CAMP FRUIT FLY
LGBTQIA+ Summer Camp for ages 15 -18
At Camp Fruit Fly we believe in summer camp magic.
That is why we are *FREE* for many of our campers. 94% of our campers attended for free or at a reduced rate! You can help us keep this possible for 2025.
*Camp costs are based on household income. We offer full scholarships to families making less than 59K a year and we will always work with our SOFLX families who request financial support.
Camp Fruit Fly.
Created in collaboration with The PAQ, Camp Fruit Fly is a labor love and overnight LGBTQIA+ summer camp hosted at The Y at Watson Woods in upstate NY. Camp Fruit Fly is a mix of pure queer magic, nerding out in nature + all the camp classics with LGBTQIA+ flair. We’re passionate about spaces of belonging and bliss for LGBTQIA+ youth in rural communities and curate this camp to nurture that.
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We think every queer kid should get their camp moment. Our programs are curated to facilitate friendships, spark curiosity, connect to the larger queer community, and get queers in nature.
Our team is passionate about camp and highly experienced in youth work ranging from school counseling to theatre to sexual violence prevention.
We offer a sliding based on income but the cost of camp will not exceed $600 for the week.
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We're a camp designed by queer for rural queer youth. It's the classic summer camp experience with queer flair and a whole lot of magic.
We focus on community building + classic camp experiences like crafts and campfires.
We will be nerding out in Nature! Campers will participate in outdoor fun, light hikes, learning about local habitats with Nature Nat, and of course Slip & Slide Day!
Check out our pictures for a glimpse into our vibe.
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The Y at Watson Woods Painted Post, NY.
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This year we are hosting our youth week for LGBTQIA+ campers ages 15 - 18 from July 6 - 12, 2025.
*New Camper applications will open Winter 2025*
FAQs
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Camp admission is based on a sliding scale based on guardian/caregiver income. Do not let financial burdens keep you from camp! If you want to be at camp we will make sure you’re there!
Less than $59K: $0 per week.
$60K - $79K: $100 per week.
$80K - $99K: $200 per week.
$100K - $149K: $300 per week.
$150K - $199K: $400 per week.
Over $200k: $500 per week.
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This year we will be staying at Hillside Lodge for a more homey feel! Rooms will have full linens! There are shared bathrooms and common spaces.
Doors to the rooms will be kept open while campers are inside.
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At this time we are not able to offer transportation.
If you know of grants, or generous donors who could help us make this happen please reach out to us!
Email: hannah.jones@soflxpride.org
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On Wednesday the staff will send an update email home with stories and group photos! Guardians will have access to our emergency line number and can call at any time.
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We urge all camp attendees and staff for the 2024 season to ensure they are fully vaccinated, including having received their COVID vaccination and up-to-date boosters. We also advise taking a rapid test 2 days before your arrival at camp. In the event that a camper exhibits COVID symptoms during their stay, they will be subjected to testing. If a camper tests positive for COVID, they will be asked to leave camp to protect the well-being of fellow campers, as our cabins are shared accommodations.
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We encourage our campers to be present and phoneless for the week! (We promise it’s worth it!)
Service is extremely limited at The Y at Watson Woods but the Y has landlines and staff will have cellphones for energy communication.
Campers will get access to their phone on the final day of camp.
PLEASE READ* While SoFLX Pride’s Bloom Camp will offer a nurturing and healing experience, it's important to note that we are not a therapy camp. It is expected that campers arrive in a stable emotional and mental state. Though our camp environment, will be positive and empowering, campers will experience both physically and emotionally demanding experiences.
We are committed to fostering a mental health-positive atmosphere. Campers dealing with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or dysphoria will need to utilize positive coping strategies learned before attending camp. We encourage campers to bring prescribed medications and non-electronic coping tools such as journals, sketchpads, fidget toys, or favorite books to support their well-being during their time here.
Campers who have been hospitalized for mental health concerns should wait for a full year before applying to ensure they are adequately prepared for the camp experience. SoFLX Pride Bloom Camp is not a replacement for professional mental health care, and it should never be viewed as such.
Meet the Team
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Counselor Mika
“The Botanist”
I am a Senior at Suny Geneseo, studying sociomedical sciences. My coursework has focused on reproductive justice, and gender and women’s studies.
I love connecting with nature and have a garden that seems to never stop expanding. I’m on a journey to become a herbalist and rootworker and use my homegrown herbs for my spiritual practices. I am also a proud recipient of the cat distribution system, and get to love 4 beautiful fur babies!
My experience working with SOFLX Pride, and in reproductive justice has taught me how to create safe and welcoming spaces where we can feel comfortable being our true selves. I'm excited to experience an unforgettable camp filled with adventure, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic with you all!
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Program Director Wilder (She/They)
“The Softie”
Although I am an introverted Aquarius, my camp spirit is most alive at camp! This year is my second year of creating our camp programs and I'm so excited for another queer summer.
While I am not at camp, I am a small-town forest witch, avid snack enthusiast, poly-creative, garden fairy, and dog mom. I love being outside, cooking for friends, and binge-watching reality TV.
I am a former GSA (Gender and Sexuality Advisor) and School Counselor with a Master's in Education. I am the founder of The PAQ and the communications curator for SOFLX Pride.
My hope for camp is that we connect to our queer magic by being silly and curious. Lean on me when you need someone to work through big feelings, talk about your pet(s) or need to feel seen.
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Camp Director Hannah (She/They)
“The Rebel with a Cause”
Professor Jones is the ace ventura of the group when they aren’t teaching they are taking care of their many plants and animals. Hannah wants to create a space where each of the campers can be their authentic selves. Feel as safe as possible and meet others that support them, while also having light fun in moments. I’ll do this by facilitating spaces that curate this for the campers.
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Nat (They/Them)
Special Guest - Mutual Aid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
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Levi (Goodest/Boy)
Professional Snuggler, Therapy Pup
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Evan (They/She/He)
Special Guest - LGBTQIA+ Health Promoter Planned Parenthood of Greater NY
Join the team.
Ready to get in on the Camp Fruit Fly magic! We’re looking for a mental health/behavior specialist for July 6 - 12!
Email Hannah with any questions at hannah.jones@soflxpride.org
A very special thanks to The Triangle Fund, The Anderson Foundation, and Tioga Downs and Tripp Foundation for their generous contributions to camp!
A heartfelt thank you to Corning Inc. for their generous donations and support of Bloom programs and SOFLX Pride. Thank you for making pride possible in the Southern Finger Lakes.
