Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Our Statement of Inclusion
You Belong Here
Inclusion is one of our core values, and we believe that every camper should have the opportunity to experience camp, and be their true and authentic self. We seek to include anyone and everyone including (but not limited to), LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, dietary restrictions and families experiencing poverty or houselessness.
At Camp Kirby we welcome and affirm LGBTQIA2S+ campers and staff, and we support the ability of campers to use pronouns that align with their gender identity.
We seek to create a positive camp culture where everyone feels welcome and safe to express themselves free from judgment. We intentionally provide training to staff about the importance of inclusive practices to better suit the diverse needs of each camper. During camp, the Inclusion Specialist and Wellness Coordinator work directly with counselors to provide resources and support for campers and communicate with parents during the camp session as needed.
Expanding Our Definition of Inclusion
Since we started in 1910, Camp Fire has been committed to inclusion and equity. With that goal in mind, we must be willing to recognize the practices and traditions harmful to the youth we are committed to serving. In recent years Camp Fire has been taking steps to address our long history of cultural appropriation of native and indigenous peoples. We have long used names, practices, and images that were not ours to use and are culturally insensitive. While we recognize that these were originally meant to honor and respect indigenous peoples, we now know better and are making changes to better serve our youth and communities.
While parts of Camp Kirby might change – the core experience of campers remains. We remain committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people to connect to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. The same magic that you experienced at Camp Kirby lives on, even if some names and images are different.
Individualized Camper Success Plans
Camp Kirby actively collaborates with families to create an Individualized Camper Success Plan (ICSP) for those who may require additional support during their time at camp. These forms help us preemptively accommodate and make any necessary modifications prior to the camper’s arrival.
In order to participate in our camp programs, a child must:
- Be able to meet his or her own personal care needs with (if needed) some assistance or reminders.
- Be able to control his or her own actions most of the time, to follow instructions from adults, and to interact safely and cooperatively with peers.