TL;DR
- Transcending Adolescence camp offers a safe space for trans youth.
- Campers engage in activities promoting mental health and resilience.
- The camp is a response to increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
- Participants report life-changing transformations during their stay.
- The camp ensures safety and inclusivity for all attendees.
In the heart of the North Carolina mountains, a hidden gem known as Transcending Adolescence is providing a lifeline for trans and nonbinary youth. This summer camp, tightly guarded and shrouded in secrecy, is a sanctuary where young people can escape the relentless scrutiny of the outside world and embrace their true selves. Founded by the inspiring trans couple Chrissy and Jacob Hofheimer, the camp is not just a place for fun; it’s a transformative experience that many campers describe as life-saving.
Take Jared, a 15-year-old who arrived at camp filled with anger and self-doubt. “I was really hateful and disrespectful towards everyone,” he admitted. But by the end of the week, he had undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. “It changed me a lot because I realized that the people around me weren’t disgusting aliens or anything. They’re just normal people.” This is the magic of Transcending Adolescence, where acceptance and understanding flourish.
The camp’s founders recognized a critical need for such spaces, especially in a region where anti-trans legislation is on the rise. According to The Trevor Project, a staggering 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported seriously considering suicide in the past year. The Hofheimers created this camp as a direct response to that alarming statistic, offering a structured environment that promotes mental health, community, and resilience.
“We’re not a regular summer camp,” Chrissy Hofheimer explained. “This is a survival camp.” With a curriculum built around the SPEAR framework—support, physical recreation, education, advocacy, and reflection—the camp aims to equip its campers with the tools they need to navigate a world that often feels hostile.
Activities at the camp are designed to foster both fun and personal growth. From swimming in a safe and inclusive environment to engaging in workshops that cover everything from consent to healthcare, every moment is crafted to empower these young individuals. “These trans kids don’t get the opportunity to go swimming in places where there are no cisgender people around,” Jacob noted. “It’s literally all trans people. So they really get the opportunity to just be a kid and not have to worry about people staring at them or making fun of them.”
The camp also provides a platform for open discussions about gender identity, mental health, and coping strategies. Campfire conversations allow campers to share their experiences and learn from one another, creating a sense of community that is both healing and affirming. Jared, who faced harassment at school, found solace in this new environment. “It made me feel like I wasn’t being hunted anymore,” he reflected. “Everybody was just acting normal. I wasn’t different or anything.”
However, the camp’s existence is not without challenges. The Hofheimers have faced numerous obstacles, including facilities that have backed out at the last minute and staff who have misgendered campers. Yet, their commitment to creating a safe space for trans youth remains unwavering. “Safety is our number one priority,” Chrissy emphasized, highlighting the lengths they go to protect their campers.
With a cost of $1,975 per participant, the camp ensures that no child is turned away due to financial constraints. They offer a no-questions-asked financial aid option, making it accessible for families from all backgrounds. This summer, the camp has a capacity for 66 campers, and the demand is growing, with registrations hitting double digits earlier than ever before.
As the camp continues to flourish, the Hofheimers are pursuing accreditation from the American Camp Association, aiming to set a standard for trans-inclusive summer camps across the country. “Trans kids deserve a program that meets industry standards,” Chrissy stated, highlighting the importance of quality and safety in their programming.
For Jared, returning to Transcending Adolescence this summer is not just about fun; it’s about finding a community that understands him. “Transcending Adolescence legit saved my life,” he declared. With stories like his, it’s clear that this camp is more than just a summer getaway—it’s a beacon of hope for trans youth navigating a challenging world.