Gender Diversity and Inclusion at Camp Akita

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, and bi communities for many years. Camp Akita has also welcomed trans and nonbinary campers, but we feel we can do a better job. Our hope is that by updating and sharing our policies, Camp Akita can become more inclusive, accepting, and affirming of trans and gender-diverse young people.

• Trans and gender-diverse campers are welcome in any cabin. While we will continue to refer to the “girls side” and “boys side,” both sides are inclusive of trans and nonbinary campers. Specifically...
  • The girls side welcomes cisgender girls (assigned female at birth and identify as female), trans girls (assigned male at birth and identify as female), trans boys (assigned female at birth and identify as male), and nonbinary campers (assigned either male or female at birth and identify as neither or both male and female).
  • The boys side welcomes cisgender boys (assigned male at birth and identify as male), trans girls (assigned male at birth and identify as female), trans boys (assigned female at birth and identify as male), and nonbinary campers (assigned either male or female at birth and identify as neither or both male and female).

• Prior to arrival at camp, campers can indicate which side of the hill feels best for them. If they want to switch cabins after arriving at camp, Camp Directors will help make new arrangements according to which cabin serves them best. Depending upon a camper’s comfort level, parents will not always be notified if their camper switches cabins.
• We recognize that the gender binary is not for everyone. Starting Summer 2023, we plan to include an all-gender cabin option (see below for details). In the meantime, we welcome conversations with nonbinary or gender-diverse campers to help choose which side of the hill might feel most comfortable for Summer 2022.
• 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.

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• All cabins now have a changing room with a lockable door similar to a bathroom stall. All campers and Counselors will be encouraged to use a private changing space and are required to use it during full changes. Public nudity will not be permitted in any cabin.
• Bathrooms include toilets with lockable stall doors.
• Showers now have lockable stall doors in place of shower curtains.
• All-gender restrooms are available in the Lodge and Dining Hall.

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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..

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Looking Ahead to 2023: All-Gender Cabin Option 

In 2023, we plan to include an all-gender cabin option. This is a good option for campers who prefer to bunk with children of other genders, campers who identify as non-binary, campers who want to bunk with a friend who is non-binary, or campers who feel this is the best fit for any reason. Fraternal twins who want to bunk together might enjoy living in an all-gender cabin. Trans campers are welcome in all bunks including the all-gender cabin. The all-gender cabin will be an “opt-in” experience and only those who select this option will be assigned to the cabin.  

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Why offer these accommodations? 

Camp Akita believes camp is for everyone! We welcome, affirm, and support campers of all gender identities and expressions, and have for many years. Providing inclusive housing, changing areas, and restrooms allows us to put our beliefs into action and live out our core values, which include authenticity and acceptance. Learn more in our Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

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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.  

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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.  

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What kind of training will staff receive? 

All Counselors will be trained on how to create a safe and welcoming space for campers of all genders in every cabin. All Staff undergo background checks and professional training, including sessions on child sexual abuse prevention (Darkness to Light), suicide prevention training, and how to care for campers of all gender identities.