Diversity Rules Magazine

August 2011 Camp Highlight “A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle” attention by our caring counselors and staff and have the opportunity to engage in a selection of fantastic activities. We encourage each camper to develop leadership ability, self confidence, and social skills in a safe environment. At Camp Highlight, the goal is to provide a safe, fun, and fantastic camp experience for every camper. They offer an array of activities that encourage children to learn to work together, respect each other, and develop pride and in- tegrity. Theywant to bring children together whose families are similar and create a space where everyone is accepted. New friendships between campers will help to build strong ties between LGBT families in the community. There are a variety of activities offered including archery, swimming, drama and improv games, kickball, art and crafts, and more. During the day, campers rotate through activities of their choosing in smaller groups. Each night, there is a whole camp program such as a dance, a talent show, carnival and, of course, campfires. At night, campers sleep in cabins with other campers of similar age and two counselors. We use a camp wide curriculum that focuses on the universal values of Peace, Respect, Ac- ceptance, Responsibility, and Cooperation. These concepts are woven into daily activities in order to instill campers with pride in them- selves, a sense of independence and self-worth, and the ability to interact and resolve conflict successfully with peers. Camp Highlight will run for one week August 20 through August 27. Our camp is hosted at South Mountain YMCA, a camping facility lo- cated on 600 acres of a mountain in Werners- ville, PA. The site is accredited by the Ameri- can Camping Association. The folks at Camp Highlight have no doubt nature education, and team building in an envi- ronment that celebrates LGBT families. Each camper is given individual Camp Highlight is an overnight camp for chil- dren ages 8 to 15 who have at least one lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgen- der parent. The camp focuses on traditional recreational activities, that your child will have an amazing time! For more information on the camp and how to register your child go to the website at: www.camphighlight.com Meet the Camp’s Co-Directors Jackie McGowan and Chris Hudson met 10 years ago while volunteering at a summer camp for the American Cancer Society. The camp was for children who lives had been impacted by cancer in their family. “I was im- pressed with how the kids used that space,” Chris says. “They were supportive of each oth- er and seemed relieved that there was a place that they didn’t have to explain their situation.” The two discussed creating a similar space for another community they were invested in and the idea of Camp Highlight was born. “We re- ally worked hard to create this awesome rec- reational experience for campers,” Jackie ex- plains. “It’s important to us that they have fun while building lasting friendships. That’s what camp is all about.” Jackie and Chris are licensed social workers who work and live in New York City. Both have had extensive experience working with children and families in a variety of environ- ments. Both have been volunteering as coun- selors at summer camps for over a decade and still continue to do so. “We love camp, chil- dren, and the LGBT community,” Chris says. “I can’t tell you how excited we are for all those things to intersect in Camp Highlight!” Ten

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