Shoppers are turning to community and connection: Hojokamp in Gemert-Bakel offers LGBT+ young people a week of friendship, practical support and pure fun, and that safe, lively space matters for identity, resilience and memory-making.

Essential Takeaways

  • What it is: Hojokamp is a week-long summer camp in Gemert-Bakel for LGBT+ young people aged roughly 12–27, blending games, workshops and peer support.
  • Emotional vibe: The atmosphere is warm, open and playful , participants report feeling instantly understood and free to express themselves.
  • Real benefits: Attendees gain practical life lessons, role models and friendships that reduce isolation and build confidence.
  • Practical note: The camp mixes supervised activities and one-to-one conversations, useful if a young person is exploring gender or sexuality.
  • Sensory cue: Expect loud laughter, messy sport days and quiet, earnest chats by evening campfires.

Why Hojokamp feels like home , immediate connection and relief

Step onto the field at Hojokamp and you quickly notice the relief on faces; people relax when they realise they’re not alone. According to local reporting, about sixty participants arrive yearly and dive into everything from storm‑course races to small-group talks. That mixture of noise and vulnerability helps newcomers find their feet fast.

Organisers say the camp is deliberately peer‑centred, with many leaders who once attended themselves. That continuity creates empathy: older campers have lived the same questions about identity and come back to pass on what helped them. If you’ve ever watched a teen visibly exhale, you’ll know why this matters.

How the camp helps with identity questions , not just fun but practical support

Hojokamp isn’t only about games; it’s where teens get language, role models and practical directions. For some, a concert or a song from a transgender artist opens a door to understanding, and camp leaders follow that up with conversations parents and carers might struggle to provide. Those small, concrete moments , “this is how I told my family” or “this is how I asked for a name change” , add up.

Local journalists note that many participants find it easier to ask sensitive questions in person than to search the internet. The camp provides both structured workshops and spontaneous chats, so a teen can join a session on coming out or simply sit with someone who’s been there.

The social payoff , friendships that stick and reduce isolation

One of the clearest payoffs is friendship. Young people say they leave with new friends they otherwise would never have met, which is huge when schools or home life feel unsupportive. At Hojokamp you see groups forming quickly , a shared joke, a team on the obstacle course, someone to text when things get rough.

Counsellors and former participants report that those connections carry on after the week ends, helping with mental health and day‑to‑day bravery. It’s a reminder that community can be a form of care as much as any official service.

What parents and carers should know , safety, support and conversations

Parents often worry about language, safety and whether their child will be pushed in one direction. The camp’s model , led by experienced volunteers, some of whom are trans or queer themselves , aims to reassure families while centring young people’s needs. Organisers emphasise respect, consent and practical guidance for parents who want to support without taking over.

If you’re a parent, consider asking organisers about policies, how they handle sensitive topics, and whether there are family sessions or information sheets you can read. Many carers report relief when they see their child smiling and relaxed for the first time in ages.

Looking ahead , why camps like Hojokamp are still needed

Despite wider visibility for LGBT+ lives, young people still report bullying, confusion and loneliness. Local coverage shows Hojokamp has been running for decades and keeps adapting, showing the demand hasn’t gone away. Camps like this offer a low‑cost, community‑based intervention that’s equal parts fun and formative.

If you’re thinking of sending a teen next year, book early and ask about age groups and pastoral care. And bring comfortable clothes , the obstacle course is wet, loud and oddly therapeutic.

It's a small change that can make every summer safer, stranger and more joyful.

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