News & Stories
Creating a Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Youth
Photo credit: Experiential Ink
Image description: A group of campers wearing matching pink "Camp 4 All" shirts participate in an archery activity in a wooded outdoor setting. They are lined up, drawing their bows with focused expressions.
One local nonprofit making great strides to reach our region’s LGBTQ+ youth is Experiential Ink. Each summer in Antrim County, Experiential Ink hosts Camp4All, a gender-affirming summer camp for LGBTQ+ teens. At Camp4All, teens become more secure in their identities and comfortable engaging with nature thanks to the acceptance and encouragement from camp counselors and peers.
“Camp4All gave me a place where I could truly let go of everyone’s standards and just fully be myself,” said previous camper Stella. “I didn’t need to censor my thoughts, personality, or mask my neurodivergence, and I was able to see others being their true selves in the same space, which made me feel so much more seen and understood.”
During their week-long camp experience, teens like Stella participate in a variety of activities, such as rock climbing, swimming, boating, and archery. They also learn how to build campfires and participate in workshops and breakout sessions that instill confidence as the teens make friends, learn about themselves, and discover what it means to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Camp4All helped my camper find other people who have gone through similar experiences and offered them a sense of validation and hope that has changed them and given them a more positive outlook,” shared Haven, parent of a previous Camp4All attendee.
In 2023, Experiential Ink received one of our diversity, equity, and inclusion grants to support this important inclusion work; grant funds directly supported scholarships for campers. Thanks to the grant, over 20 teen campers participated in Camp4All at Traverse City’s YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha.
“The Community Foundation’s grant has allowed us to lay the framework for these youth to feel more comfortable with themselves, each other, and the world around them,” shared David Yuhaus, Co-Founder of Experiential Ink. “Feeling the love and support from the Community Foundation is invaluable to carry on the work we do, which can be lifesaving for the youth we serve.”
To make such grants possible, we receive gifts from a variety of sources, including corporate foundations, one-time givers, and recurring donors. One local business in particular has elected to support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund through profit-sharing.
Since 2022, Tonya Lutz and Rick Pruckler of Antrim County’s Whistling Frog Tile have proudly supported our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund. After relocating to the region from Ferndale, Michigan, Lutz and Pruckler made it a personal goal to help support inclusion efforts in Northern Michigan.
“Equitable community development is important for residents to stay and thrive in a community,” said Tonya. “Finding the Community Foundation showed us that there was a grant system available to launch northwestern Michigan into becoming even more inclusive.”
Through profit-sharing, Tonya and Rick contribute to funds and causes closest to their hearts. With every sale, their small business grows, and so do the organizations working hard to promote a more inclusive region, like Experiential Ink.
“Profit-sharing demonstrates leadership by letting the community know your organization values helping others, and that creates a fresh, rich, and diverse marketplace,” shared Tonya. “The Community Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund is an excellent vehicle for businesses to profit-share and show their love of their community.”
Upon learning that their gifts have supported Experiential Ink’s Camp4All, Tonya added, “We love hearing that LBGTQ+ teens have a place to find community in Antrim County. For us, being a part of helping the camp thrive is very rewarding.”
Together with donor partners like Tonya and Rick of Whistling Frog and grant partners like Experiential Ink, we can continue to strive for a region of healthy, resilient, thriving communities for all.
Writer: Alex Dailey