Submitted by: Laurie Sampson
2014 Coordinator, Camp fYrefly Sask
There is still time to apply to attend Camp fYrefly!
Camp fYrefly is Canada’s only national leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and allied youth. It is designed to give campers the leadership skills and personal resiliency they need to create positive change in their communities. We are also excited to announce that this year’s Artist-in-Residence will be JMase III, a self-described “Black/Trans/Queer/Rowdy-as-hell poet based in New York City who will lead workshops that encourage creative expression and solidarity. This year’s Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan will take place August 1-4, 2014 at the beautiful Lumsden Beach Camp, just outside of Regina.
For details about the Camp or to apply email campfyreflysask@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.usask.ca/education/fyrefly
To give you a sense of the difference the camp can make in people’s lives I’ve included a few words from past campers:
Camper 1
High school can be hard, some days it seems impossible. There are days when you don’t want to get out of bed out of fear of facing judgement, anxiety and harsh words from teachers and students alike. This is something young people attending high schools face daily. Hearing a kind comment can change a day and in some cases even a life.
In the summer of 2013 I attended Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan. Not a day went by where I didn’t receive an inspirational comment. Being a queer youth among fellow youth the majority of my life, I have been ridiculed and teased for being who I am.
Attending this camp, I was given more support and kind words by people I barely knew, than I have in my entire high school carrier. Camp fYrefly not only enlightened me and helped me understand the vast amount of diversity that exists in the community, but gave me a safe place to express myself that I sometimes don’t get in school.
Campers learnt about many diverse topics in a safe and inclusive environment including sessions on suicide, gender identity and sexual orientation. Topics rarely touch on in schools.
At the end of camp, we made notes with kind messages and gave them to fellow campers and camp leaders. They give me inspiration and reassurance on days I can’t seem to see the sun through the clouds.
Camper 2
I found out about Camp fYrefly when I was in Grade 12. It was four days of learning and new experiences. What I remember most is the feeling of fitting it. For the first time, I could talk about my girlfriend without getting strange looks or rude comments. And when I came home, I felt empowered to ensure that I was safe and happy in my life and my environment.
I’ve attended Camp fYrefly three times since it started in Saskatchewan in 2009. It is amazing how four days a year can completely change how you look at your life!
The journey to self-discovery, of knowing who you are, is a road best travelled with knowledge from within. Help from outside sources can influence our internal sense of being, in either positive or negative directions. Facing this journey can also be frightening, as for some it may feel like there is nowhere to turn when doubts or questions arise. Growing up, I was different. I wasn’t as social as the other kids, I felt isolated and I also felt like I didn’t fit in. In this world there are circumstances and situations of hope, waiting to be discovered. That is where Camp fYrefly has, for the better, changed my life as a person. Camp fYrefly in itself is an amazing experience. The atmosphere at this camp gives you a sense of belonging that no other camp ever could. The fellowship of other campers, including the friendship gained is a feeling like no other. From the moment you step foot through the door, your outlook on life will forever be changed. There are a variety of activities and group social meetings, which help you to grow as person with other campers, as you learn to support each other. The leadership skills you bring home can help to change the world around you for the better!
