Kyndra Luce, Executive Director of QT Camp and Famous Adventures, has been honored with the “LGBTQ+ Professional of the Year” award by the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. The award “recognizes outstanding professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to the LGBTQ+ community across North and South Carolina.”
Luce is the founding Executive Director of QT Camp, a Charleston-based nonprofit day camp established in 2023 for queer and trans youth. The camp provides LGBTQIA+ campers with outdoor adventure experiences while fostering a safe, affirming environment focused on growth, self-advocacy, and community. Luce built QT Camp “as a response to South Carolina legislators failing our most vulnerable children,” she explains.
Under Luce's leadership, QT Camp has partnered with Planned Parenthood's Teen Connections to deliver age-appropriate programming centered on consent, boundaries, and self-advocacy. Other QT Camp activities include surfing lessons, visits to the South Carolina Aquarium, dolphin tours to Morris Island, and geocaching excursions—all offered at no cost or with reduced-tuition options for families in need.
Luce is also the founding Director of Famous Adventures, a Charleston-based outdoor adventure day camp, in operation since 2016. Famous Adventures and QT Camp share staff, programming, values, and an inclusive philosophy. Both organizations emphasize kindness, experiential learning, and connection to the natural world for all campers, regardless of race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
“We know the research shows if a kid has one supportive adult in their life, they’re 40% less likely to self-harm, and we’re reaching out with support and care and joy. These kids are cute. They are cuties, they’re lovely, they’re wonderful, they’re joyous.”
—Kyndra Luce, Executive Director, QT Camp
Luce has emerged as a prominent community advocate, speaking out publicly on behalf of LGBTQIA+ families in the Lowcountry and across the state. She has pushed back on political criticism of QT Camp's programming, emphasizing the organization's commitment to age-appropriate education, child safety, and the proven benefits of affirming adult support for LGBTQIA+ youth.
The Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1992, is dedicated to fostering equity, inclusion, and economic prosperity for the LGBTQ+ community across North and South Carolina. Its annual awards ceremony recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who have excelled in their professional communities and made meaningful contributions to LGBTQ+ life in the region.
For more information about QT Camp, to volunteer, or to support the organization, visit www.qtcamp.org or email kyndra@qtcamp.org.