Camp BranchOUT

A Nature Day Camp Where Queer & Gender Creative Kids Can Just Be Kids!

Applications for Camp BranchOUT are OPEN!

Apply By Monday, March 10, 2025!

NOTE: Due to a glitch, the application page states that Camp BranchOUT is full. That's wrong!

Just apply to the "waitlist" by the deadline to be considered!

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 Friday, February 21, 2025
2025 Session dates: Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15
Time: 9 am - 4 pm (drop-off starts at 8:45 am)
Full and partial scholarships are always available, and need for scholarship will have no bearing on your application
Capacity: Limited to 14 campers
Age Group: For kids ages 10-12

Heck Yeah, it'll be amazing!

Related Resources

For More Information

Emma Makdessi (they/she)
Camp Director, Director of Community Engagement

camp@outrightvt.org

Here's More on Camp BranchOUT!

Heck yeah, we love nature!

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:

Exploring fields and forest
Classic NBNC games, such as Coyote Deer
Wading in the river and hiking local trails
Nature crafts and skills such as cooking over a fire
Catching insects and learning about the critters that live in Vermont

And so much more!

Get inspired!

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!

We got you!

Scholarships for Campers!

Full and partial scholarships are always available to support campers, and your need for a scholarship will have no bearing on your application. The scholarship application is on the same form as camper registration hosted on NBNC's website.

Please be assured that your request for financial support will not influence the selection of camp cohorts, as we will review these responses separately after cohort selections have been made.

Lovin logistics!

Apply For Camp BranchOUT!

Just in case you missed it, here are BranchOUT's program details.

Dates: Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 9 am - 4 pm (drop-off starts at 8:45 am)
Full and partial scholarships are always available, and your need for a scholarship will have no bearing on your application.
Capacity: Limited to 14 campers
Age Group: For kids ages 10-12

Heck Yeah, we'll have fun!

It's like everyone there has maybe a similar enough experience to you, where you can just be laid back and have fun.

// Outright Camper

We can't wait to see your camper this summer!