In this Community Belonging Guide for Summer Camps (updated from the 2019 version) you will find several suggestions for how to make your Jewish summer camp a more inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for LGBTQ+ campers, as well as those with LGBTQ+ parents and family members. These suggestions are organized around the framework of exploring three areas of camp life: Culture, Policy, and Programming. Under these headings, you will find more specific aspects and actions to help you achieve your goals. This list is neither exhaustive, nor universally applicable, but serves as a resource to support you in building a stronger culture of belonging.
What is the culture of your camp?
The first step towards creating a fully inclusive culture and environment is a commitment to a vision and the values of equality and respect for all people—and cultivating the language necessary to communicate those values and put them into action. A lot of progress can be made by moving the implicit to the explicit and openly talking about the ways you value and affirm the experiences and lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Culture is also influenced by policy, which will be discussed in a later section.
Make belonging of LGBTQ+ campers a core value of your camp.
Change comes from many directions including the grassroots and the senior leadership. As you spread the value of LGBTQ+ belonging from wherever you stand, developing a commitment from the senior leadership of the camp and buy-in on the part of staff, parents, and campers is essential to enshrine this belief as a core value of your community. It is also crucial that this value be discussed openly and expressed explicitly. Even in communities where there seems to be agreement that inclusion of LGBTQ+ Jews is essential, it is still important to state this explicitly. You may also find that not everyone is ready for this change and that is also part of the process. Long-term dialogue and ongoing communication create buy-in. Each camp community will progress at its own rate.
We suggest that you start with the Jewish values that are the basis for your work. Do these values that you have already committed to support LGBTQ+ belonging? Then, ask what additional Jewish values could be incorporated to strengthen your camp’s commitment to inclusion. See Keshet’s poster of Seven Jewish Values for Inclusive Community for some suggestions.
How will people know that your camp values LGBTQ+ belonging?
If you have already established the values that support LGBTQ+ belonging, make sure that they are prominently displayed in camp facilities, on your website, and in print materials. If you are starting the process of re-examining your values, open up forums to review the vision and values of your community. By publicly stating this as a core value, potential and current LGBTQ+ campers and families will know that their camp values equality and that they will be protected against discrimination. Saying “we welcome everyone” is not enough.
Statements on Inclusion and Belonging
General statements:
Nondiscrimination, Anti-harassment, and Anti-bullying statements:
When developing sample language for LGBTQ-inclusive anti-bullying policies, pre-existing anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies can be used (such as Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon’s), but with the addition of “perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.” While binary genders (male and female) and sexual orientation are protected, much harassment and bullying is related to gender identity and expression and ensuring individuals are protected in those cases helps close loopholes. Additionally, for examples of policies stated on a website, Congregation Brit Shalom’s synagogue policies can be referenced, though we would make a change from “either gender” to “all genders.”
Some additional helpful resources:
Educate yourself and others on LGBTQ+ terms.
Often, one of the greatest challenges for non-LGBTQ+ people in talking about LGBTQ+ issues is uncertainty regarding language and vocabulary. As many terms are new, or are used differently by different groups and in different contexts, people are sometimes uncertain and embarrassed to enter a conversation for fear of being wrong, looking ignorant, or of inadvertently hurting someone’s feelings. Educating yourself, being respectful, and taking responsibility if you make a mistake goes a long way to making LGBTQ+ people feel welcomed and safe. Visit the Keshet website for a list of LGBTQ+ terminology. And, as with many spheres of human life, language within and about LGBTQ+ communities is constantly changing and evolving, which is a beautiful thing! Committing to an ongoing process of learning – for yourself and your camp community – can ensure a culture of knowledge and flexibility that is necessary for ongoing inclusion work.
Do not assume the sexual orientation or gender identity of your campers.
When camps make incorrect assumptions about the sexuality or gender identity of campers, it risks rendering gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals invisible, and may cause deep pain. When people fail to see campers as their full selves, they risk alienating them from the camp community and discouraging them from participating fully, or at all. For example, when talking to a camper about dating, don’t automatically assume that they are interested in people with a certain gender, or that dating must be something they are interested in.
Ensure facilities are accessible to campers and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Restrooms: Everyday actions like using the bathroom are complicated and often dangerous for transgender and gender non-conforming people, because our world often only offers two options: “man” and “woman.” Consider whether all of your facility’s restrooms must be gender-specific or whether one could be made available to everyone. This need not be complicated; covering the “men” or “women” sign with “all-gender restroom” is sufficient. Remember to do this for temporary, shared, or rental facilities also. Click here for the explanatory text that Keshet uses to accompany all gender restroom signs.
