Founder of first gay family camp to be honored

Oakland, CA - April 17, 2012 - Jill Rose, Founder and Director of Camp It Up!, the country’s first LGBTQ family camp, will be awarded the Groundbreaker Award for her commitment to equality and social justice at Our Family Coalition's 2012 Annual Night Out.

In 1990, Jill Rose looked for a family camp that would welcome her gay family but found nothing available so she set out to create one herself. With family and friends Ms. Rose built Camp It Up!, a one-of-a-kind family camp that recognized that all parents — single, partnered, lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual, as well as children, grandparents, aunts, uncles and special friends — create unique family structures that should be nurtured and respected. For more than two decades she has built a community that nourishes both diversity and commonality and supports all families and family members.

On April 19, 2012 Our Family Coalition will recognize Ms. Rose’s vision, dedication and impact on the LGBTQ community. Our Family Coalition Executive Director Judy Appel announced the honor stating, “Your work at Camp It Up! — the first family camp in the country to do particular outreach to the LGBT community — is nothing short of incredible. Your admirable leadership and innovative thinking have helped move us further along in our journey for equality while also creating a safe and fun space for all families.”

Camp It Up! is a one-of-a-kind family camp for LGBTQ families and friends. Information about summer and winter camp sessions can be found at http://www.campitup.org.