At The Laurel Foundation, our mission is to create vibrant communities where vulnerable youth discover their authentic selves. Through cost-free, year-round mental health support, education, and character development programs, we empower children, and youth to thrive in environments built on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

This summer, that mission came vividly to life at Camp Mulberry, a residential program specifically for transgender, and gender-diverse youth ages 6–17. For one transformative week, 70 campers came together to experience what every child deserves: a community that values authenticity, fosters connection, and provides the safety to simply be themselves.

Camp Mulberry wasn’t about lessons or labels; it was about creating a supportive, joyful environment where campers could laugh, play, and grow. Guided by trained volunteers and professional mental-health staff, the week was designed to give each young person space to explore who they are and to feel supported as they worked through the challenges they face outside of camp. Campers built confidence and connection through shared experiences, hiking, swimming, storytelling, and moments of reflection that reminded them they were not alone.

Each day, the entire camp gathered together in gratitude to share what they were thankful for, the new friends they had made, the moments of courage they had found, and the love that surrounded them, these moments, often filled with laughter and sometimes tears, captured the essence of The Laurel Foundation’s mission: building communities rooted in trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

This summer was especially meaningful for one camper who attended using their chosen name and pronouns for the very first time. Surrounded by supportive friends and counselors, they laughed around the campfire, dove into new adventures, and felt truly seen and accepted. They even performed at the talent show, the last night of camp, and received a standing ovation from the crowd of their friends. Their experience reminded us all of how powerful it is when a community embraces every camper for who they are, creating a space where authenticity and joy can flourish.

Two longtime campers also reached an important milestone as they aged out after six incredible years at camp. We watched them grow from shy, uncertain children into confident, compassionate young leaders who now plan to return as counselors next year, ready to guide and inspire others just as they once were. Their journeys reflect what Camp Mulberry is all about, giving youth a foundation of confidence and belonging that stays with them for life.

This year, we were honored to welcome architect and artist Leo Marmol, who visited camp and spent the day teaching our youth how art can be a source of strength and expression. Through his workshop, campers learned how creativity can help them work through emotions, find calm in challenging moments, and express themselves in ways words sometimes cannot. His visit reminded everyone that art is not only about beauty,  it’s about healing, courage, and seeing oneself clearly.

Camp Mulberry is completely cost-free to campers and is made possible by the generosity of donors and community partners who share our vision of a world where financial barriers never prevent a child from experiencing belonging, joy, and growth. Thank you!

Camp would not be possible without the extraordinary volunteers who bring Camp Mulberry to life. This summer at Camp Mulberry, we were fortunate to have five medical professionals, six mental-health specialists, and thirty compassionate camp counselors, each one giving their time, skills, and hearts to create a safe, affirming, and joy-filled space for every camper. Their empathy and dedication transformed camp into something magical, a place of laughter, courage, and community.

Because of the support of our donors and volunteers, Camp Mulberry 2025 became more than just a summer camp. It became a sanctuary where youth learned to trust, connect, and thrive, where authenticity was celebrated, joy was shared, and every camper could simply be a kid. Thank you for helping us continue this vital mission, for believing in our youth, and for ensuring that every child knows they belong.