NOBLEBORO — It was an amazing weekend at Camp Kieve-Wavus, April 29-May 1 as 21 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning (LGBTQ) youth from around Maine gathered together for learning, playing, connecting and having a "blast" (their word). Central to the weekend was learning about our comfort zones, stepping beyond those into our challenge zones and learning how to address our "danger zone" — a key life theme that played over and over all weekend. From outdoor low and high ropes courses and an amazing evening bonfire, through sharing their personal stories with nationally-known documentary filmmaker Dana Rae Warren, to asking for support and help, the new "family" forged into the LGBTQ Youth Action Team — with lots of plans for future activities.

Participants came from as far away as Machiasport, South Portland and Vinalhaven, as well as many schools in the Midcoast region. Heartfelt thanks to the Kieve-Wavus counselors who spent the entire weekend connecting and supporting the youth. Special thanks to Bowdoin students who gave OUT a grant to help make the retreat happen.

It truly takes a village to build support for these teens, and OUT is thrilled with the Kieve-Wavus and Bowdoin partnerships. OUT supports and empowers LGBTQ teens in Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties through after-school programs, school climate change work to reduce bullying and harassment for all youth and training of regional providers like health care, mental health, clergy, school staff and youth organizations.

If you would like to support OUT's work in the Midcoast area, please donate online at outmaine.org or send a check to PO Box 1723, Rockland, ME 04841. All donations are tax-deductible. If you can make a regular monthly commitment to OUT, you can make sure these supportive activities continue. Thanks for your support toward a welcoming and affirming Midcoast for all teens.