Camp Sunflower summer camps are overnight, week-long summer camps for queer youth. At this time, we offer summer camps for youth entering 7th-12th grades, and a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth that have aged out of camp.
Camp Sunflower offers many of the same activities you would expect at any summer camp: swimming, individual and collaborative arts and crafts, archery, team challenges and games, a dance, an amazing talent show, campfire circles, and more. We also offer a variety of programming you are less likely to see at other camps such as a drag show, trans and non-binary affinity spaces, queer-inclusive sexual health education, and several amazing D&D campaigns throughout the week. Camp Sunflower has something for everyone, and provides lots of choice throughout the week to ensure you have an amazing time whether you love to be indoors or outdoors, play sports or make art, and everything in between.
This is the most common question we get! Many of our campers have never been to a camp before, and almost everyone is nervous their first time. We work really hard to make you feel comfortable when you arrive, and to help you find folks you can connect with at camp. Our counselors are here to help you have a great time, and are always available if you need something to feel more comfortable. 99% of campers are over their nerves by the end of the first day! While you're working through those nerves, you can relax knowing that everyone else is having the same experience.
The camp kitchen provides us with breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining hall (and the food is pretty darn good!) In the mornings, we spend time working on collaborative projects in small groups related to the year's theme. These range from games and challenges, to wacky projects like making a sculpture out of food. The afternoon is "choice time" where campers can go swimming, hang out with friends, work on a project in the Art House, join a D&D campaign, get some rest, prepare a talent show act, or attend a session hosted by a guest facilitator. In the evenings, we have various activities throughout the week including a film screening, a camp dance, a field trip to something fun in town, a talent show, and a bonfire. Usually, we head to bed around 11PM. Throughout the day, there are plenty of built-in breaks and opportunities to choose from different activities to customize your camp experience.
Yes you can! We know that it's 2024 and cell phones are a part of all of our lives. We also know that, for some people, cell phones are an important way to stay connected to people back home, or to center yourself if you're feeling overwhelmed. We also know that phones can sometimes get in the way of the things right in front of us. During most activities, we ask you to be respectful of those around you by keeping your cell phone put away, and stepping away if you need to use it.
Our campers come from all kinds of backgrounds, beliefs, and identities, and our counselors are no different! About 75% our of staff each year have worked at Camp Sunflower in the past, and about 25% are new. Our counselors are teachers, artists, musicians, college students, and so many other things. All of our staff are committed to making you week at camp excellent.
All of our staff are trained and background checked.
The location of camp isn't publicly shared. Camp Sunflower takes places at a camp facility within 30 minutes of Wichita, KS. The facility is modern and has air-conditioning in all buildings. We are the only group at the site during the week of camp, and we use multiple cabins. Campers are housed with other campers close to their age, and there are counselors that also stay in each bunkroom. Each bunkroom has bunkbeds and a bathroom with sinks, toilet stalls, and private shower stalls. All the bathrooms around camp are "all gender restrooms."
Camp Sunflower is a safe and welcoming space that affirms everyone regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Camp Sunflower, Inc. is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
