Twenty-Four Years of Odyssey: Looking Back and Dreaming Forward

When I started Odyssey Teen Camp twenty-four years ago, I didn’t know much about running a summer camp. What I did know was that I needed work that felt meaningful, something that would make a difference.

When I was about thirteen, I went through a tough time. A group of kids bullied me, and I started hiding parts of myself just to feel safe. On the outside, I looked fine. I played sports and had friends, but inside, I carried a lot of fear. That experience stayed with me. Years later, when I started Odyssey Teen Camp, I thought about all the other teens who might also be scared, or hiding, or unsure where they fit. I wanted to create a place where they could feel safe enough to be themselves, to show their gifts, and to shine. That’s how Odyssey Teen Camp began.

The Early Days

OTC old school, back in 2002.

In the summer of 2002, we ran our first session at a small Presbyterian center in Holmes, New York, with about forty campers. By 2004, we had close to 150 campers and had moved to a larger space nearby. From the start, OdysseyTeen Camp had its own rhythm. We were never a traditional camp. We offered yoga, art, creative workshops, and lots of wonderfully offbeat activities that spoke to teens looking for something different.

Over time, Odyssey naturally evolved into what it is today: a safe, affirming, joy-filled space for LGBTQ+ teens and for teens who see and experience the world in unique ways. Some people think that shift happened overnight, but really it was a slow, organic process. It is the result of listening, learning, and creating more space for teens to express themselves fully.

The Spirit of Odyssey

What’s always made Odyssey special is the way our community shows up for each other. Teens arrive from all over the country, often unsure what to expect, and they leave with friendships, confidence, and memories that last a lifetime. There’s a kind of magic here that’s hard to put into words, but easy to feel.

I’ve always believed that camp can be a turning point. It’s a place where young people realize that they don’t have to hide, that they’re accepted exactly as they are. Each summer, I see it happen again and again. It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.

Looking Ahead

It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty-four years. In that time, OTC has grown from one person’s dream into a thriving, inclusive community built by thousands of teens, staff, and families.

Now, as we look toward the future, we’re launching a three-year campaign to raise $500,000 to help Odyssey continue to grow and thrive. I still don’t know if what I experienced at thirteen was universal, but I do know this: Odyssey has helped countless teens find their way back to themselves. That feels deeply meaningful and worth protecting.

Odyssey began as a dream to help a few teenagers feel safe enough to shine. Twenty-four years later, that dream is still alive, brighter than ever, and with your support, it will keep shining for generations to come.

Please give to the campaign and help us keep the dream alive.