operated with controlled site access, active camper supervision, camp-specific staff training, emergency procedures, health support, and qualified supervision for higher-risk activities.
The exact staffing model, medical coverage, waterfront supervision, emergency procedures, and site-specific safety practices for future sessions will be confirmed before registration opens.
Rainbow Camp® has welcomed youth from across Canada and the United States. The answers below describe our usual participation practices and will be updated when future camp dates are announced.
Rainbow Camp® offers camps for youth ages 12–17, including Rainbow Camp®, Rainbow LEAD, and Rainbow Quest.
No. Rainbow Camp® is not holding traditional overnight summer camp sessions in 2026, so there is no 2026 summer camp registration.
We are using this transition year to strengthen year-round connection, prepare for future camp experiences, and continue working toward a permanent home for Rainbow Camp®.
When future camp dates and registration are available, we will post the information on this website and through Rainbow Camp® communications.
See Camp Sessions & 2027 Updates and Registration Info for the current status.
There is no 2026 summer camp waitlist because traditional overnight sessions are not running this year.
When future sessions are announced, we will publish the registration and waitlist process at that time.
Yes. Rainbow Camp® has welcomed campers from across Canada and the United States, and we intend to continue welcoming youth from beyond Ontario when overnight sessions return.
In previous camp seasons, supervised travel has been available from several locations across Ontario. Future routes, pickup points, airport arrangements, and travel support will be confirmed when new camp dates are announced.
Travel assistance and bursary availability depend on the funding and arrangements available for each future camp season.
For detailed questions about travel support, email registration@rainbowcamp.ca.
When overnight camp sessions are offered, campers under 18 require parent/guardian consent. A supportive adult may help with the process, but participation must be confirmed with the camper’s legal guardian(s).
We take camper well-being seriously and staff receive training on supporting mental health and group living. Additional support needs are handled case by case.
When future registration opens, families should be as specific as possible about support needs so our team can assess whether we can support the camper safely.
Important notes:
We recognize that 2SLGBTQ+ communities experience higher rates of mental health challenges. We have policies and practices to support the physical and emotional safety of campers, staff, and volunteers.
Support can include:
If you have specific mental health concerns, please contact us in advance so we can talk together about whether camp is a good fit and what supports might be available.
At Rainbow Camp®, it’s your choice what you share about your identity.
When camp is operating, we work carefully with campers and parents/guardians around names, pronouns, privacy, and safety. We prioritize the young person’s safety and confidentiality in those conversations.
Rainbow Camp® welcomes all identities, including allies. Many campers are 2SLGBTQ+, and some are allies, siblings, or children in queer families. What matters is that you are supportive of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and willing to help make camp a Brave Space for everyone.
Accessibility has always been central to Rainbow Camp®. In past seasons we have used tiered fees, camperships, travel bursaries, and supervised travel. Future details will be announced when camp sessions return.
Rainbow Camp® has operated in Northern Ontario near Sault Ste. Marie. We are currently working toward a permanent home, so future camp location and travel arrangements may change.
When new overnight camp sessions are announced, we will provide complete information about the location, supervised travel options, airport arrangements, and family drop-off/pick-up.
You can also visit our Location & Travel page for the most current planning information.
There are no 2026 overnight camp fees because traditional summer camp sessions are not running this year. In past seasons, Rainbow Camp® has used a voluntary tiered payment system so families could choose the fee that best matched their financial situation.
Our tiered approach has generally worked like this:
We fundraise so that cost is not the deciding factor in whether a young person can experience Rainbow Camp®. Future fees and subsidy options will be published when overnight camp sessions return.
There is no payment due for 2026 overnight camp because traditional summer sessions are not running this year.
Payment methods, deadlines, and payment-plan options for future camp seasons will be posted when registration reopens.
In past seasons, families selected the tier that best reflected their financial situation, and the tier chosen did not affect the camper’s experience.
Our goal for future camp seasons remains the same: make Rainbow Camp® as financially accessible as possible while treating family financial information with confidentiality and respect.
Rainbow Camp® has historically raised funds to help families with camp fees and travel. There is no 2026 overnight camp application process.
When future sessions are announced, we will also explain what campership and travel bursary funding is available and how families can apply.
Financial accessibility is one of Rainbow Camp®’s core commitments. In previous seasons, supports have included tiered fees, payment plans, camperships, and travel bursaries.
We intend to continue seeking ways to reduce financial barriers when overnight camp returns. Specific supports will depend on available funding for each future season.
When overnight camp sessions return, travel and identification requirements will be confirmed for that season. In previous years, Rainbow Camp® has used supervised ground transportation and coordinated arrival plans for campers travelling from farther away.
Future information will clearly explain:
Please use the Location & Travel page for the most current information.
