A Heartwarming and Powerful Safe Space in Nature for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies
Category: Bohemia Ecological Preserve, Camp Trillium, LGBTQ+, Nature Camp, Outdoor Equity, Youth Programs
By LandPaths Staff
July 24, 2025
It’s the fourth day of Camp Trillium at LandPaths’ Bohemia Ecological Preserve in Sonoma County, California and the sun is shining in a clear, blue sky.
Camp Trillium was created by LandPaths as a safe place to be in nature for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Youth such as Kinst, age 13, who returned to the camp for the third time this year.
“I like the safety and how it’s a place that’s inclusive of everyone,” says Kinst. “Not only is the community here great, but we are also able to get closer to being at one with the earth. The activities spark these creative moments where we’re happy, sharing our lives, and having fun in a free environment.”
So what is a day at camp like? On this Thursday, it begins with a snack followed by a rousing team-building game. Owl Camper turned teen volunteer and now seasonal staffer Jack McCarthy-Smith promises to wear a banana suit the following day if campers achieve a 12-second round. And they did it! See the evidence below 😊
At mid-morning, two fence lizards play on a wooden bench as Lara, from LandPaths’ stewardship team, preps campers to tend the land.
Lara chats with them about reciprocity, asking “What does the land give to us?” Campers respond enthusiastically. “Food!” says Forest Finn. Other campers chime in with, “Air! Water! A place to rest!”
Campers then gather under trees to clear brush and build burn piles for later in the season. They also pull Barbed goat grass, which crowds out native California grasslands. Campers gather in groups, laughing and jostling ateach other. Staff and volunteers join in, helping with the forestry.
After a morning of stewardship, campers create solar ovens for smore baking. During lunch, they join with camp leader Mountain Lion Mich to share out ways to process feelings, fears, and anxieties in positive ways. In the afternoon, they adventure to find newts and to play in Dutch Bill Creek.
Kinst’s joyful time at Camp Trillium is just one snapshot from an amazing summer camp season!
Whether at Owl Camp, Camp Trillium, Paddle with Pride, or Russian River Teen Trek, youth have been enjoying really special times outside – climbing trees, playing nature games, building new friendships, catching (and releasing) critters in the creek, making forts in the forest, camping under the stars along the Russian River, singing songs, swimming in ponds, learning about the plants and animals of Sonoma County, and so much more!
Thank you to all our camps campaign donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners, and land partners like the Parish family who have made 2025 a nature camp season to remember!
Photo Above (from left to right): LandPaths Camp Trillium staff and volunteers Freddie, Mountain Lion Mich, Alder, and Orion
