A unique partnership between Minneapolis-based One Heartland and True Colors Fund, founded by Cyndi Lauper will allow at-risk LGBTQ youth to have a safe summer camp experience in several states, including Minnesota.

“We know that gay and transgender youth make up about 40 percent of the 1.6 million homeless youth in the United States, which is why a supportive effort like Camp True Colors has the potential to make a critical impact for more youth at risk than ever before,” True Color Fund’s Executive Director Gregory Lewis said in a statement. “The True Colors Fund is working toward ending this crisis entirely, but in the meantime, for one week, young people will learn skills to keep them moving forward in life, and have the chance to truly be themselves.”

One Heartland, which works to “improve the lives of children, youth and families facing significant health challenges or social isolation,” and Lauper’s True Colors Fund have teamed up to provide summer camp experiences in Texas, New York, and Minnesota for LGBTQ youth.

Camp True Colors Minnesota is for LGBTQ youth ages 13-17. Camp will be held at One Heartland’s facility in Willow River, Minnesota. Participation is at little to no cost to campers and will be held July 6 to 11. The program targets youth who are living out of home or at risk for homelessness. One Heartland registration is currently open.

According to One Heartland, “This camp focuses on building a positive community and provides a safe and stigma free place for its participants. Activities available include canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and talent shows. Education sessions on topics relevant to the LGBT community are also provided.”

The effort by the True Colors Fund is part of Lauper’s 40 to None project which aims to change a startling statistic. Forty percent of homeless youth are LGBTQ. The 40 to None campaign aims to make that number, 40 percent, shrink to zero.

“We will not rest until that percentage goes from 40 to none,” Lauper said at the campaign launch.