Bunks: Ensuring comfortable housing for LGBTQ+ youth is often a challenge for overnight camps that have traditional “all male” and “all female” bunks or cabins. There is rarely a single solution that meets the needs of every situation. However, it is crucial that open and frank discussions take place for all participants involved to feel comfortable, prioritizing LGBTQ+ camper safety which furthers the camp’s priority of everyone’s safety. Here are a few suggestions based upon different situations you might encounter at your camp:
Transgender and non-binary campers.
There is not a “one-size-fits-all” housing policy for transgender or non-binary youth. It is vitally important to openly communicate with the youth about their needs and desires in order to create the best solution. Some transgender youth may feel more comfortable housing with the gender that correlates with their full-time presentation and identity, others with their sex assigned at birth. Some may want to room with a few select friends and some, if given the option, may prefer their own room. Again, it is important to work with the youth to create a reasonable accommodation that best suits everyone.
A couple rooming together.
This situation is complicated because the camp should be careful to not give campers the impression that they are being punished or treated differently because they are LGBTQ+. However, camps often have policies regarding sex and sexual behavior, which LGBTQ+ campers must follow just like their peers. If it is possible for the couple to remain in the same bunk but be supervised by a staff member sleeping in the same room that might be preferable. However, again, a resolution would depend upon an open, honest conversation and a decision that follows camp protocols and makes clear expectations. The important piece to remember is to keep the campers’ feelings, identities, and safety in mind, and be sure to treat this couple as you would any other.
An openly LGBTQ+ youth bunking with straight identified peers.
There is absolutely no reason why an LGBTQ+ youth should not be allowed to bunk with straight and/or cisgender identified peers. The primary concern in this situation is the possibility for bullying and harassment. Counselors should be trained to identify and deal with bullying and harassment, and should seek support from camp administration if it persists.
LGBTQ+ Bunk Staff.
When supervising and training all bunk counselors, whether counselors are LGBTQ+ or non-LGBTQ+, it is essential to emphasize appropriate staff-camper boundaries and train them in the norms and expectations of your camp. There is no reason why a staff member’s LGBTQ+ identity would render them unsuitable to be a bunk counselor or any other staff role that lives in a bunk with campers. It is also important to establish guidelines for LGBTQ+ staff to feel they can be open about their identities, that still maintain boundaries between the campers and staff, so that LGBTQ+ campers have role models.
See below for some policy approaches regarding bunks.
Create a safe camp environment and culture by prohibiting abusive homophobic and transphobic language.
The positive non-homophobic and non-transphobic language used by staff is an important model for campers of how to treat each other with respect and greatly influences camp culture. One of the most important things a counselor can do to ensure that LGBTQ+ campers feel safe and welcome in your camp community is to make sure that harassing language is strictly and proactively banned. Words like “f****t”, “d**e”, “t****y” and phrases like “that’s so gay” both deeply offend and also create an environment that is not only uncomfortable, but unsafe for LGBTQ+ students. Creating a “Safe Zone” program—displaying posters, stickers and other literature encouraging acceptance—is a great way to communicate that your camp is a safe environment for all.
In addition to hosting programs and displaying resources, it is essential to be proactive. When a counselor or other staff member overhears a camper using homophobic, transphobic, and/or other abusive language, it is important that this is pointed out, discussed, and stopped. Incidents like these negatively affect everyone: the recipient, the one who perpetrates, the bystander who witnesses it, and the camp culture as a whole. Depending on the setting and the situation, the counselor may offer a short or a more involved intervention. If you are only able to provide a limited intervention for whatever reason, you can always revisit the issue after consultation with trusted colleagues. Training for counselors on how to do this is vital so that they feel comfortable and equipped to make it happen. Visit Keshet’s website for some ideas on how to respond to campers who say “that’s so gay”, and to learn more about counselor trainings.
Share your culture and let the world know about your commitment to LGBTQ+ belonging.
Even if you think it is obvious, explicitly state in marketing materials, on your website and other communications that your camp is welcoming of LGBTQ+ campers and families. For many, this is the first introduction to who you are and it will go a long way in letting potential campers know that the camp is a safe space for them, and letting all other constituents know the values of your institution. Keshet has many statements of LGBTQ+ inclusion and welcoming to share with you. However, be mindful and considerate when communicating about specific LGBTQ+ campers. You should never discuss a specific camper in communications to the wider community without initially seeking permission from and crafting a message with the young person and their family.
See below for some approaches to statements of inclusion and belonging, and policies around nondiscrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-bullying.
Belonging is a journey, not a destination.
