LGBTQ+ young people are under attack in this country and are experiencing hate, stigma and social isolation. LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. It is estimated that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

LGBTQ+ young people need and deserve a safe place where they are accepted and celebrated. A place where they can meet others that share similar life experiences. A place where they can just play and experience joy.

One Heartland has been providing camp programs for LGBTQ+ young people since 2010. We continue to expand as the need for this program continues to grow. There are no other LGBTQ+ camps in Minnesota and limited numbers across the US.

Camp True Colors has two main types of sessions:

* Sessions open to all LGBTQ+ youth (including but not limited to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, or queer)

* Sessions specifically for youth who are transgender and/or nonbinary, or otherwise gender expansive

We need your help to raise the necessary funds to make sure that all the young people who register to attend camp this summer are able. Historically over 45% of campers who register require financial assistance. In order to accommodate those campers, we need to raise $50,000. With your help, we an give the camp experience to the young people who need it most!

WHAT: Camp True Colors Financial Assistance Fund

WHO: Anyone can a start an online fundraiser!

When: Now

How: Register and start a fundraising page to share with your friends, family, and contacts

Signing up is easy to do and you can help give a LGBTQ+ young person the experience of a lifetime! Just click start fundraising, and well give you all the tools you'll need to make a difference.

Step 1) Click the orange "Start Fundraising" button to start your donations page. For more information on creating your fundraising page and peer to peer fundraising please email stefanietc@oneheartland.org

Step 2) Start sharing your personal fundraising page with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Set a goal for your fundraiser. If you are interested in raising enough funds to cover a full week camp experience, consider setting your goal at $1150.

If you have attended camp or worked at camp before and have personal stories you can share with your contacts, please consider doing so. Hearing about the benefits of camp from people who have experienced it is always a more powerful message.

Thank you and happy fundraising!