This program is for:
2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 13-17 living in southern Alberta
Costs & Fees
$565 per participant. Subsidies are available. We do not want cost to be a barrier to participation.
Location
Camp Chief Hector, Kananaskis. Transportation is available from Calgary.
Dates
August 23 – 27, 2025
How to Register
Registration for campers and volunteers is now open until April 13, 2025.
Contact Us
If you have questions about if Camp fYrefly is right for you or your child, please e-mail us at campfyrefly@centreforsexuality.ca
A Summer Camp for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Camp fYrefly is a fun, educational, social and personal leadership retreat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 13-17 that takes place at YMCA Camp Chief Hector in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Campers explore their identity, build resilience, enhance self-esteem and develop leadership skills that positively impact their lives, homes, schools and communities. Workshops, outdoor activities, mental health support, art programming and community building are just some examples of what to expect!
To find out more about being a camper or a volunteer, join one of our free virtual information sessions! Sign up here for either information session. Both take place on March 31.
Camp fYrefly Southern Alberta began in 2013 thanks to a partnership between the University of Alberta’s Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (ISMSS) and is now operated independently by Centre for Sexuality.
“My favourite part of camp was all the people, the safety, the community, the friendship. Being able to be me!”
-Camp fYrefly Participant
2025 Camp Applications
Campers
Camp fYrefly is a five-day overnight camp. It’s a space of fun, excitement, curiosity and thoughtfulness. It is also a space for reflection and exploration of identity.
Sometimes we will find ourselves in a quiet sharing circle, and other times in a noisy lodge full of people. There are opportunities to have deep chats about identity in workshops and to sing songs around a campfire. You might discover new things about yourself and the people around you, and many campers leave camp with new friendships!
This is an outdoorsy camp with bunk beds and shared rooms. A team of staff and volunteers will be there to support you over the five days if you have questions or need help.
If this sounds like fun to you, we can’t wait to receive your application! Apply for camp here.
Limited Space
Each year we receive many more applications than spaces available for campers. As a result, each application is read by at least three separate reviewers who independently consider each application. Applications are reviewed for completeness, goals and needs, depth of response to the application questions and previous personal experiences.
After the applications are reviewed, the Camp Coordinators will meet with the reviewers and make final participant selection decisions. Camp fYrefly is committed to diversity and representation within our camper and volunteer groups. We especially welcome applications from queer individuals of colour, Two-Spirit and/or Indigenous people, people with disabilities and gender-diverse individuals.
Camp Cost
The cost to attend camp this year is $565 per camper.
We encourage those who can afford the $565 cost to consider paying the full amount. However, we strive to provide accessibility for those in financial need. The YMCA offers subsidized rates to help enable all youth interested in attending. If you are in a financial position to sponsor an additional camper, please email us at campfyrefly@centreforsexuality.ca
Registration Process
The first step for interested campers is to fill out the application form. All applicants will be informed of the result of their application. If your application is successful, we’ll provide you with more information about registration and payment at that time.
The registration package and fee will be managed through the YMCA camper registration system. There will be an option for full payment, payment plans and subsidy.
In addition to registration and payment, you will need your parents or guardians to complete a waiver and provide transportation information for you to attend camp.
Submit your application for Camp fYrefly 2025 here.
Youth Action Committee
We are looking for a diverse group of youth, ages 13-17, to be a part of the Camp fYrefly Youth Action Committee (YAC) and help us prepare for camp. The YAC is an important part of Camp fYrefly. The YAC will help us:
- Review workshops and activities
- Select Camp theme
- Create decor and materials
- Identify challenges and brainstorm solutions
- Provide feedback to camp planning
The YAC will meet throughout June, July, and August for a total of six in-person meetings.
We value multiple perspectives and want to hear many different voices at this table. Everyone is welcome to apply!
Members of the Youth Action Committee will receive an honorarium of up to $50 per meeting to compensate them for their time and commitment.
Campers interested in applying for the Youth Action committee will be prompted to do so in the camper application process.
Youth interested in joining the YAC can register their interest through our camper application.
