One of the core, founding principles of Camp Akeela is ensuring that all campers and staff members feel accepted and celebrated for who they are. In addition to neurodiversity, we embrace diversity of all kinds, including gender. Akeela is proud to be a camp that welcomes and affirms children all across the gender spectrum.

ALL-GENDER CABINS AT CAMP AKEELA

We assign bunks based primarily on grade level, and also consider a variety of factors including gender identity, age, and personality. Our overarching goal is to help campers find connections and build strong friendships with their bunkmates. We offer “boys” cabins, “girls” cabins, and all-gender cabin options.

While we can only open an all-gender cabin if there is sufficient interest from an age group, we ensure that all of our counselors are trained in how to create a safe and welcoming environment for every camper, in every cabin.

All-gender cabins are good options for campers who identify as non-binary, who want to bunk with a friend who is non-binary, identify as an ally, or for campers who feel this is the best fit for any reason. Trans* and non-binary campers are welcome in all bunks, including all-gender cabins.

You and your camper choose bunk preferences during the enrollment process. No camper will be placed in an all-gender bunk without indicating interest, and without discussion with the family. This is an opt-in program.

ALL-GENDER CABINS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY DID YOU START OFFERING ALL-GENDER CABINS?
There are several factors involved in our decision to offer more inclusive housing options:

• Providing an inclusive, all-gender cabin option is important to create a welcoming and affirming experience, particularly for campers who identify beyond the gender binary of boy or girl.
• There is a notable overlap between neurodiversity and gender diversity, and Camp Akeela is committed to celebrating all parts of our camper’s identities.
• A survey of our families in 2023 confirmed that Akeela campers and their families support this additional option.
• It allows us to accommodate bunking requests between campers of different genders and campers who simply want a multi-gender cabin experience.

IF WE SELECT THE ALL-GENDER OPTION, WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR MY CAMPER?
Your camper’s experience is the same as any other bunk group! The only difference is that all-gender cabins are staffed by counselors who have opted in to work with all-gender cabins and who represent a mix of genders. Bunks are a “home base” at camp, and all campers will participate in the same camp activities as all other bunks, including their Specialty Periods.

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS BATHROOM USAGE AND PRIVACY IN ALL-GENDER CABINS?
All bathrooms and showers at Camp Akeela are single-use and private. There are two locking bathroom stalls per bunk, and two shower stalls with shower curtains. Expectations in these spaces are reviewed at the beginning of camp, and bathroom time and Shower Hour are supervised by counselors who ensure privacy and safety.

WHO WILL BE THE COUNSELORS IN ALL-GENDER CABINS?
In our staff application and during our 10-day staff orientation, we give counselors the opportunity to select which cabins they would be comfortable supervising. All staff receive training on promoting positive cabin environments, following and enforcing privacy rules, and the gender spectrum. Counselors are then placed in cabins based on what staff and leadership think would provide the best possible experience for campers. There are 4 staff members in each cabin of 6-9 campers, and they sleep in bunks near entrances and exits to cabins.

HOW DO I SELECT AN ALL-GENDER BUNK FOR MY CAMPER?
We work with parents and guardians during the enrollment process to determine their campers’ preferences and to ensure the group is the right fit for them. If a camper’s first choice is an all-gender bunk, we will also have them select a second choice (boys or girls) in the event that we do not have enough interest to open an all-gender bunk in that age group.