NBC News promotes NYC Pride Camp for kids, says 'it's amazing'

In a Wednesday NBC segment, anchors touted a "Pride Summer Camp" for kids in New York that is specifically aimed at serving "LGBTQ+ kids and children of people in those communities."

"Summer camp is a time for kids to make lifelong memories, right, and that is exactly what New York’s New Country Pride Camp says that it does, all while aiming to also be inclusive," co-anchor Kate Snow said.

"It’s amazing," the other anchor added.

14th Street Y, which puts on the camp, describes it as "a welcoming, open-tent community of LGBTQ+ young people and staff that celebrates and sustains joyful, outdoor summer experiences where all can thrive."

Correspondent Steven Romo said that "parents and organizers agree it’s much needed, a place where these kids can not just be tolerated, but celebrated."

"For many kids, camp helps add some sparkle to their summer. At New Country Pride Camp, that sparkle is a lot more literal," he added, with footage of children putting sparkling makeup on each other.

In an Instagram post from January announcing open registrations for the camp, the organization said that New Country Pride Camp was open to children ages 5 to 13, who may be LGBTQ+ themselves, or the siblings and children of those who are. The camp took place between June 28 and July 28.

"NCPC combines the fun of New Country Day Camp, including our rich array of programs like sports, arts, movement, and swimming with a unique opportunity for NCPC campers to participate in daily activities and discussions rooted in social-emotional learning, keyed to topics of critical importance to LGBTQ+ people: identity, family, and community," the post reads.

Director Lonnie Ginsberg and Assistant Director Rachel Feldman spoke with Romo about the importance of the camp, with Feldman saying, "I have these trans kids come up to me and say, ‘Are kids going to use my pronouns in middle school?’…It’s tough to see them recognize that school is not going to be the same as Pride Camp."

"If this camp existed when I was younger, I would be a very different person. I think my internalized homophobia would be much less," Ginsberg noted.

Snow remarked when they cut back to the studio, "I just love that whole idea. They look so happy."

Romo agreed, noting, "These kids maybe have a better shot at figuring out who they are in the world. So many of us were trying to hide, being gay at the time, so we’re more focused on that, our energies went there, instead of just being a kid and exploring. Really hope that these kids get a better shot at that."

14th Street Y says they "also plan a special daily activity just for Pride campers, which includes discussions, preparation for our special Pride Shabbat, and activities led by guest teachers—community leaders, activists, artists, parents, and others from NYC’s LGBTQ+ community. Bringing successful and passionate LGBTQ+ folks into the camper experience will broaden their view of the incredible diversity of the community and the many ways in which an LGBTQ+ identity can be expressed in society, work, and family."