Happy Camper

By Sarah L Young

Teenagers drifted out of minivans and sedans, carrying duffel bags full to bursting as they navigated to their assigned cabins. So far, I hadn't seen a single teenager at Camp Geshem who wasn't white, which meant I was going to stand out like a sore Latina thumb.

Worse, if this camp was anything like my hometown, I was going to be the only person here who wasn't straight either.

A captivating tale of love and identity, set against the backdrop of a Jewish summer camp in 2010. When Reina, an out lesbian, is sent to Camp Geshem for the summer, she anticipates an isolating eight weeks back in the closet - because the camp's policy at the time is to kick out LGBTQ+ campers. But when she meets Talia, a fellow camper with secrets of her own, everything changes. As they navigate the complexities of their identities and the shifting attitudes and expectations of their surroundings, Reina and Talia embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Amidst the backdrop of camp rituals and the natural beauty of Camp Geshem, they forge a deep connection that challenges their perceptions of themselves and what it means to truly find a place where they belong. Happy Camper is a heartwarming and lively exploration of first love, friendship, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1963475240
• ISBN13: 9781963475241
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Ben Yehuda Press
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary