Camp · Religious · Ages 14–18 · $400/week
Directory · United States · Minnesota · Deerwood
▌ Religious · Ages 14–18

The Naming Project Youth Camp

Bay Lake Retreat Center · $400/week

The Naming Project Youth Camp is an overnight summer camp for LGBTQ youth and their allies, offering a safe and affirming space for spiritual and personal gr...

▌ Editor's read The Naming Project Youth Camp website loads as a real camp site, offering an overnight program for LGBTQ youth and allies. The organization, founded by Rev. Jeff Sartain, has been operating for 20 years, indicating a long-standing commitment to its mission. The website explicitly states that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks, demonstrating a commitment to safety. The camp is run by a nonprofit organization. While not ACA accredited, the camp focuses on creating a supportive community for its specific demographic. Google reviews for 'The Naming Project' show a 5.0-star rating from 10 reviews, with comments praising the inclusive and welcoming environment. Social media handles include @thenamingproject on Instagram and 'TheNamingProject' on Facebook, both active with content related to their mission and camp activities.
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Since 200620+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 14–18

The Naming Project Youth Camp serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in religious, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
2006 (20 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Religious
  • Ages: 14–18
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 16257 Brighton Point Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444, USA
  • Cost notes: USD. $400 camp tuition. Financial aid is available.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about The Naming Project Youth Camp

What ages does The Naming Project Youth Camp accept?
The Naming Project Youth Camp is open to children ages 14–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does The Naming Project Youth Camp cost?
The Naming Project Youth Camp publishes $400/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are The Naming Project Youth Camp's hours?
The Naming Project Youth Camp runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs The Naming Project Youth Camp?
The Naming Project Youth Camp is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 20 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does The Naming Project Youth Camp provide lunch?
The Naming Project Youth Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare The Naming Project Youth Camp with other camps.