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 Sponsorships

Camp Fruit Fly.

Created in collaboration with SOFLX Pride, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The Y at Watson Woods Painted Post, NY.

  • This year we are hosting our youth week for LGBTQIA+ campers ages 15 - 18 from July 6 - 12, 2025.

*Staff and New Camper applications will open Winter 2025

FAQs

  • 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: $95 per week.

    $80K - $99K: $150 per week.

    $100K - $149K: $200 per week.

    $150K - $199K: $300 per week.

    Over $200k: $400 per week.

  • This year we will be staying the Main Cabin hotel-style rooms. Rooms will have full linens, and their own bathrooms. Doors to the rooms will be kept open while campers are inside.

  • At this time we are not able to offer transportation.

  • On Wednesdays the staff will send an update email home with stories and group photos! Guardians will have access to our emergency line number.

  • 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.

  • Service is limited at The Y at Watson Woods. Campers will get access to their phone on the final day fo 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

  • Counselor Sage (They/Them)

    “The Sage”

    Sage is a dance & theater teacher, and works for several non-for-profit organizations in Corning, NY including Southern Finger Lakes Pride. Sage has a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Queer Studies and Dance from Sarah Lawrence College, and is elated to be able to put their degree to good use at Queer Camp.

    As the Youth Programming Coordinator for SOFLX Pride, Sage takes great joy in facilitating spaces where queer youth feel safe to be themselves. Sage hopes that all of their campers will get a chance to feel that they can be unabashedly them, in a non judgemental space, with others who share their lived experience.

    In their spare time Sage enjoys doing their makeup, anything pink and sparkly, dancing, their cat Mabel, fried rice, and old kids cartoons such as Avatar the Last Airbender, Adventure Time, and Gravity Falls.

    Sage’s greatest aspiration is to live up to their namesake, and dispense sage wisdom. They wish to be a figure of serenity for your camp going experience.

  • Program Director Tina (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.

  • 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.

  • Nat (They/Them)

    Special Guest - Mutual Aid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

  • Chloe Star (She/Her)

    Special Guest - Indigenous singer, songwriter, visual artist

  • Evan (They/She/He)

    Special Guest - LGBTQIA+ Health Promoter Planned Parenthood of Greater NY

  • Counselor Lindy (She/Her)

    “The Human Spirit Award”

    Identity: Bisexual

    I work in the anti-violence field as a trainer and facilitator and I'm a singer and performer!

    I hope campers feel like they BELONG in the space we create at camp and then are able to carry that sense of belonging beyond the camp boundaries. I hope they understand they are valued and WORTHY. I hope to help campers identify pride in themselves and who they are!

Camp Made Possible *

Camp Made Possible *

A very special thanks to The Triangle Fund, The Anderson Foundation, and Tioga Downs and Tripp Foundation.

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.

Thank you to our generous donors + collaborators from NY to The UK!

"It made me actually feel alive and like my life matters"

— Youth Participant