NBC News promoted an LGBTQ+ camp for kids, calling it “amazing” with comments such as “Love that whole idea.”
“Summer camp is a time for kids to make life-long memories, right?” NBC News Daily host Kate Snow said, introducing the piece. “And that is exactly what New York’s new Country Pride Camp says that it does, all while aiming to also be inclusive. “
“It’s amazing,” her cohost gushed. “The camp website describes it as a welcoming community of LGBTQ+ young people and staff to create an experience where everyone is able to thrive. NBC News correspondent Steven Romo got a first-hand look at the camp. Steven, did it make you want to be a kid again?”
“It brought back so many memories, guys,” Romo, who is gay, stated. “This camp’s only in its third year right now but parents and organizers agree it’s much needed; a place where these kids can not just be tolerated, but celebrated.”
“For many kids, camp helps add some sparkle to their summers,” Romo said over video of the camp. “At New Country Pride Camp, that sparkle? It’s a lot more literal. The 14th Street Y and New Country Day Camp are in the middle of Pride Camp. Now in its third year, the program is specifically aimed at serving LGBTQ+ kids and children of people in those communities. These pride campers from across the New York City area have come for a taste of typical summer fun.”
“LGBTQ+ counselors are also on hand,” Romo noted. “They help show the kids the joy and connection of being in the queer community.”
“I have these trans kids coming to me and saying, “Are kids gonna use my pronouns in middle school?” Rachel Feldman, the assistant director of the camp, stated. “It’s tough to see them recognize that school is not gonna be the same as Pride camp.”
Lonnie Ginsberg, the director of the camp, told Romo. “If this camp existed when I was younger, I would be a very different person. I think my internalized homophobia would be much less.”
“One of the realities, still today, about being an LGBTQ+ kid, is a sense of isolation,” Romo declared.
“I just love that whole idea. They look so happy,” Snow concluded.
“So many of us were trying to hide being gay at the time, so we were more focused on that, our energies went there, instead of just being a kid and exploring, really hoping these kids get a better shot at that,” Romo concluded.
* Article From: The Daily Wire