Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Neftali Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Neftali, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In 2018, I received an invitation from Quinn Gormley to serve as a counselor at Camp Pride at Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardiner, ME. With years of experience in youth advocacy and leadership, I felt a strong pull towards this opportunity, sensing it would be a significant experience. However, as I approached Pilgrim Lodge, a wave of fear washed over me, and I momentarily considered turning back. Something deeper within urged me to stay, a feeling that I was embarking on a journey to heal my inner child.

From the moment I arrived, the stories shared by the campers and the palpable sense of community and spirituality deeply moved me. Witnessing the creation of a safe space where LGBTQ+ youth and allies could explore their identities, heal from past wounds, and build meaningful connections was transformative. This experience illuminated the profound impact such environments could have on individuals’ lives.

Realizing the scarcity of these vital spaces, especially in my community and the whole State of Florida, I became inspired to replicate this transformative experience. I envisioned creating a camp that would not only provide a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth but also foster a sense of belonging, love, and acceptance. The logic was clear: the world needs more love and understanding, and creating a space where this can flourish, even if one camp at a time, felt like a powerful way to contribute.

The uniqueness of Camp Pride FL lies in its focus on healing, community, and spirituality, aspects often overlooked in other youth programs. By offering this holistic approach, we aim to address the deep-seated needs of LGBTQ+ youth, providing them with tools and support to thrive.

The excitement stemmed from the potential to make a real difference. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it was about more than just providing a fun camp experience; it was about fostering genuine growth, healing, and community. This vision, combined with my passion for youth advocacy and leadership, made the creation of Camp Pride FL not just a goal, but a mission to bring more love into the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Luis Neftali Rodriguez – Executive Director of Camp Pride FL
Born in Abington, PA, and raised in Central Florida, I was brought up in the southern Christian tradition. Throughout my adulthood, I have explored and deepened my spiritual journey, leading me to a profound understanding of the freedom that comes when one’s identity, spirit, and faith align.

As the Executive Director of Camp Pride FL, my journey into this field was inspired by my transformative experience as a counselor at Camp Pride at Pilgrim Lodge in 2018. Invited by Quinn Gormley and driven by years of youth advocacy and leadership, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. This experience ignited a passion within me to create more such spaces, leading to the foundation of Camp Pride FL.

At Camp Pride FL, we offer a unique blend of services focused on fostering community, healing, and spirituality. Our camp provides a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities, heal from past traumas, and build lasting connections. We address the deep-seated needs of our campers, offering tools and support for personal growth and empowerment.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach, integrating spiritual exploration with community building and personal development. We are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and loved. Our camp is not just a retreat; it is a transformative experience that promotes self-discovery and healing.

I am most proud of the positive impact Camp Pride FL has had on our campers. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and sense of belonging reaffirms the importance of our mission. My goal is to continue spreading love and healing, one camp at a time, and to ensure that every participant leaves with a renewed sense of self and community.

For those who may not know me or Camp Pride FL, I want you to understand that our work is driven by love, acceptance, and a commitment to creating a better world for LGBTQ+ youth. We are dedicated to being the change we wish to see and to fostering a space where everyone can thrive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A Story of Resilience – Luis Neftali Rodriguez
In March 2018, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with HIV. This moment became a definitive point in my journey, profoundly altering my perspective and the way I wanted to live my life. Faced with this challenge, I made a conscious decision to focus on purpose-driven causes that would fill my heart with meaning and fulfillment.

Resilience, to me, means standing strong even in moments designed to break us. Despite the initial shock and fear, I found strength through the unwavering support of my parents, family, and friends who stood by me. Their love and encouragement helped me navigate this difficult period, transforming what could have been a moment of despair into a powerful source of motivation.

This experience reinforced my commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for others facing their own challenges. It is a testament to the strength we can find within ourselves and the incredible impact of a loving and supportive community.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A Lesson Unlearned – Luis Neftali Rodriguez
Growing up within Christian traditions, I internalized the notion that I was unworthy of self-love. This belief was deeply ingrained, and unlearning it became a crucial part of my journey. I realized that before I could genuinely extend grace and love to others, I needed to first show it to myself.

This journey required me to find peace with myself, the Universe, and God. I began practicing daily affirmations, writing messages on my mirror to remind myself of my beauty, validity, queerness, spirituality, and worthiness. Through these affirmations and a commitment to self-acceptance, I learned to embrace and love myself fully. This newfound self-love not only transformed my relationship with myself but also enhanced my ability to support and uplift others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://camppridefl.org
• Instagram: camppridefl; lurod116 (personal)
• Facebook: camppridefl; lurod116 (personal)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-neftali-rodriguez-910731137