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Everything going on around the harbor and more!
WELCOME BACK!
Our camps did not run in person during summer 2020 due to the pandemic. We continue to learn from health professionals and other camp directors, and we are spending every moment getting ready for an amazing summer in 2021!
We expect that this winter will continue to be very difficult regarding transmission of COVID-19. Please stay safe and wear those masks. Things should look a lot different by early summer.
[Enrolled families: email nick@harborcamps.org for a recording of our late October presentation on COVID readiness & preparations for 2021, where we answered questions from families.]
NOTE: We are keeping up to date with the public vaccine news and rollout plan. As of this update it does not seem that a children’s vaccine will be available in time for summer, since pediatric trials are just beginning.
WHAT MIGHT BE DIFFERENT AT CAMP ARANU’TIQ IN 2021 DUE TO COVID?*
*We stay “might” because we aren’t 100% sure yet, but it is good to expect these changes as of this update.
WHAT WILL BE THE SAME IN 2021?
MAIN AREAS OF COVID READINESS & PREPARATION**:
**subject to change as more information becomes available
WE ARE LEARNING THROUGH:
For more information on travel policies, state regulations, and details pertaining to Camp Aranu’tiq’s COVID-readiness plans, email Director Nick Teich at nick@harborcamps.org.
New campers (never logged into our system) click here to begin enrollment application.
Returners may check regarding their saved spot status for 2021 by emailing nick@harborcamps.org.
Who: Trans/non-binary/similar youth ages 7 thru 12 (by Aug 1) for those not previously enrolled in 2020 or before (ages 8-17 for those previously enrolled).
What: E-bunks with ~12 kids of similar age & 2 counselors; hangouts twice a week for 1/2 hour each time, same group for 4-8 weeks. Just like in our “real” bunks, this will be interactive and structured time to hang out and chat with campers and counselors. It’s a great way to make and maintain connections to other trans and non-binary kids who want to make new friends and/or reconnect with old friends who are on similar journeys.Plus, we’ll have other optional e-programming like arts & crafts hangouts, scavenger hunts, games, & more.
Why: Make friends & play games in a safe and welcoming space with kids and great adult role-models on similar journeys!
Where:
Updated July 2020: Enrollment is full/closed at this time.
Our own transgender superhero, Nicole Maines, wishes us a happy 10th birthday:
Nicole Maines 10 years
Camp Aranu’tiq 2016 was a blast! We served over 500 campers last summer. Click here for our photo newsletter. See you in 2017 
Our brand new camp videos are ready:)
Check them out on our home page!
Caitlyn Jenner’s column about Camp Aranu’tiq: Tales from A Camp for Extraordinary Kids
Don’t miss Aranu’tiq campers and staff featured on the E! series I Am Cait, which follows Caitlyn Jenner’s transition and journey into the transgender community.
Alex’s interview about the ad: https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2015/05/08/trans-man-in-the-hallmark-mothers-day-ad-works-at-the-l-a-lgbt-center/
January 2015: Huffington Post Interview with Founder Nick Teich about Harbor Camps
January 2015: Bay Area Reporter Article about Camp Aranu’tiq of Harbor Camps
October 2014: Huffington Post Article about Camp Aranu’tiq Written by a Camp Mom
February 2013: Katie Couric Show (clip no longer available)
September 2012: Boston Globe Article about Camp Aranu’tiq
December 2011: ABC News Story About a Camper Family Mentions Camp Aranu’tiq
May 2010: WBUR Boston (NPR Affiliate) Interview about Camp Aranu’tiq
Nick Teich was on “Katie,” Katie Couric’s talk show discussing Camp Aranu’tiq along with a camper and his mom. Unfortunately, the link to the clip is no longer available since the show has ended.
Founder Nick Teich (front row, white shirt) with VP Biden and LGBT leaders
In September 2012, Nick was invited to an LGBT leaders day at the White House followed by a dinner at Vice President Biden’s home in Washington. There, Biden spoke about the importance of moving LGBT rights forward. Nick returned to a policy roundtable in November where he and other transgender policy leaders met with senior White House officials to discuss the president’s next steps in his new term regarding transgender rights. Nick was proud to represent Camp Aranu’tiq. He joined the Trevor Project and GLSEN in speaking about transgender youth and the need for tighter federal legislation to prevent bullying in schools. He was excited to personally tell VP Biden, our “second lady” Dr. Jill Biden, and John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, about Camp Aranu’tiq. They were all thrilled to hear that such a program exists.
On April 25, Congressman Barney Frank spoke to a group of about 30 camp supporters in Newton, Mass. as we gear up for our first summer.
Frank is a longtime LGBT advocate, member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years, and the current Chairman of the Financial Services Committee. He was the first Congressperson to ever come out publicly as gay.
While Nick Teich worked for Frank prior to Nick’s own gender transition, Frank has now become the first member of the Congress to hire an openly transgender person, Diego Sanchez, to work for him on Capitol Hill.
Congressman Frank talked about the importance of having a place like Camp Aranu’tiq. He made the important point that it is hard enough being any young kid or a teenager because peers can be relentless. When you add transgenderism or gender variance to the mix, he explained, it becomes that much more difficult to navigate through childhood and young adulthood. He enthusiastically urged the audience to support Aranu’tiq.
Frank also spoke about the debate over federal nondiscrimination laws for transgender and non-binary/nonconforming people. He talked about people’s panic over public restrooms being a main factor in the debate on this issue. In a recent conversation with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Frank, using his trademark mix of sarcasm and wit, said he dared her to show him one member of Congress who did not grow up in a home with “unisex” bathrooms.
We thank Congressman Frank for taking time out of his incredibly busy schedule to encourage people to support Camp Aranu’tiq.