With a generous donation from founding collaborator VACAYA, Camp Brooklyn Fund has established a scholarship fund to benefit Brooklyn-based LGBTQIA+ campers in grade school and economically disenfranchised LGBTQIA+ families.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance for camper attendance to sleep-away camp, leveraging Camp Brooklyn Fund’s network of camps and local and global community partners - all while building on Camp Brooklyn Fund’s established Mission.
The fund is in memory of John Finen, a Camp Brooklyn Fund Board Member, VACAYA co-founder, supporter of the performing arts & proud Brooklyn resident.
Be A Bright Light.
Click below to make your donation to the Fund.
2024 Partner Camps
Camps provide life-affirming camping experiences for LGBTQIA+ grade school campers and children from LGBTQIA+ families.
JOHN FINEN CHANGED PEOPLE’S LIVES.
LGBTQ+ youth are 6x to 8x times more likely to be bullied, homeless, depressed, or suicidal.
80% of LGBTQIA+ youth experience severe isolation.
LGBTQI youth and young adults have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness — often the result of family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
(Source Camp Highlight & NAMI: Key Statistics)
CAMP CHANGES LIVES.
1 in 3 Brooklyn kids grows up in an economically disenfranchised family.
Spending time in nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone often used as a marker for stress.
Regular exposure to nature has been linked to reductions in feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger.
Outdoor activities, especially those in group settings, can foster social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.
