Camp Fyrefly launches summer registration

Saskatchewan's Camp Fyrefly is accepting registrations for another season.

It kicked off its fifth year in the province by screening a video in Saskatoon featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender youth who have attended the camp. The video's message was that it's OK to be different.

That's a message many of the participants hadn't heard before they found Camp Fyrefly.

' I wasn't totally open about who I was, but after Camp Fyrefly I felt a lot more confident to be who I was' —Chance Samuel, Fyrefly camper

Chance Samuel is one of those people.  Growing up in Osler, Sask. and attending high school in the nearby town of Warman wasn't easy for Samuel. He decided to attend the camp at age 17, shortly after he had come out to his community. He turned to Camp Fyrefly for support.

"Before that I wasn't totally open about who I was, but after Camp Fyrefly I felt a lot more confident to be who I was," said Samuel.

"I met a lot of really cool people and came away with a lot of skills and resources to live my life to the fullest."

Camp coordinator Kobie Spriggs believes Camp Fyrefly is an important resource for LGBT youth in the province.

"You see these youth walk in and they're hunched [over] and anxious and when they leave it is like a load of bricks were lifted off their backs. And you see these people form groups and support networks that are just really inspiring," said Spriggs.

In partnership with The University of Regina and The University of Saskatchewan, the camp offers educational, leadership, personal development and cultural activities for people aged 14-24.

This year it will run from August 15-18. It costs $25, and travel bursaries are available in some circumstances.

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