First published in the Aug. 20 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
The Burbank Community YMCA’s Social Impact Center recently welcomed the Wildlife Learning Center to Camp Kaleidoscope. Located in Sylmar, the Wildlife Learning Center is a nonprofit that educates the public about environment and wildlife.
The Wildlife Learning Center brought along a few friends including a porcupine, a tortoise, a red-tailed boa, an eagle owl and a spectacular African serval cat to meet the campers.
The center was created to educate, foster acceptance and build confidence for all members of the community, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the center’s most popular programs is Camp Kaleidoscope, Burbank’s first LGBTQIA+ summer camp.
While growing up, learning about yourself, making friends and fitting in can be difficult for any young person, for many LGBTQIA+ youth those challenges are just the beginning. The realization that you are different from the “norm” along with the fear that your family, friends and the community will reject you for simply being your authentic self can be shattering.
In California, approximately 30% of LGBTQIA+ students experience bullying at school and are more than 50% more likely to have serious suicidal thoughts or plans than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers.
Camp Kaleidoscope offers LGBTQIA+ youth and their families a safe space to be themselves unapologetically. It is an 11-week, free summer program for ages 12-18. Camp includes weekly games, workshops, outdoor activities and field trips.
For more information, contact Ava Alexandar at (818) 845-8551 x287, or aalexandar@burbankymca.org.