Camp days are full but flexible, with lots of choice-based programming, shared cabins, and time outdoors.
Campers participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Much of our programming is choice-based, so campers can pick activities that interest them most.
A typical day might include:
Times and details can vary by session and year, but there is always a balance of structured activities, free choice, and downtime.
In previous seasons, Rainbow Camp® has operated at Northern Ontario camp sites with features such as:
Future facilities will depend on the site that is confirmed. Learn more about our long-term vision at The Home We Never Had.
When future overnight sessions are announced, registered families will receive a complete, updated packing list before camp.
The packing list covers clothing, toiletries, outdoor gear, and any optional items that might make campers more comfortable.
In previous overnight seasons, staff have lived in camper cabins as part of the supervision and community model.
Future cabin capacity, staffing ratios, sleeping arrangements, and grouping practices will depend on the site and program model that is confirmed for the season.
Rainbow Camp® has historically grouped cabins primarily by age rather than by gender identity or gender expression.
When future registration opens, we will explain the confirmed cabin-grouping approach and whether campers can submit cabin requests. Any requests would remain subject to space, safety, and group needs.
Rainbow LEAD is our leadership-development model for older youth who want to build skills and support younger campers. Rainbow LEAD is not running as an overnight camp program in 2026.
LEADers spend two weeks at Rainbow Camp®. In week one, they focus on:
In week two, LEADers are paired with a cabin of younger campers and work alongside an experienced counsellor, helping to lead:
LEADers also participate in an overnight out-trip as part of their learning.
No. Rainbow LEAD is not running as an overnight camp program in 2026.
Rainbow LEAD remains part of our programming vision. Future dates, fees, travel, funding options, and application details will be posted when the program returns.
Participation in Rainbow LEAD is not automatic. Spaces are limited and we want to ensure the program is a good fit for each participant.
There is no 2026 application process. When Rainbow LEAD returns, we expect to use an application and conversation process so we can get to know each young person, understand their goals, and make sure the program is a good fit.
Rainbow LEAD has traditionally been a small program so participants receive meaningful leadership experience and support. There is no 2026 waitlist because the overnight program is not running this year.
For more questions about Rainbow LEAD:
Email: registration@rainbowcamp.ca
Phone: 1-888-909-2234
Rainbow Quest combines time at main camp with a multi-day backcountry canoe trip, with no prior camping experience required. Rainbow Quest is not running in 2026.
Rainbow Quest is an out-trip-based program centered on a multi-day backcountry canoe trip. It offers campers the chance to:
Campers spend the first couple of days at main camp learning canoeing and camping basics and participating in regular camp activities. Then they head out on their canoe trip before returning to main camp for showers, rest, and a final day together.
You do not need prior camping or canoe experience to join Rainbow Quest — we teach you what you need to know during the first days on site.
To participate fully, you will need to pass a swim test before leaving on the out-trip. The swim test typically includes:
A video of the swim test is provided in advance so you can see what to expect. If you do not pass the swim test or are a weaker swimmer, you can still participate, but you’ll be placed in a canoe with a certified lifeguard instead of choosing your own canoe partners.
Rainbow Quest is not running in 2026, so there are no current dates or fees. When the program returns, we will publish the fee structure, travel arrangements, and any campership or travel-bursary options available for that season.
When Rainbow Quest returns, participants will receive a detailed packing list and preparation information. Rainbow Camp® provides:
You’ll need to bring your own personal gear, including a suitable sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries.
Yes. Backcountry camping can start at any age or skill level. Rainbow Quest is designed for beginners as well as youth with previous experience.
It’s often best to try the backcountry for the first time with a supportive, trained group — which is exactly what the Rainbow Camp® staff provide.
Rainbow Camp® is a Brave Space, smoke-free and substance-free, with clear expectations around electronics, snacks, and how we treat one another.
Everyone at camp agrees to our Brave Space Guidelines, which are built on:
In practice, this means:
These guidelines help create a supportive environment that encourages growth, accountability, bravery, and open communication.
Rainbow Camp® has operated as a smoke-free and substance-free camp, with clear expectations around alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, vaping, and other prohibited substances.
Future camper and staff policies will be reconfirmed before overnight programming returns.
In previous overnight seasons, Rainbow Camp® has limited the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during camp so campers can be present with one another and protect privacy.
Future electronics rules, storage practices, and any exceptions for travel or accessibility will be confirmed before registration opens.
In previous overnight seasons, Rainbow Camp® has restricted outside food and snacks because of allergy management, food safety, and wildlife concerns.
Future food policies, snack availability, allergy procedures, and dietary-accommodation practices will be confirmed for the site and season before registration opens.
If something isn’t covered or you’d like to talk through a specific situation, we’re happy to connect. Rainbow Camp® is all about building a Brave Space together — and that starts with good communication.