Youth Leader Volunteer
To be a Youth Leader at Camp fYrefly, you must be between ages 20-24 by the start of camp.
Youth Leaders are the group leaders at Camp fYrefly and the primary point of contact for campers. You will be grouped with one Adult Leader and one Mental Health Leader for each pod. Working with other volunteers and staff, Youth Leaders guide the pod through pod time activities, workshops, free time and transition times. Youth Leaders support camper growth and build community as a peer. Youth Leaders build their skills in mentorship, communication and working with youth.
Youth Leader Volunteers will be onsite for all five days of camp and will be assigned to a specific group of youth, sharing accommodations with campers, volunteers and staff.
Camp is a space of excitement and curiosity. It is also a space for emotional reflection and identity exploration. Sometimes Youth Leaders will find themselves in a quiet sharing circle, and other times in a loud and busy lodge. It is a woodsy natural site with dorm-style accommodations and bunk beds. Youth Leader roles may involve guiding conversations in workshops or singing around a campfire. Camp can be both joyful and challenging! It’s important that Youth Leaders act with empathy, flexibility and resiliency.
The ideal candidate will be able to multi-task, role model effective communication and demonstrate a strong tool-kit for supporting others and themselves – ensuring they can navigate Camp needs with confidence.
Training
To help you become successful in this youth leadership role, we will provide you with comprehensive pre-camp training to help build your leadership, facilitation and mentoring skills. This pre-camp training is mandatory and will take place all day on July 26 and 27, 2025.
Applicants selected to be Youth Leaders at Camp fYrefly will be required to complete a criminal record/background check. Volunteers will then receive a detailed registration package containing a pre-camp checklist and information on travel, meals, accommodations and media consent.
Honorarium
As recognition of your commitment, Youth Leaders will receive a sliding scale honorarium of up to $500.00.
Apply to be a Youth Leader for Camp fYrefly 2025 here.
Adult Volunteer
To be an Adult Leader at Camp fYrefly, you must be 25 years or older by the start of camp.
Adult Leaders play a key role at Camp fYrefly. Acting as a resource for both Youth Leaders and campers, they help enhance the camp experience and open spaces for informal education and inter-generational role modelling. Along with Youth Leaders, Adult Volunteers support and provide guidance at pod meetings, special events and workshops. They build relationships with Youth Leaders and campers, offering mentorship and acting as a bridge to the appropriate resource. Adult Leaders build their skills in leadership, collaboration and problem solving.
Adult Leader Volunteers will be onsite for all five days of camp and will be assigned to a specific pod of youth.
Camp is a space of excitement and curiosity. It is also a space for emotional reflection and identity exploration. Sometimes Adult Leaders will find themselves in a quiet sharing circle, and other times in a loud and busy lodge. It is a woodsy natural site with dorm-style accommodations and bunk beds. Adult Leader roles may involve guiding conversations in workshops or singing around a campfire. Camp can be both joyful and challenging. It’s important that Adult Leaders act with empathy, flexibility, and resiliency.
The ideal candidate will be able to multi-task, role model effective communication and demonstrate a strong tool-kit for supporting others and themselves – ensuring they can navigate Camp needs with confidence.
Training
To help you become successful in the Adult Leader role, we will provide you with comprehensive pre-camp training to help build your leadership, supervision, and mentoring skills. This pre-camp training is mandatory and will take place over two full day sessions on July 26 and 27, 2025.
Applicants selected to be Adult Leaders at Camp fYrefly will be required to complete a criminal record/background check. Volunteers will then receive a detailed registration package containing a pre-camp checklist and information on travel, meals, accommodations, and media consent.
Honorarium
As recognition of your commitment, Adult Volunteers will receive a sliding scale honorarium of up to $250.
Apply to be an Adult Volunteer at Camp fYrefly 2025 here.
Mental Health Team Volunteer
Mental Health Leaders play an important role at Camp fYrefly. Supporting campers in their well-being throughout Camp, Mental Health Leaders help create brave spaces for campers to feel themselves. Mental Health Leaders support and provide guidance at pod meetings, special events and the dedicated wellness space. Mental Health Leaders are there to manage big emotions, help teach new coping skills or lend a listening ear. Mental Health Leaders bring an established skill set in mental health support and build their skills in collaboration and facilitating community wellness.
