Arizona Non-Profit one-n-ten Partners With PetSmart(R) for Annual Camp Program

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Aug 10, 2015) -  one-n-ten, a Phoenix-based non-profit dedicated to serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth, is partnering with PetSmart for the third year running for Camp OUTdoors!, the Northern Arizona summer camp that provides an opportunity for over 170 youth to build self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and build a strong sense of self and community. The camp will run over Labor Day weekend, from Sept. 4 through 7.

"There is something special about how the summer camp experience can foster a sense of community, collaboration, and respect," said Linda Elliott, executive director at one-n-ten. "That's what makes Camp OUTdoors! such a crucial part of our mission to empower and enrich the lives of LGBTQ youth. We're thrilled that PetSmart has partnered with us for the third year in a row to make it possible."

Since its inception, Camp OUTdoors! has changed hundreds of young lives through anti-bullying, suicide prevention, youth empowerment and positive body image workshops. Thanks to the selfless efforts of community volunteers, the camp is able to offer an ever-evolving roster of workshops.

This year campers will:

• explore issues they face in their day-to-day lives, like bullying, and learn how to overcome the obstacles they face,
• collaborate in fun and challenging activities,
• build friendships with other LGBTQ youth from other geographic areas, ethnicities, and socio-economic and racial backgrounds,
• and enjoy a safe space where they can be themselves.

"At PetSmart, caring for people, pets and the community is at the heart of everything we do," said Erick Goldberg, senior vice president of Human Resources for PetSmart, which donated $50,000 to Camp OUTdoors! "By partnering with one-n-ten on the OUTdoors! Camp for the third year in a row, we hope to empower the youth participants with the tools to improve their self-esteem and be proud of who they are. We believe this is truly a life-changing program and are proud to be a part of it."

To make a donation or to learn more about Camp OUTdoors! please visit www.outdoorsgaycamp.com.

About Camp OUTdoors!
At Camp OUTdoors! LGBTQ youth find empowerment in a safe and fun outdoor summer camp environment. Camp activities vary and evolve each year, ranging from educational workshops on topics like "LGBTQ History" and "Non-Violent Communication," to community activities like horseback riding and zip-lining. The camp admits a wide variety of campers from all upbringings to facilitate diversity among our campers and staff. Each year over 170 Arizona youth are selected to attend the camp at no cost. Out-of-state campers pay a small tuition to cover travel, food, and lodging.

About one-n-ten
one-n-ten is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ youth. They provide youth from ages 14 to 24 with tools to improve self-esteem and acceptance of who they are by providing access to social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices. Through weekly discussion groups, safe and supportive youth centers, housing programs, special events and partnerships with national LGBTQ organizations, one-n-ten is building a world where all LGBTQ youth and young adults are embraced for who they are, actively engaged in their communities, and empowered to lead.