Every camp is different, and no one knows your camp better than you and your community. No matter how many trainings you hold, safe space signs you put up, or anti-bullying policies you put into place, the only true way to create a fully open and supportive community is to be committed to values of equality and respect all of the time, every day. Have your staff check in regularly and discuss how your camp is meeting its goals and leading with its values. This time for reflection does not necessarily require special meetings. It can be incorporated into your regular staff meetings and check-ins. Bring your campers into the conversation, particularly your Counselors in Training and older campers. Brainstorm new ways to encourage greater equality and respect, address any issues, and make it an ongoing conversation in your community. A camp that cares deeply about the safety and happiness of their LGBTQ+ campers will undoubtedly be a wonderful place for them to grow and have a great time.
Make sure your camp is LGBTQ+ Affirming and in Keshet’s Equality Directory.
Keshet has a searchable Equality Directory, an online guide for finding LGBTQ+ inclusive clergy and institutions. Be sure to register your camp as soon as possible once these culture, policy, and programming steps have begun to be implemented.
Policies that explicitly include LGBTQ+ families, campers, and staff are the foundation of LGBTQ+ belonging in your camp. Inclusive Human Resources policies, documents, and guidelines are a way of demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQ+ belonging from the highest levels of organizational leadership. They are also crucial to creating environments for learning and working that are safe for all participants.
Create inclusive policies.
Both current and potential LGBTQ+ campers and their families, as well as LGBTQ+ staff members, need to know that your camp values equality, and is committed to protecting them from discrimination and harassment. By mentioning this commitment in your existing policy documents or by creating new language, you will communicate a commitment to equal treatment for all.
The necessary documents include a comprehensive anti-bullying statement for campers, inclusive anti-harassment Human Resources policies for faculty and staff, and a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. These statements should be easily available on your website, printed in your parent and camper handbook, and available upon request.
Visit Keshet for sample language for different non-discrimination policies.
SAMPLE POLICIES/SUGGESTED CONTENT/CONSIDERATIONS
Bunks/Rooming Policies and Considerations
In all cases (and frankly, this is a much-needed step even in settings where none
of these things are being done!), it is wise to lay out expectations about how people share space and respect privacy in rooming situations. An example could include purchasing pop-up tents for changing facilities or off site trips.
Some specific examples of travel/housing policies:
Privacy
When welcoming LGBTQ+ campers, it is important to know what information about their identities they and their families are comfortable sharing. For example, some campers are delighted to share their identities with their camp community publicly, or view it as not a big deal to their camp experience – that’s just who they are! For other campers, there may be a preference for privacy, not sharing their identities. For example, a trans girl may wish to share a bunk with her fellow girl campers, and it is her choice about whether or not to share her trans identity with her bunkmates. Both approaches are completely acceptable, and it is important to respect a camper and family’s requests, following a conversation with them.
It is also important to consider privacy if a camper or camp community member chooses to come out of the closet at camp. A broader guideline around Coming Out can help counselors and staff as they support these folks. An additional piece is whether and how to communicate this news to parents. Some key considerations:
Sample language: We work to ensure the privacy of each individual’s identity, including transgender/gender non-conforming status and will not ask about or disclose this private information. Faculty and staff will support and honor participants who share that they are LGBTQ+, and use names and pronouns as requested. We will encourage the participant to reach out to their parent(s) or guardian(s) if possible. However, staff will not disclose a participant’s LGBTQ+ identity or to parents or guardians without consent from the participant unless required by law.
Religious Wear
At camp, we want every camper and staff member to feel comfortable practicing their Jewish traditions while also feeling affirmed in their gender identity and expression. Clothing connected to religious observance, such as kippot, tallitot, or tzitzit can be a meaningful way for campers to express both their spirituality and their sense of self. Our policies around religious wear are designed to be inclusive and flexible, ensuring that no one feels restricted from participating in Jewish ritual life because of their gender, orientation, or presentation. We encourage campers and staff to choose religious garments in the way that feels most authentic to them, and we celebrate the diversity of expression that strengthens our community.
Below are three sample approaches for kippot policies that might be right for your camp:
This language requires kippot of all participants at particular times.
This language lets go of the idea of requiring a kippah for anyone, but emphasizes teaching about reasons that a person might wear one.
This language requires any head covering (either at all times or at particular times like prayer) and outlines a few head covering options that include a kippah as one of the ways to fulfill this requirement.
Communicating Expectations Regarding Dress
Gendered dress expectations exist everywhere, especially in communities where there are strict binary dress codes (eg. girls are required to wear skirts or dresses and boys are required to wear pants or shorts). When communicating dress code expectations, it is helpful to be as clear as possible so that campers and staff of all genders are included. Some key considerations are:
Sample policy language from Tawonga camper/parent handbook:
Promoting Body Positivity
At Tawonga, campers are encouraged to have a healthy and positive relationship with their physical bodies. Counselors give campers the option of changing their clothes in the cabin, in the bathroom, or in their sleeping bags so each camper can be as modest as they wish.
