Business Details
24 Years
experience
Inclusive Summer Camp for Teens | Odyssey Teen Camp
Founded in 2002, Odyssey Teen Camp has dedicated itself to creating a transformative summer experience for teenagers who feel marginalized in traditional settings. Our mission centers on fostering kindness, compassion, and self-discovery in a judgment-free environment. Over two decades, we have cultivated a community where LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and uniquely expressive teens aged 13-18 thrive through personalized programming and peer connections. Our staff, trained in inclusive practices, ensures every camper feels celebrated for their authentic self.Located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we combine structured activities with camper-driven innovation to build confidence and lifelong relationships. Our commitment to social justice, mental health, and creative expression positions us as pioneers in redefining summer camp experiences for neurodiverse and gender-nonconforming youth. By prioritizing emotional safety and individuality, we empower teens to reimagine their roles in society while maintaining rigorous compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health standards.
Services
Magic: The Gathering
Visual Arts
Spirituality Programs
Gaming (Role Play)
LGBTQ+ Friendly Camp
Neurodivergent Friendly Camp
Social Justice Initiatives
Financial Assistance
Drag Arts Coaching
Outdoor Activities
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We provide a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent teens
- 20+ years of experience in teen summer camp programming
- Specialized initiatives for gender-nonconforming and creative youth
- Experienced staff trained in emotional safety and restorative practices
- Customizable activity schedules fostering self-expression and confidence
What people say
Life-changing experience
Felt accepted
Amazing staff
Inclusive community
Boosted confidence
Services
LGBTQ+ Friendly Camp
Our LGBTQ+ friendly camp creates a safe space for gender-nonconforming and queer teens through specialized programming. Certified staff implement restorative justice practices while organizing drag shows, identity workshops, and peer support groups. This initiative helps campers develop self-acceptance and advocacy skills within Massachusetts' first dedicated queer teen summer community.
Neurodivergent Friendly Camp
Designed for neurodivergent teens, this program offers sensory-friendly activities and structured social interactions. Our trained counselors use individualized approaches to help participants build confidence through art therapy, quiet spaces, and predictable scheduling frameworks in the Berkshires' natural setting.
Magic: The Gathering
Our Magic: The Gathering program combines strategic gameplay with social development. Expert facilitators organize tournaments and deck-building workshops that foster critical thinking while creating community bonds among teens who share interests in tabletop gaming and fantasy culture.
Visual Arts
The visual arts program nurtures creativity through painting, sculpture, and mixed media projects. Professional artists guide campers in expressing personal narratives while developing technical skills, with final works showcased in our end-of-season art exhibition for families and staff.
Social Justice Initiatives
Our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) initiatives include workshops on systemic inequality and activism training. Led by specialists, these programs empower teens to create positive change through community projects and dialogue-based learning sessions focused on marginalized communities.
People
Adam Simon
Camp Founder & Executive Director
Adam Simon founded Odyssey Teen Camp in 2002 after recognizing the need for inclusive spaces for non-traditional teens. With over two decades of experience in youth development, he has shaped the camp's philosophy of compassion over competition, creating a transformative environment where 70-250 campers annually discover self-acceptance.
Jeremy Ruehlemann
Love Loudly Project Director
Jeremy Ruehlemann leads our signature initiative promoting radical self-acceptance through creative expression. As a renowned drag artist and educator, he develops programming that helps campers explore identity and build confidence through performance arts, mentoring teens in artistic and personal growth.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve teens aged 13-18 with a special 12-year-old mini-camp program.
Is the camp LGBTQ+ inclusive?
Yes, we're a judgment-free space specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youth since 2002.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide need-based scholarships and sibling discounts to ensure accessibility for all campers.
What activities are available?
Our unique offerings include drag arts, Magic: The Gathering, visual arts, and social justice workshops.
How do I apply?
Complete our online registration and attend a virtual open house for program details.
Are medical staff available?
Yes, we have licensed nurses on-site 24/7 and maintain strict health compliance standards.
Reviews (7)
Deb Lemoine
Jan 18, 2022
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(Parent) I'm so excited that my daughter (age 15) will be going back to Odyssey for her second year of camp. She attended for 3 weeks in 2021 and made great friends and will be going for 4 weeks this summer.
Odyssey is a place where your teen will get to have experiences with new friends in a camp with kind and creative staff. Staff has always been kind and responsive to questions by email and helpful with info. My daughter did not have prescriptions so I can't speak to that concern.
(Teen) I had a great time! The first few days were kind of rough for me, but once I adjusted it was really fun
Odyssey is a place where your teen will get to have experiences with new friends in a camp with kind and creative staff. Staff has always been kind and responsive to questions by email and helpful with info. My daughter did not have prescriptions so I can't speak to that concern.
(Teen) I had a great time! The first few days were kind of rough for me, but once I adjusted it was really fun
Tamari Kovach
Aug 03, 2021
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My 12 year old daughter stayed for one week and is already talking about "when I go back next year". It was her first time at an overnight camp. Although she said the first few days were a hard adjustment, she stuck it out and ended up having a great time. She made good friends, participated in a lot of activities, and overall had a very positive experience. Big thank you to all of the staff and counselors!
Marianne Calilhanna
Aug 02, 2021
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My 15-year-old just returned this past weekend from OTC. I feel like it's the first parenting "win" I've had in many years. My son was not particularly thrilled about going to a new place without knowing a soul but I knew that challenge alone would be beneficial. What I didn't know was the PROFOUND sense of community he would experience. I picked up my camper after 1 week of no contact and was thrilled to see him so happy. OTC provided the experience, the community, and the setting he needed to thrive after a year of pandemic combined with adolescence. The location was gorgeous and I hear the
Natalie Winslow
Jul 30, 2021
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My kid attended session 4, 2021 (just picked her up today), and she LOVED the camp! When asked why, she said "the community, the friends I made, and the counselors are really really really nice!" I'm so happy she was able to go, especially after spending more than a year basically in isolation because of Covid. The camp director and counselors were so welcoming, and the activities were perfect for a kid like mine. It's not a super traditional camp, but my kid is not a super traditional kid, so it was a perfect fit. She's excited to go back next year, and I'm happy she loved it so much! We came
Kate Kollman
Jul 29, 2021
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My child met so many great friends at this camp and felt very validated/nurtured in their experience. The campers and counselors are joyful, kind and welcoming. The choices for activities included quiet or action packed. My child grew emotionally and learned more about their inner strength and abilities. My child took their first solo airplane trip to get home. The camp counselors, nurses and the directors made sure my child was safe and cared for. If your child is a creative, non-conformist they will probably enjoy this camp experience.
Mari Quinn H.
Jul 28, 2021
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Quite easily the best three weeks of my life, though most kids didnt like it at all, it was absolutely amazing, the community, the activities, everything. 1000000/10, as a 15yr old it was eye opening and welcoming in all different ways. The councilors were so caring, funny and understanding, and I made life long friends.
John Winston
Jul 25, 2021
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My child attended teen camp and did not enjoy it. She felt as though the counselors were inattentive and werent properly trained. She told me that she asked the counselors several times if she could contact me or my husband in order to go home since she was really struggling and was plainly put; miserable. I respect that its complicated and certainly not easy to care for 200+ teens, but I feel that they could of thought this through more and and better trained their staff. My daughter also felt like there werent many activities and that campers were expected to entertain themselves. I
