Camp Free2Be is designed to serve as a safe and affirming space for trans and nonbinary youth.
Throughout the week, campers build lasting friendships, celebrate being their authentic selves, and most importantly—have fun!
This summer, we’re offering two week-long sessions. Campers are welcome to join us for a single week, or both! Each session has space for 40 campers.
Through Camp Free2Be’s Volunteer Junior Counselor Program, trans and nonbinary teens ages 14-18 can serve as role models, support camp activities, and learn leadership skills.
Anyone who has not previously attended any SMYAL programs must first attend a SMYAL Welcome Session.
After attending the Welcome Session, families will receive an invitation to join our registration portal and register for camp.
If you already have a Trax account, you can register today on our Youth Programs Portal!
Please register for one session only. A lottery for anyone who would like to attend both sessions will be held at the end of April.
We welcome all youth ages 6-14 who identify as transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse. Our campers have a range of experiences, so wherever you are on your journey, you belong here!
Camp Free2Be is hosted by SMYAL and facilitated by background-checked staff with extensive experience in youth programming and development.
This year’s Camp Free2Be will remain FREE for campers! This includes registration, activity materials, a camp t-shirt, and a daily snack.
SMYAL believes that every child should have access to an inclusive, fun, camp experience! This year, to help make that possible, we are asking that all participating families donate an amount that is personally meaningful to them and reflective of the value your family finds in Camp Free2Be. These donations will be put directly towards offsetting the cost of Camp, and ensuring that we can continue to provide this important programming.
Learn more about this year’s camp donation model and make a donation here.
This year, Camp Free2Be will be hosted in Northwest Washington, DC near Tenleytown/Van Ness. The exact location will only be shared with registered campers.
Transportation options include:
Camp Free2Be and SMYAL are committed to ensuring that the spaces we create are accessible, inclusive, and foster belonging so that youth feel seen and safe. This is why staff have worked hard to design programs and activities that everyone can participate in.
This includes hosting camp at an ADA accessible site, designing activities to support neurodivergent youth, hosting affinity groups for BIPOC youth, providing ASL during session 1, and offering an Access Fund to help offset outside costs of attending camp.
Through Camp Free2Be’s Volunteer Junior Counselor Program, trans and nonbinary teens ages 15-19 can serve as role models, support camp activities, and learn leadership skills. 14-year-olds can apply to be a Junior Counselor only with permission from a staff member.
There are two Junior Counselor roles: Cabin Counselors and Admin Support Counselors.
Looking for mental health support? SMYAL offers free therapy for queer and trans youth in both English and Spanish.
Learn more about SMYAL’s affirming mental health services y get connected here.