Counselors have the same options. In the girls’ bathhouse, there’s a group shower as well as private showers and girls can choose to use whichever shower they prefer. In the boys’ bath house there are individual shower stalls. There is also an all-gender shower option with private stalls. Many campers report that growing up at Tawonga is where they learned to love and accept their bodies because their counselors role modeled a healthy, mature, and appropriate attitude toward nudity and an appreciation for all shapes, sizes and abilities.
Skinny Dipping Policy
We believe that, when approached with thoughtfulness and maturity, skinny dipping can be a positive experience for campers. Our skinny dipping policy was designed with an understanding that children have differing levels of comfort with their bodies. Same-sex groups, including staff members, are permitted to go skinny dipping, but only after a group discussion that emphasizes that this is an individual choice and all campers may make their own decision. Skinny dipping must be the campers’ idea and will not be suggested by staff. Additionally, one counselor and the lifeguard must keep their bathing suits on at all times to ensure comfort and safety. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.
Ensure inclusive documents.
Make sure your forms including admission, registration, and permission slips are inclusive of LGBTQ+ families and campers. When crafting such forms, be sure that they are welcoming to a spouse or partner of any gender. Rather than listing “mother” and “father,” write “parent/guardian 1” and “parent/guardian 2.” Depending on the form, if it is not necessary, take out the question on gender. When you do actually need to know the gender of a camper, write “gender” and leave a blank space to be filled in. This allows parents and campers to fill-in how they want to be identified which may be outside of the gender binary. For more on creating LGBTQ+-inclusive forms, visit Keshet’s Guide on how to do so.
Create an LGBTQ+ or Community Belonging Task Force.
Consider convening an LGBTQ+ or Community Belonging Task Force charged with strengthening your camp’s organizational policies and practices. This group can consist of leadership, staff, and parents. This will ensure that your camp has the infrastructure and leadership to effectively respond to issues as they arise, and to proactively identify areas for improvement.
In order to achieve your goals, your values of equality and inclusivity must be embedded in the everyday life of your camp, which is embodied in all programming and activities in which your campers participate. Here are a few examples of the many possible ways to teach about LGBTQ+ and Jewish topics.
Reassess your curriculum.
Our commitment to the belonging of LGBTQ+ Jews is not just a secular value, but a Jewish value. When appropriate, integrate LGBTQ+ issues and topics into your programming in order to demonstrate how inclusivity is interwoven with our Judaism. In Jewish history, Holocaust studies, etc. there are many ways to include Jewish LGBTQ+ sources and material. For programs on Torah, look at the prohibitions in Leviticus from a new lens using Jay Michaelson’s book, God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality. Also, Judaism says much about positive sexuality, gender and how to treat all people with respect. When discussing Jewish ethics around love and sex, do not just refer to heterosexual dating and marriage. For certain denominations and in pluralistic settings, acknowledge and include a full spectrum of relationships and ways to experience human love. When studying Torah, add an LGBTQ+ lens to your understanding and examination of the text. There are now many resources for this such as Torah Queeries which provides LGBTQ+ readings on each parsha and for holidays. You can also introduce or bring in LGBTQ+ scholars who interpret Torah from a LGBTQ+ perspective (Here is an example from Dr. Joy Ladin.) For more resources on Jewish text and tradition in relation to LGBTQ+ identity, visit Keshet’s website.
Do not automatically group campers by binary gender (boy or girl).
It is often an impulse of counselors and campers alike to group campers based on binary gender (boy or girl). However, this is problematic for several reasons: it renders non-binary or transgender campers invisible by assuming a binary gender and it categorizes campers without consent. It also encourages campers to view gender as an either/or category, which reinforces stereotypes and it discourages campers from branching out and exploring friendships and experiences beyond their assigned or assumed gender. As alternatives, consider asking campers to count off, or divide groups alphabetically, or by birthdays.
Collect and share resources on Jewish LGBTQ+ issues and topics.
You do not need to reinvent the wheel when introducing LGBTQ+ issues and ideas to your community. Full LGBTQ+ inclusion can be a complex process, but there is support for you.
Below are a more suggestions for specific resources that will help you implement your new action steps:
Provide training for your staff, counselors and counselors in training.
Once your camp has committed to the full belonging of LGBTQ+ campers, families, and staff it is important to provide your community with the skills they need to put these goals into action. Through training, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to gain tools and resources, reflect on the needs of your population and learn more about how to create inclusive community. Contact Keshet staff to find out more about Keshet trainings.
Keshet provides many resources which have been described throughout this document, including videos, and Torah Queeries, textual interpretation of Torah and Jewish holidays from an LGBTQ+ lens.
The following are additional resources that might be helpful:
Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on social media.
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