Name: ASPYRE Leadership Camp 2026
Start: 2026-10-08T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-10-11T14:00:00-04:00
Location: YMCA Camp Weaver

About the event

ASPYRE brings together youth into an inspiring, engaging space where they can discover their strengths and build the confidence to lead meaningful change in their communities. Throughout the weekend, campers develop growth, resilience, and community awareness while exploring essential leadership values like wellness, communication, goal‑setting, and ethical problem‑solving. Interactive workshops, team‑building activities, and knowledgeable guest speakers help youth deepen their understanding of social justice, activism, and community organizing, giving them practical tools and confidence to make an impact in the world. This year, youth can expect a more challenging, curriculum-based program while integrating traditional nature camp experiences like archery, campfires, physical movement activities, and music. Participants should prepare to be engaged throughout the camp. There will be periodic breaks and social activities to give campers time for connection. There will be adult support and spaces provided for participants who may become overwhelmed. At the heart of ASPYRE is connection. Participants form new friendships, build supportive networks, and engage with adult community leaders who share their commitment and interest in making a difference. Together, they will explore intersectionality and learn how their voices and actions could positively affect many groups facing oppression and marginalization. By the end of camp, youth will leave with unforgettable memories, new leadership skills, clear goals to integrate their learning from camp, and the inspiration to step into their communities as caring, capable ASPYRE leaders.

Dates

Oct 08, 2026 · 5:00 PM - Oct 11, 2026 · 2:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Location

YMCA Camp Weaver

4924 Tapawingo Trl, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406-9072, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

All personal and group vehicles must be parked in the designated spaces upon arrival. Parking on the grass is prohibited. No vehicles are permitted to drive down the cabin line. The proper and safe use of vehicles on camp property is required at all times. The posted speed limit is 10 mph.

Health & safety

The health, safety, and well-being of all campers and staff are our highest priorities. To maintain a safe and supportive camp environment, there are certain situations in which a camper may need to be sent home early. Campers may be dismissed from camp if they experience or exhibit any of the following: Signs of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms that may be contagious or require care beyond what camp staff can safely provide Injuries that require medical attention outside of basic first aid or limit safe participation in camp activities Mental health concerns that require a higher level of support, including reports or expressions of self-harm or suicidal thoughts Behaviors that compromise the safety of themselves or others, including physical aggression, harassment (verbal, physical, or sexual), or involvement in physical altercations All campers are required to agree to and abide by the Community Values Agreement as a condition of participation. Campers who choose to abstain from or decline the agreement will not be permitted to remain at camp and will be sent home. These expectations are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of the community. In the event that a camper needs to be sent home, parents/guardians will be contacted promptly to coordinate safe and timely pickup. These decisions are made with careful consideration and in the best interest of the camper and the broader camp community. Our goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all participants, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in supporting these standards.

Other applications

Interested in applying:

4 active applications

Single Camper Application

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

Apply now

Application Instructions

We are excited to offer partial scholarships to campers in need. Please DO NOT fill out the Camper Application form if you need a scholarship. Applications will close on September 1st, 2026, or when all scholarship spots have been filled. Awardees will be notified on a monthly rolling basis. Registration will be sent out with your camper's scholarship award email and must be completed by September 8th, 2026. Cost for camp for scholarship recipients will be $50 for a single camper or $75 for a sibling pair. Scholarship request form: https://forms.gle/wwhYT6ykNzr71tMc9

Step 1: Download the attached files under “related files”

Step 2: Review sliding scale pricing

Step 3: Select the appropriate tier pricing for your camper

Step 4: Complete the single camper application questions

Step 5: Complete and sign the “contracts” attached to the application

Step 6: Complete the Medical Information application here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=8709

STOP here if only applying for one camper. Once your application is approved, your card will be charged the registration fee you selected.

Continue if you will be sending a second camper/sibling.

Step 8: Follow the link here to the sibling camper application: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=8731

Step 9: Download the attached files under “related files”

Step 10: Review sliding scale pricing

Step 11: Select the appropriate tier pricing for your camper, which should be the same tier you selected for the single camper application.

Step 12: Complete the Sibling Camper application questions

Step 13: Complete and sign the “contracts” attached to the application

Step 14: Complete the Sibling Medical Information application here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=8711

Once your application is approved, your card will be charged the registration fee you selected.

Please send all camp questions to aspyre@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com or call/text Lora Pilcher at 984-664-1940, the weekend of camp.

Sibling Camper Application

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

Apply now

Application Instructions

We are excited to offer partial scholarships to campers in need. Please DO NOT fill out the Camper Application form if you need a scholarship. Applications will close on September 1st, 2026, or when all scholarship spots have been filled. Awardees will be notified on a monthly rolling basis. Registration will be sent out with your camper's scholarship award email and must be completed by September 8th, 2026. Cost for camp for scholarship recipients will be $50 for a single camper or $75 for a sibling pair. Scholarship request form: https://forms.gle/wwhYT6ykNzr71tMc9

Step 1: Download the attached files under “related files”

Step 2: Review sliding scale pricing

Step 3: Select the appropriate tier pricing for your camper, which should be the same tier you selected for the single camper application.

Step 4: Complete the Sibling Camper application questions

Step 5: Complete and sign the “contracts” attached to the application

Step 6: Complete the Sibling Medical Information application here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=8711

Once your application is approved, your card will be charged the registration fee you selected.

Please send all camp questions to aspyre@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com or call/text Lora Pilcher at 984-664-1940, the weekend of camp.

Single Camper Medical/Medication Form

Deadline: Sep 22, 2026

Apply now

This form collects important medical information to help ensure a safe and healthy camp experience for all youth participants. Please provide accurate details about current medications, allergies, medical conditions, and any special healthcare needs. All information will be kept confidential and used only by authorized staff to support your child’s well-being during camp.

Sibling Camper Medical/Medication Form

Deadline: Sep 22, 2026

Apply now

This form collects important medical information to help ensure a safe and healthy camp experience for all youth participants. Please provide accurate details about current medications, allergies, medical conditions, and any special healthcare needs. All information will be kept confidential and used only by authorized staff to support your child’s well-being during camp.

Donate

ASPYRE Leadership Camp 2026

Deadline: Oct 10, 2026

Contribute

ASPYRE Leadership Camp Is a weekend-long (Thursday-Sunday) retreat for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17 or 18 and still in high school. They will be learning skills needed to enact change in their communities. Campers will also have the opportunity to network with other LGBTQ youth from across the state, make new friendships, and get inspired!!! Camp costs around $400 a camper/volunteer; donations like yours help us to keep camp affordable and offer scholarships for campers in need. Camp cost breakdown examples: Lodging and meals: $12,000 Workshop facilitators: $5,000 Activities (archery, fishing, etc.): $650 Snacks: $500 Swag (water bottles, lanyards, shirts): $1,500 All donations, no matter how big or small, help us to continue to offer this amazing opportunity to youth each year!

Terms & Conditions

This year, we are offering a tiered payment option. Single camper/2 campers (sibling) Tier 1: $300/$450 Tier 2: $225/$350 Tier 3: $150/$250 Cancellation Policy: A Full refund will be issued for cancellations before August 1st, 2026. 50% refund will be issued for cancellations from August 1st, 2026-September 4th, 2026.No refunds after September 4th, 2026.

L

Hosted by LGBT Center of Raleigh

Joined Eventeny in February 2025

3 events