Camp Sunflower Launches LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group in Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Camp Sunflower, a 501(c)3 organization based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to providing transformative camp experiences and authentic community for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families, will launch a new support group for LGBTQ+ families called "The Village" on Sunday.
The inaugural meeting will take place Aug. 3 from 2-4 p.m. at Horizons Mental Health Center, located at 1600 N. Lorraine St. in Hutchinson. The free event is designed for LGBTQ+ parents and parents of LGBTQ+ youth.
"Because no one should have to parent alone," organizers said in announcing the program. The Village aims to help parents navigate their child's coming out process or raising children as part of the queer community by providing opportunities to connect, share experiences and build community with others who understand similar challenges.
Parents are invited to attend, but organizers specify that teens and youth should not attend. A separate teen group is planned to start Sept. 7.
Growing Organization
Since 2018, Camp Sunflower has held camp every summer, serving over 1000 kids, as well as supporting events throughout the year. The organization launched in Wichita, Kansas to serve as a safe place for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to connect with others, develop leadership skills, and learn coping and advocacy skills.
Born out of Pine Valley Christian Church, members decided to host a three-day camping experience for LGBTQ+ high school-aged teenagers in the Wichita community. Camp director Finn Lanning noted that "Living in a politically conservative state, there tends to be greater stigma and fewer resources available for LGBTQ+ youth, putting them at even higher risk than in other geographical areas."
The organization has been a recipient of several National Benevolent Association Mission & Ministry Grants, expanded its programming to include LGBTQ+ middle schoolers from across the Midwest, and became an NBA Incubate Partner in 2022.
The new Hutchinson support group represents Camp Sunflower's continued expansion of programming to serve LGBTQ+ families throughout Kansas. The mission of Camp Sunflower is to create places of safety for youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities where each person is celebrated and a healthy life-giving community is modeled with love.
More information about the support group is available at campsunflower.org.