The Diversity Center’s Youth Programs provide safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to connect, express themselves, and build community through social events, leadership opportunities, and creative workshops. We empower young people by fostering resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
For more information, please contact our Director of Well-being Programs via email here.
Special Events & Activities
CampOUT with The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust
Dates: Tuesday July 8th - Thursday July 10
Location: Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur
Cost: FREE
Ages: LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 from Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
RSVP: tinyurl.com/campout2025TDCBSLT
(Space is limited to 20 campers)
🌟 What's Camp OUT All About? 🌟
Camp OUT is more than just a camping trip – it is about making new friends, building community and reconnecting with nature! Join us for a glamping getaway where you can be your truest self, surrounded by like-minded peers and camp counselors who understand and support you every step of the way. Get ready to relax by the pool, enjoy delicious meals, share stores by the campfire, and maybe even spot a shooting star or two!
🌈 Who's Invited? 🌈
Camp OUT with The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust is FREE and open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 who are looking for a safe, supportive, and seriously fun camping experience! Space is limited to 20 campers.
🏞️ Where Will We Be? 🏞️
We have been invited to a beautiful new location for Camp OUT 2025! We'll be pitching our tents and soaking up the beauty of nature at Big Sur Land Trust Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur.
Tuesday July 8th - Thursday July 10th
🎉 What Can You Expect? 🎉
Our camp counselors will help you set-up your tent at Glen Deven Ranch. Big Sur Land Trust's Camp Chef will provide delicious and nutritious meals through the duration of camp. We can accommodate any and all dietary restrictions. Snacks and beverages will be available all weekend.
The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust Camp Counselors will offer a variety of activities for campers to enjoy. From nature walks to tie dye, our days end with campfire chats and smores. There's something for everyone at Camp OUT. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, you'll have the chance to relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
🎟️ How Do You Reserve Your Spot? 🎟️
You can register for Camp OUT 2025 by completing this form.
***Important information***
Camp OUT with Big Sur Land Trust 2025 dates: Tuesday July 8 - Thursday July 10
Camp OUT location: Big Sur Land Trust Glen Deven Ranch in Carmel
Camp OUT is for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18.
Tuesday July 8th 10:30 AM Camper Drop off at Carmel location. Big Sur Land Trust will transport our campers to Glen Deven Ranch in Carmel.
Thursday July 10 3:00 PM Camper Pick up at Carmel
Campers and their Parent/guardian/caregiver will receive a Camp OUT Welcome Packet via email on June 4th 2025. Campers and their Parent/guardian/caregiver member MUST be signed the required forms from The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust in order to attend Camp OUT. The Camp OUT Welcome Packet will include information about the drop off and pick up location. It will also include all the required forms to review and sign.
Big Sur Land Trust and The Diversity Center want to make camping accessible to everyone. Camp OUT is FREE thanks to the support of generous grantors and individual donors! Additional donations are welcome.
Big Sur Land Trust inspires love of land across generation, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. https://bigsurlandtrust.org/ We are so grateful that they want to share Glen Deven Ranch with our LGBTQ+ community.
Recurring Programs
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Every First Saturday
Ages: 5-11
For Details Contact: rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com
Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90-minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-11, and their families. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month. Participating kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 10 and under are welcome to attend. Families will have the opportunity to do arts and crafts, read a story, enjoy a snack, and engage in free play with other gender-diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies. Together we will create an accepting, affirming playgroup. This group is facilitated by Sara. For more information about the meeting date, time, and location please contact rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com.
GenderVentures
Date: Saturday, July 7
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025
Calling all youth ages 11–18! Learn gender-affirming skills while safely exploring your identity in community. New workshops each month for queer and trans young people ages 11 - 18.
Queer Student Union Zoom Meetings
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, May 8, 13, and 20
Time: 4:15-5:00
Location: Zoom
Ages: High School Aged LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025
The Diversity Center is excited to collaborate with the Santa Cruz COE to facilitate the Queer Student Union! The Youth Led Leadership Alliance is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community.
The Queer Student Union helps LGBTQ+ students share and practice their leadership and advocacy skills to make a difference in the world around them. Queer Student Union members identify a 2024/2025 project to collaborate on. Students learn how to work together to create social change. Everyone has something to contribute!
Zak and Meggie provide mentorship and we can help students tap into what they love doing while learning how to apply their passions to make our community more accepting and compassionate.
Monterey County Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
Hosted by: Rainbow Connections, The Diversity Center, Our Gente, and QYTC
Dates: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month
Time: 4:15-5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Monterey and San Benito County Middle and High School LGBTQ+ youth and allies
RSVP: tinyurl.com/montereyrcyec
🌈 Join the Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council! 🌈
Are you an LGBTQ+ youth or ally in middle or high school who wants to make a difference in Monterey County? The Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council is a space where YOU can:
✨ Shape LGBTQ+ programs – Be the visionaries behind Rainbow Connections youth events! Help plan an event for LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey county.
✨ Build leadership skills – Develop leadership skills, share your input and ideas to help improve programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth in your community.
✨ Connect with a supportive community – Meet other LGBTQ+ youth, create a safe space where we can share resources and receive peer to peer support.
📅 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 4:15-5:00 PM on Zoom
Sign up here to receive the Zoom information.
From Our Partners
School Support
The Diversity Center offers support to Santa Cruz County schools by visiting Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and providing educational presentations and training for students and staff.
Community Partnerships
The Diversity Center is open to working in partnership with local teens and organizations to plan fun, educational, and activist-oriented events. Please contact us!