For 10 years, Camp fYrefly Ontario has brought 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to Trent University to find community, build confidence and develop their leadership skills. 

Hosted and coordinated by professors, teacher candidates in Trent’s School of Education, and volunteer community members, the four-day, arts-based intergenerational experience has welcomed more than 400 youth campers over the past decade, creating space for young people to connect, express their creativities, and be uniquely themselves. 

Camp fYrefly’s milestone anniversary also coincides with the 50-year anniversary of the establishment of the Trent Homophile Association (THA), an early student-led organization for queer community and advocacy at Trent. Three founding members of the THA — David Beauchamp '75 (Peter Robinson College), Barbara Baines '73 (Lady Eaton College) and Jeremy Baumbach '75 (Traill College) — joined campers, organizers and community members this summer for a special celebration connecting today's generation of youth with Trent's history of advocacy. 

“It is hard to believe that what we did 50 years ago has led to this kind of camp existing today,” said Beauchamp. “In the 1970s, what we were doing was from scratch. We did have some help from other organizations, but we had to carve our own path. It’s wonderful to see folks using that path.” 

That legacy of community continues through Camp fYrefly, with an impact that extends beyond campers to the Trent students, alumni, faculty, staff and volunteers involved. 

“I have seen firsthand how Camp fYrefly has increased inclusion, opened hearts and minds, and woven rainbow sparkle into the Trent University experience for students, staff, volunteers and campers,” said Dr. Rachael Nicholls ’02 (Lady Eaton College), whose 10 years coordinating the camp has also influenced her research on student activism on Canadian post-secondary campuses.  

In the video, Professor Nicholls shares more about the history of inclusion at Trent, the role of the THA and how this work has influenced generations of students and today’s youth.  

Learn more about Camp fYrefly and how you can donate today.