Camp Akita values and celebrates all campers, including those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Camp Akita has welcomed campers and staff who are part of the lesbian, gay, bi, and gender diverse communities for many years. We strive to continue to be an inclusive, accepting, and affirming space for all young people, including trans and gender diverse youth.
We recognize that gender diverse youth often face stressful, unwelcoming, and even hostile environments in their daily lives. We are sad to know that rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are much higher among this group. Camp Akita’s core values of community, authenticity, compassion, and acceptance extend to all campers, and “all” includes those who are gender diverse.
Want to learn more? Camp Akita was featured in this article through the American Camp Association: Camp Is for Everyone.
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Camp Akita believes there is no “right way” to be a girl or boy and encourages all campers to be themselves regardless of cabin assignment. Campers may wear whatever makes them comfortable; no campers will be expected to dress “like a girl” or “like a boy.” There remains no dress code at Camp Akita, except that clothing may not include references to drugs, alcohol, sex, profanity, or other slogans or images that may be threatening or offensive to others.
Camp Akita Staff will respect and use the names and pronouns that correspond with how campers introduce themselves. If a camper chooses to use a different name or pronouns than those listed on their registration form, Counselors will use the name and pronouns campers use for themselves..
Counselors and Staff
Camp Akita Counselors are assigned to cabins based on gender identity and on our belief that they will best serve the campers in the cabin to which they are assigned. All staff are over 18, complete a rigorous application process, undergo background checks, and complete multiple screening procedures they are hired. Camp Akita Directors take great care in choosing the mentors and leaders for our campers.
Will I be notified if a trans camper is in my child’s cabin?
No. In keeping with our prior policies, families will not be notified of the names, medical histories, or any other personal information about their child’s cabin mates before, during, or after their session.
Will I be notified if a trans Counselor is in my child’s cabin?
No. In keeping with our prior policies, families will not be notified of the names, medical histories, or any other personal information about their child’s Counselors before, during, or after their session. All Staff undergo background checks, professional training on child sexual abuse prevention (Darkness to Light), and how to care for campers of all gender identities.
Will the inclusion of trans or gender diverse campers take away from my camper’s cabin experience?
Not at all! Creating a tight-knit community within each cabin remains the cornerstone of the Camp Akita experience. We will continue to train Counselors that there are many ways to identify and express ourselves, and all identities and self-expressions will be accepted and celebrated in all cabins—as they always have been at Camp Akita.
Will campers and Counselors discuss gender identity at camp?
Maybe! It’s difficult to predict what topics of conversation will arise as campers and Counselors share about their lives and faith. We do not have any kind of gender identity curriculum, but if gender identity comes up in conversation, we do not feel it is off limits, just as race, ethnicity, religion, and other topics are not off limits when discussed with respect and authenticity. Counselors receive training on how to lead age-appropriate conversations, prevent and respond to bullying, and (if necessary) refocus everyone’s attention toward camp.
Do other camps have policies like these?
Yes! Camp Akita is accredited by the American Camp Association, a national organization that sets standards for health, safety, and program quality for over 2,400 camps across the nation. The American Camp Association provides guidance for working with Trans Campers. Camp Akita has also worked with Transplaining, a professional consultant for organizations (including summer camps) looking to make safer and more inclusive spaces for trans and non-gender conforming youth.
FAQ's from 2022
Prior to Summer 2022, we received many questions about Gender Diversity & Inclusion at Camp Akita. Here were some of our most-asked questions and answers: FAQ's from 2022
New! About All-Gender Cabins
We are so excited to premiere all-gender cabins in Summer 2023! For decades, we have had wonderful experiences with all-gender groups, including our L.I.F.E. Guard and Akita Backcountry programs. We look forward to extending a similar positive experience to Summer Camp through this opt-in cabin option. Click here for more information!
I'm unfamiliar with some of these terms. Where can I learn more?
National Center of Transgender Equity defines terms like Transgender and Non-Binary
The American Camp Association provides guidance for Serving the Needs of Trans Campers.
Transgender Children & Youth: Understanding the Basics.
The Trevor Project: Gender Identity.