Generous contribtions from national brands Pepsico and Food Lion support LGBT student leadership development. Early-bird registration for sixth annual Camp Pride ends on May 30

Sixty lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally students from across the nation will travel to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for five full days of intense social justice leadership training at the annual Camp Pride Summer Leadership Program, July 17-22, 2012.

The signature annual leadership training is a program of Campus Pride, the nation’s leading educational organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The camp, which also includes an LGBT Professional Academy for LGBT faculty and advisors, is in its sixth year.

Early-bird registration for the program ends on May 30; those interested can learn more about Camp Pride, registration and scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.

Young adult marriage equality advocate Zach Wahls will be among the many nationally-recognized leaders and speakers scheduled to speak at Camp Pride this year. Wahls will also receive an honorary Campus Pride Voice & Action National Leadership Award. Also present at Camp will be Kara Laricks, winner of NBC’s “Fashion Star,” an out lesbian and a student leader during college. Laricks’ profession as a school teacher and her talent and eye for design will serve as inspiration to the LGBT and ally student leaders at our Camp Pride. Other speakers and entertainers scheduled to appear at the summer program include Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, and LGBT researcher Sue Rankin, associate professor of College Student Affairs and Higher Education and research associate at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University.

The 2012 Camp Pride has also garnered the generous support of national corporations, community organizations and celebrities. Sponsors this year include Pepsico, Food Lion, Alliance for Full Acceptance, Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, OUTmedia, Consortium of Higher Education Resource Professionals, Charlotte Pocket Rocket Guide and Tyvola Design.

“Food Lion, A Delhaize America Banner, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for associates and customers,” said Patrick Washburn, co-chair of the Friends LGBTA Business Resource Group and a Campus Pride board member. “Campus Pride is located in one of our larger market areas where we have multiple stores, and the ability to reach a diverse customer base. We want to ensure that all associates who work here and all customers who do business with us are treated fairly and with respect.”

Alison Doerfler, executive director of The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, said their support of Camp Pride ensures students learn the skills they need to create positive change on their campuses. Their new “Campus Pride StandUp Team” will play an integral role in supporting the missions of their organization and Campus Pride.

“The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation is thrilled to be able to renew our support of Campus Pride in 2012 through the establishment of the Campus Pride StandUp Team,” Doerfler said. “This group of students who benefit from these scholarships to Camp Pride will each develop action plans that will enable them to return to their campuses in the fall as ambassadors of important messages against bullying and homophobia. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Campus Pride through this very important initiative and applaud the impact that Camp Pride has on attendees.”

Registration for the sixth annual Camp Pride, July 17-22, 2012, is now open. An early discounted rate of $815 is available through May 30. Scholarships for free registration are also available. The cost of registration includes educational curriculum, all program materials, accommodations for five nights and meals as well as entertainment and activities. A special “Advisor Bootcamp” track for LGBT and ally faculty advisors is also available. Students and advisors can register online or learn more about scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.