Camp fYrefly

Camp fYrefly is a leadership retreat for queer and trans youth ages 14 - 24. In a fun and social environment, campers develop skills that will positively impact their lives, homes, schools, and communities. Educational and art workshops, Indigenous programming, nature, and a supportive team create space for emerging change-makers to learn, explore their identity, and build resilience. Check out the Program pages for more information or the location nearest you to apply.

History

The program was founded in 2004 by Faculty of Education researchers and educators Dr. André P. Grace and Dr. Kristopher Wells at the University of Alberta. Camp fYrefly began as a university-community educational outreach project that researched the needs of sexual and gender diverse youth. It has since evolved into a 4-5 day volunteer-based summer leadership retreat and is now Canada’s only national sexual and gender diversity youth leadership camp affiliated with a major research university.


fYrefly Name

The firefly was selected because they are the only insect that produce their own energy. The first campers developed the acronym “FYREFLY” using this inspiration. 

“a great place for lgbt+ youth to connect and express themselves with little judgement and full support.”

 

 

Last Updated: February 12, 2024

Hello campers, volunteers, parents, guardians and friends,

Our teams are making plans for in-person camp again this summer! YAY! Each location will have their own guidelines that adhere to the public health measures for their region and organization, along with any additional measures needed to help keep participants safe. Please reach out to us at fyrefly@ualberta.ca with any questions or concerns.

 

 2024 Applications

 fYrefly in Schools 

  Give to fYrefly 
camp fyrefly participants
camp-fyrefly-5-1.jpg
“..it encouraged me to support younger queer kids and help them know they are valid, they're loved, and they have a community to be a part of and people that care."
“I have been empowered as a 2SLGBTQ+ person in the community. To make more informed decisions for my future goals and how my life will look..."
“I'm more confident in who i am, and i don't feel the need to live up to anyone's expectations of gender or sexuality.”
gayla-group-2022.jpeg
glass-workshop-2022
_dsc4429-1.jpg
“ I learned how to be more understanding to people with life experiences much different than mine”
“It has enlightened me of resources I do have around me.”
"I feel more connected to myself and my community."
“Camp fYrefly is a lot of fun where you can make new friends, learn new things, to open up on how you're feeling and that it is a safe place to be.”