The bravery of the young people Markowitz talks to, and the light they exude, is genuinely stunning, heartwarming, and beautiful. Summer Qamp is awaiting a UK and International release date.
One thing all LGBTQ+ young people share, no matter the distance between them, the communities they call home or the schools they attend, is a need for security, safety, understanding, friendship and connection. For some young people, this is found through an LGBTQ+ youth group, while for others, it is discovered through a peer group that offers love and unconditional support. However, the ability of young people to find these connections is often limited by their community, whether rural or urban and here, youth work frequently plays an important, vital role in helping LGBTQ+ young people grow, flourish and be free, even if they think they are alone.
Jen Markowitz’s documentary Summer Qamp celebrates the power of youth work to build bridges and change lives, and the determination and strength of LGBTQ+ kids who want to live, laugh, love, and find friendship in a world that continues to ‘other’ them.
In Markowitz’s delightful and powerful documentary, Camp fYrefly offers queer young people in Alberta, Canada, a unique opportunity to come together, share experiences, and find confidence, friendship and even love during a summer of queer joy.
Many of the young people we meet are attending camp for the first time, and many live in communities where they often feel isolated. Here, we meet Mia, Isaiah, Ren, Grayson, Jade, Jane, Kingston, Manessa, Oliver and Alex as they explore their trans, non-binary and intersectional experiences in the safety and security of a summer camp free from fear and judgment. Markowitz lets them do the talking as they navigate the camp, build new friendships, and embrace their differences, with the support of Youth Workers who openly share their lived experiences through activities, art, dance, music, and drama.
Summer Qamp is a beautiful celebration of individuality, difference and friendship. One deeply emotional segment sees older LGBTQ+ people from Calgary meet our young campers for an open dialogue about the shared experiences and perspectives that bridge generations of queer people.
As the conversations progress, it is clear that the equality those older generations fought for has led to the very camp our young people now call home. Yet, at the same time, many of the feelings of segregation, fear and loneliness the older generation experienced continue to haunt our young people. Here, Summer Qamp reminds us that the fight for equality and inclusion is far from over, and inter-generational learning and support are essential in a world where equality and inclusion too often hang by a thread.
The bravery of the young people Markowitz talks to, and the light they exude, is genuinely stunning, heartwarming, and beautiful. Thank you, Mia, Jade, Isaiah, Ren, Grayson, Jane, Kingston, Manessa, Oliver, and Alex, for sharing your stories and allowing us into your lives. Equally, thank you to all those Youth Workers who provide safe, supportive, and non-judgmental spaces that help young people grow, find themselves, and access the support mechanisms they need to flourish.
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