Mental Health Team Volunteers will be onsite for all five days of camp and will be on a rotating schedule to ensure youth are always supported. As part of the team, you will be asked to support at least one overnight shift.
Camp is a space of excitement and curiosity. It is also a space for emotional reflection and identity exploration. Mental Health Leaders will find themselves in a quiet sharing circle, and other times in a loud and busy lodge. It is a woodsy natural site with dorm-style accommodations and bunk beds. Mental Health Leader responsibilities may involve supporting campers’ daily routines, ensuring a supportive end to each day. Camp can be both joyful and challenging! It’s important that Mental Health Leaders approach camp with empathy, flexibility and resiliency.
The ideal candidate will be able to adaptively respond to situations, role model effective communication and demonstrate a strong tool-kit for supporting others and themselves – ensuring they can navigate Camp needs with confidence.
Training
To help you become successful in the Mental Health Leader role, we will provide you with comprehensive pre-camp training to help bridge your knowledge and skills to the Camp fYrefly setting. This pre-camp training is mandatory and will take place over two full day sessions on July 26 and 27, 2025.
Applicants selected to be Mental Health Leaders at Camp fYrefly will be required to complete a criminal record/background check. Volunteers will then receive a detailed registration package containing a pre-camp checklist and information on travel, meals, accommodations and media consent.
Honorarium
As recognition of your commitment, Mental Health Volunteers will receive a sliding scale honorarium of up to $250.
Apply to be a Mental Health Leader at Camp fYrefly 2025 here.
Artist in Residence
We’re looking for emerging or established artists with demonstrated leadership experience who have experience working with youth and are interested in and open to using alternative media (both in art and in program delivery).
The Artist in Residence will work with our fYrefly team to deliver a range of art-based content for Camp fYrefly participants. The Artist in Residence will have demonstrated a commitment to innovation, exploration, community outreach and the public understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ experiences and identities.
Working with the Camp Team, the Artist in Residence will coordinate the development and execution of arts-based programming for Camp fYrefly. Other requirements include:
- Attending planning meetings and training, as well as joining on location for the full duration of Camp (five days/four nights; first day without campers) and debrief.
- Documenting and reporting incidents (training provided)
- Mental Health Team referrals
As recognition of their commitment, the Artist in Residence can receive an honorarium of up to $1500.
How Do I Apply?
- Prepare the following responses to submit through our online application form:
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- Statement of Intent explaining what you would like to accomplish (500 word max)
- A biography (50 word maximum)
- Names and contact information of two references
- Compile and email the following documentation to campfyrefly@centreforsexuality.ca with the subject line “[First & Last Name] Artist in Residence Application”:
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- Resume, including public presentations of work (maximum 2 pages)
- A portfolio of up to 10 items: images (up to 5MB each), video (up to 250MB each) and PDFs (up to 10MB each)
Additionally, be prepared to share your thoughts on working with 2SLGBTQ+ youth, values on social justice and workshop ideas.
Workshop Facilitators
We are seeking creatives, educators, knowledge keepers and people of all sorts to facilitate workshops or activities at Camp fYrefly 2025. Workshops and activities can span from paper crafts, film making, nature walk n’ talks, bike maintenance, Intro to DND, advocacy skills, music and song writing and so much more!
Selected workshops will be one or two hours long and take place as single-day events between August 23 and 27, 2025 at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. Guests will be required to find transportation to and from the site on the day of their workshop.
Camp fYrefly is a fun, educational, social and personal leadership retreat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 13-17. Campers explore their identity, build resilience, enhance self-esteem and develop leadership skills that positively impact their lives, homes, schools and communities.
Workshops will be chosen by our Youth Action Committee. Workshop facilitators will be compensated with a $75 honorarium.
Workshop facilitator applications are now open. Apply online.
Questions?
Email us at campfyrefly@centreforsexuality.ca.