What is Camp Eclipse?
Camp Eclipse: OUT in the woods brings together youth between the ages of 16 and 24 for four days of empowering workshops which take a solution focused, and strengths based approach to the issues faced by two-spirit, lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans, ace, intersex and queer (2SLBGTQIA+) youth. Camp also offers outdoor nature activities and networking opportunities.
Camp Eclipse was created at Planned Parenthood NL Sexual Health Centre in 2009 and became an annual camp. In 2019, Camp Eclipse moved on from the Environmental Education Centre (Brother Brennan) to Lavrock, and then again in 2021 to Burry Heights. In 2022 Camp Eclipse will take place at Camp Starrigan in Musgravetown. These location offers more space and more accessibility than Camp Eclipse has had in the past. This camp is open to any youth, regardless of their gender and sexual identity.
Camp Eclipse was created at Planned Parenthood NL Sexual Health Centre in 2009 and became an annual camp. In 2019, Camp Eclipse moved on from the Environmental Education Centre (Brother Brennan) to Lavrock, and then again in 2021 to Burry Heights. In 2022 Camp Eclipse will take place at Camp Starrigan in Musgravetown. These location offers more space and more accessibility than Camp Eclipse has had in the past. This camp is open to any youth, regardless of their gender and sexual identity.
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Camp builds upon the strengths of youth who are then empowered to:
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Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods Logo (2019). Design by Charlie Murphy (2010).
Updated in 2019 by Nikki Baldwin
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At Camp Eclipse: OUT in the Woods, youth learn HOW to make it better for themselves and others.
Camp Fees: While Camp Eclipse costs the organizations approximately $400-450 per participant to run, we only ask participants to pay a $50 commitment fee on registration. However - despite important gains in the areas of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience high rates of poverty, mental illness, family rejection, and community disconnect. Because of these still existing oppressions, being unable to pay this fee will not prohibit you from attending Camp Eclipse. Contact the Camp Director for more information on financial accommodations.
About the Name
Camp Eclipse: OUT in the woods was named by the youth who attended the first camp in 2009. The Eclipse represents many things the camp stands for. Solar eclipses are monumental and unifying events. During an eclipse the moon (representing minority queer youth) lines up with the sun (representing the majority). Despite the moon’s relatively small size, it becomes visible and empowered. No matter what the size of the majority, the minority can rise above, remain successful, and become visible. This camp empowers youth to do the same.
What to expect at Camp Eclipse
Every day is different and exciting! On the first morning in St. John's, a bus will pick participants up and bring them to the camp site. Upon arrival, participants put their belongings in bunk rooms, and then take part in some ice breakers to get to know each other. After lunch on the first day, participants work together to create community guidelines.
A typical day at Camp involves a variety of team building activities and workshops lead by youth leaders and mentors. After the first workshop there is a lunch break before doing another workshop. All participants, youth and mentors included, participate in the workshops through discussions and open dialogue. Various activities are incorporated with the workshops which helps to keep things interesting. All youth and mentors are strongly encouraged to participate in all workshops and activities, recognizing that people sometimes need personal space to reflect or relax.
During free time, youth and mentors enjoy art, take part in nature hikes, watch a movie, or just hang out and chat. Every night there is an outdoor campfire. This is a great opportunity for chats and to reflect upon the day. Of course, you can't have a camp fire without a sing along and s'mores!
A typical day at Camp involves a variety of team building activities and workshops lead by youth leaders and mentors. After the first workshop there is a lunch break before doing another workshop. All participants, youth and mentors included, participate in the workshops through discussions and open dialogue. Various activities are incorporated with the workshops which helps to keep things interesting. All youth and mentors are strongly encouraged to participate in all workshops and activities, recognizing that people sometimes need personal space to reflect or relax.
During free time, youth and mentors enjoy art, take part in nature hikes, watch a movie, or just hang out and chat. Every night there is an outdoor campfire. This is a great opportunity for chats and to reflect upon the day. Of course, you can't have a camp fire without a sing along and s'mores!
Past workshops include...
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Gender and Sexual Diversity
Introduces people to diverse gender and sexuality related topics and the issues faced by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community |
Making Queerness Visible:
Creating Safer Schools Discusses homophobia in schools, and describes how youth can create safer schools by creating GSA (Gay Straight Alliance or Gender-Sexuality Alliance) clubs in their schools |
Coming Out
Explores the various stages of coming out and how to be a support to other youth in the process of coming out |
Advocacy
A workshop focused on advocacy which generates awareness and teaches people how to implement and initiate positive changes in their communities |
