Frequently Asked Questions about All-Gender Cabins

Why offer all-gender cabins?

In short, to separate children into two gender categories reinforces a gender binary that we simply don’t believe in. To divide campers through a binary lens of gender would guarantee that every summer we end up with campers who go to sleep knowing they are in the wrong cabin. Additionally, it reinforces a heteronormative assumption about our campers when we separate youth by gender as an antiquated safeguard against sexual activities. We prefer to have honest conversations with our campers about why sex is not OK at camp, and make sure there are always staff present in the cabin to supervise. 

Furthermore, we believe that EVERYONE can benefit from sharing space in an all-gender cabin. Separation is one of the foundations of inequality. In order to think of someone as lesser, we first have to think of them as different. When campers of ALL genders share space, they learn that they are more alike than different - and that breaks down harmful barriers. Something we’ve realized is that a child’s gender may actually be the least interesting part of their personality. Why reduce them to it? Especially when we could instead create cabin groups based on shared interests and personality traits (which we do!) for an easier friend-making experience. All-gender cabins also allow for friends, cousins, and siblings to bunk together, regardless of gender - which can help shy campers settle in more easily with a familiar person at their side.

In the end we believe in the maturity of our campers to behave appropriately regardless of their gender or that of their cabin mates, and our track record of hundreds of campers who have participated in all-gender cabins without issue is a testament to that.

Does a camper have to identify as trans, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming to be placed in an all-gender cabin?

Nope! All-gender cabins are just what they sound like. They are open to campers of any gender.

How many cabins are all-gender?

Almost all of them! Most weeks we have one or two single-gender cabins, and the rest are all-gender. What we offer each week is determined by demand - so it depends on what families sign up for when they register. Sometimes, we do not have enough campers who have opted for a particular type of single-gender cabin, and so this option may not be available. If the type of cabin you have requested is not available, we will contact you ahead of your arrival to discuss options.

Where do campers change their clothes, shower, etc…

Same as other cabins, campers in all-gender have access to private spaces to use the bathroom, change their clothes and showers are in a separate showerhouse building that offers private stalls with changing areas. Campers are also allowed to change their clothes within appropriate boundaries in the cabins if the entire cabin has discussed this and come to an agreement about it.

Are all-gender cabins supervised?

Of course! All of our campers are supervised by staff at all times, including time spent in the cabin - as per New York State Health Department regulations. All-gender cabins, just like single-gender cabins, are under the care of 2-3 counselors who live in the cabin with the campers. Campers are never left unsupervised in a cabin.

How do I sign my camper up for an all-gender cabin?

Campers are placed in all-gender cabins by default, so there is not need to sign them up!

Can my camper opt-out of all-gender cabins?

If a camper would prefer to be placed in a single-gender cabin, an option is available to select this on the registration form. Campers are welcome to change their preference at any time. We do not require caregiver permission for campers to change their housing preference, however we are happy to talk with caregivers if they have specific concerns and we will do our best to address them in a manner that is satisfactory.

What if my camper feels uncomfortable with their cabin preference once the week begins?

If a camper isn’t comfortable with their cabin space (for any reason) we will make all efforts to switch them to a cabin they would be more comfortable with. One thing that might be helpful to know is that all cabin groups begin the week with a cabin discussion in which campers are encouraged to talk about their needs and boundaries, and work together to come up with agreements for the cabin space for the week. This is a great time to bring up concerns or worries, and to work on solutions with the help of a counselor and a supportive cabin community.

Got another question? Email us!