Camp BranchOUT
It's an exciting and new partnership between North Branch Nature Center and Outright!
Camp BranchOUT (BranchOUT) is a nature-based day camp for queer and gender creative kids where they can simply be kids! It's not just any camp – it's all about creating a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for 10-12-year-old campers where they can be their most authentic selves and are embraced and celebrated for exactly who they are, all while exploring and learning about the awesome outdoors.
A collaborative effort between Outright Vermont (Outright) and North Branch Nature Center (NBNC), BranchOUT takes place on NBNC's 28-acre preserve in central Vermont, where campers can immerse in the natural world to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations that nature provides. Fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, and mental and physical well-being, our camp's hands-on exploration and learning in nature affirms experiences of joy and curiosity, both key to building a life-long connection to nature.
Here are some details on Camp BranchOUT 2025:
Applications open in March 2025
2025 Session dates TBA
Time: 9 am - 4 pm (drop-off starts at 8:45 am)
Full and partial scholarships are available, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds
Capacity: Limited to 12 campers
Age Group: For kids ages 10-12
Heck Yeah, it'll be amazing!
For More Information
Emma Makdessi (they/she)
Camp Director, Director of Community Engagement
Here's More on Camp BranchOUT!
Nature-based Curriculum with a Queer Twist!
Heck Yeah, we bring the sparkle with a queer twist in all that we do at camp! It's magic mix of LGBTQ+ staff who get it, camp decorations and signs that shout, "You totally belong here!" and age appropriate activities that integrate queer pride and joy.
BranchOUT features a nature-based curriculum with a queer twist. Exciting activities might include:
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Exploring fields and forest
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Classic NBNC games, such as Coyote Deer
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Wading in the river and hiking local trails
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Nature crafts and skills such as cooking over a fire
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Catching insects and learning about the critters that live in Vermont
And so much more!
We Have Your Backs!
Founded on shared values, BranchOUT's programming is co-run by directors and staff from each organization. Together, we bring a whole lot of experience in the world of youth camps and campers - a powerful blend of expertise in our respective areas of nature-based learning and the needs of queer and gender creative youth.
In addition to this partnership, NBNC staff have actively and enthusiastically engaged in ongoing training about the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ campers who attend any of NBNC's programs. BranchOUT is a continuation of NBNC's deepening commitment to their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work, which is about making NBNC's natural areas, organization and community more inclusive and equitable.
Together, we're dedicated to creating an incredible experience that affirms and inspires every camper. This collaboration marks a new chapter in fostering a supportive community where every LGBTQ+ youth can thrive!
Scholarships for Campers!
We ensure that no one is turned away for lack of funds. Full and partial scholarships are available to support campers. The scholarship application is on the same form as camper registration hosted on NBNC's website.
Come Back Next March To Apply!
Just in case you missed it, here are BranchOUT's program details.
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Dates: 2025 Dates TBA
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Time: 9 am - 4 pm (drop-off starts at 8:45 am)
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Full and partial scholarships are available, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds
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Capacity: Limited to 12 campers
-
Age Group: For kids ages 10-12
Heck Yeah, we'll have fun!
We can't wait to see your camper this summer!
