Summer Qamp

Director: Jen Markowitz
Release Year: 2023

Summer Qamp, a 2023 documentary by director Jen Markowitz, offers an intimate and empowering look into the lives of queer, non-binary, and trans teens attending Camp fYrefly, Alberta's unique LGBTQ2S+ summer camp. This space, nestled in the Canadian wilderness, provides a sanctuary for young people to explore their identities and share experiences in an accepting environment. At a time when LGBTQ2S+ youth, especially trans individuals, face growing societal and political challenges, Summer Qamp presents a profound message of resilience, joy, and community. The film offers a refreshing perspective, inviting us into the lives of these teens as they navigate their gender identities and sexualities. Rather than focusing on the typical narrative of LGBTQ2S+ struggles, Markowitz chooses to center the youths' own voices, letting them tell their stories in their own words, without interference or manipulation. This approach ensures the audience witnesses their humanity, free from the distorted portrayals that are often prevalent in mainstream media.

 

Summer Qamp follows the lives of campers at Camp fYrefly, Canada’s only camp dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ2S+ youth aged 14 to 18. The campers come from diverse backgrounds, each facing distinct challenges - ranging from gender dysphoria and body image issues to struggles with sexual identity, coming out, and parental acceptance. However, what unites them is the opportunity to be surrounded by a community that truly understands them, a space that fosters both self-discovery and growth. Markowitz’s documentary unfolds with the campers’ candid reflections as they prepare to leave home and embark on a week-long journey at the camp. Many express a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of meeting peers who share their experiences. For most of these campers, the camp marks the first time they will be in an environment where everyone, from fellow campers to counselors, shares their LGBTQ2S+ identity. This sense of belonging becomes one of the film’s most poignant themes - these young people are given the rare opportunity to simply be themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. The campers’ stories are rich with personal growth, as they bond over shared experiences and navigate the nuances of their identities. One standout character is 17-year-old Ghoul, who is autistic and has a unique personality that shines through in the film. Ghoul’s journey of overcoming fear is particularly moving - watching them confront their unease about petting horses is a simple yet profound moment of growth. Ghoul’s story exemplifies how Summer Qamp brings together vulnerability, self-expression, and discovery, capturing the complexities of queer youth in a natural, unscripted way.

 

Another compelling character is Jade, a former bully who eventually transitioned and found peace in their own identity. Their transformation is deeply personal, showing the profound change that occurs when one confronts internalized self-hatred and embraces who they truly are. Jade’s journey highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the profound healing that can take place when a person finally aligns their inner self with their outward identity. Ren, another key figure, is new to the queer community and is navigating their first experiences with trans people and other LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Ren's journey at Camp fYrefly is a deeply emotional one, as they come to realize that the world they had once felt disconnected from is actually a vibrant community they can now embrace. Ren’s story underscores the isolating effect of not seeing others like oneself and the powerful impact of finding such a community, no matter how late in the game.

 

The film’s cinematography by Lulu Wei is a striking tribute to the natural beauty surrounding the camp, with the vast Alberta landscape serving as a backdrop to the campers' transformative experiences. The lush green forests, towering mountains, and expansive skies offer a sense of peace and freedom that complements the campers’ personal journeys. The editing, by Derek Esposito and Cecilio Escobar, also plays a crucial role, allowing these moments of introspection and connection to unfold at a thoughtful pace. The serene, reflective shots offer the audience space to digest the emotions and realizations that the campers experience, mirroring the inner landscapes they are exploring. What makes Summer Qamp especially poignant is the way it presents the campers’ joy and growth without sensationalizing their struggles. While moments of pain, like bullying and self-harm, are mentioned, the overall tone of the film remains hopeful and celebratory. The campers’ joyful experiences at camp - such as dancing with newfound friends, getting gender-affirming haircuts, and sharing stories of self-discovery - serve as a counterpoint to the harmful rhetoric and policies targeting queer and trans youth in various parts of the world. This contrast is especially meaningful when the campers are asked to bring clothing from their past gender identities to donate, a symbolic gesture of transition and self-acceptance that speaks volumes about the camp's focus on affirmation and support.

 

Markowitz’s decision to largely exclude interviews with the camp’s adult staff further emphasizes the importance of the campers’ own voices. While camp director Pam and artist-in-residence Marshall are briefly featured, the film’s true focus is on the teens themselves. This creative choice helps foster an environment where the campers can truly be kids, unburdened by the weight of adult expectations or interventions. Perhaps one of the most profound moments in Summer Qamp comes from a quiet scene in which a small group of campers lies on the grass, gazing up at the night sky. They share their thoughts on the kind of world they wish to live in, imagining an ideal future where they are free to exist without fear or judgment. This dream of a better world is mirrored in the campers’ real-life aspirations. Many of them are already making strides toward creating a more inclusive world, from starting hormone therapy to leading pride parades in their hometowns. By the end of the film, it’s clear that Summer Qamp is not just a documentary about a summer camp. It’s a powerful testament to the potential of queer youth when given the space, freedom, and support to thrive.

 

Through the lens of these campers’ stories, Markowitz paints a portrait of a generation that refuses to conform to society's limitations, instead forging their own path and demanding a world that accommodates their identities. The resilience and joy that these young people radiate offer hope and inspiration, making Summer Qamp a crucial film for anyone looking to understand the transformative power of community, acceptance, and self-love. In a time when LGBTQ2S+ rights are under attack, especially for trans youth, Summer Qamp provides a rare and vital glimpse into the world of young queer people who are finding strength in their shared identities. The documentary’s raw, candid portrayal of these teens not only affirms their humanity but serves as a call to action: a reminder that all queer and trans youth deserve to be supported, celebrated, and allowed to flourish. Summer Qamp proves that when given the right space, queer and trans kids can thrive, not just survive, in a world that often seeks to silence them.

 

via: youtube

 cbc.ca and moveablefest.com

Image credits: YouTube