Navigating all the summer camps can seem confusing, especially when you want to find the perfect one for your child to assist. For children that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, camp should be a place where they feel safe, accepted, included and themselves. While all camps should be accepting and inclusive, there are some tips with which you can make sure that the summer camp you are selecting will ensure a positive and affirming camp experience for your kids.
Commitment to Inclusivity
When you begin your research, try to look for the camp’s commitment to inclusivity. Look if there are any clear statements on the camp's website and promotional materials emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. Another way to look for it is by assessing whether the camp has explicit policies against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. You can inquire about the camp's protocols for handling incidents of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Diverse Staff
Look into how the camp prepares its staff to create a welcoming atmosphere; you can do this through their staff training programs regarding LGBTQ+ issues, sensitivity, and inclusion. Some camps also share the profiles of their counselors, so reading about them can make you feel safer about their leadership and maybe even find the presence of openly LGBTQ+ counselors.
Inclusive Facilities
There are many arrangements that camps can implement in their facilities that make them more inclusive. An example of these are gender-neutral facilities, where there is no binary division and they accommodate diverse gender identities. Make sure that the camp’s environment respects and affirms campers' diverse gender identities. It is also important to check how the camp respects campers' privacy regarding gender identity and expression.
Rainbow Days
Check the camp’s schedule and programming to look for activities that cater to LGBTQ+ campers. These could include inclusive workshops that encourage studying, discussing and understanding queer issues or activities that foster empathy and learning on the subject. These not only educate children on the subject, but also creates the opportunity for LGBTQ+ campers to connect and build a supportive community within the camp.
Testimonials and Social Action
It can never hurt to look for past experiences that can orient you a bit more on the camp selecting process.Either past campers talking about their camp experience, or different camp reviews and recommendations; that way, you can understand the upcoming experience for your children better. Explore online forums or social media groups where camp experiences, particularly those of LGBTQ+ individuals, are shared. Looking for the camp's engagement with the broader LGBTQ+ community is also helpful, from partnerships or collaborations with social organizations that demonstrate the camp's commitment to inclusivity to advocacy initiatives the camp is involved in.
By prioritizing these aspects, campers can ensure a positive and affirming experience that aligns with their values and identity. There are so many amazing options where your child can enjoy the summer camp experience, but it’s always important to understand the one you are choosing to ensure they have the best and most appropriate holiday.
Remember that finding a camp that actively embraces diversity is not only about ensuring a safe space but also about contributing to a larger movement of acceptance and understanding. Choose a camp where every camper, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
