We’re proud to offer the option for campers entering 5th grade and older to select the cabin of their preference: girl, boy, or all-gender cabin. You and your camper choose your preferred cabin during registration.
We know you may have questions; we’ve compiled answers and additional information below. You may also visit our resources page for more information on LGBTQIA2S+ support and education.
Participation and How to Register
Why offer this option?
Camp Fire Minnesota aims to listen to the youth we serve. In 2019, Camp Fire National interviewed campers all over the country, including those from Minnesota, about what would make camp more welcoming to them. All-gender cabins were a top priority shared by youth. We know that young people desire this option, and that providing this option fits our mission of finding one’s spark in the outdoors accessible to all.
In 2021, the Trevor Project National Survey found that youth who had their name, pronouns, and identity respected lowered the likelihood of those youth attempting suicide, often cutting that likelihood by half. Research shows that half or more youth identify with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community and that 25% of youth are non-binary. We are proud to be a space where every young person can be themselves and find respect, community, and joy.
Who can stay in all-gender cabins?
Any camper entering 5th grade and older may opt in to all-gender cabins. Campers who’d like to buddy with a friend or sibling of a different gender, campers who are non-binary, and campers who would prefer a mixed gender cabin or counselor experience for any reason will all find this is a great option for them. Ultimately, we’d love for lots of campers who are interested and comfortable to select this option – the more interest we get, the better chance of being able to honor all-gender cabin preferences! Find out more about registration here.
How will you determine which cabin my camper stays in?
Parents/guardians will select the cabin option with their camper during registration. All-gender cabins are available for campers entering 5th grade and older. We encourage parents to ask their camper which cabin option they prefer.
Is there a chance that my camper could be housed in an all-gender cabin even if they don’t want to be?
No. This is an opt-in program.
If we select the all-gender cabin option, what is that camp experience like for my camper?
Your camper’s experience is the same as any other cabin 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 (men, women, and non-binary folks). Cabins are simply a “home base” at camp, and all campers will participate in the same camp activities, including some based on individual camper choice. You can find out more about the camp experience here.
My camper is transgender. Do they have to select the all-gender cabin?
We want every young person to select the cabin option that is best for them, and we follow best practices outlined by the American Camp Association. Trans campers are welcome to select the boys, girls, or all-gender cabin based on their preference and gender.
Safety and Privacy
How do you address bathroom use for campers in the all-gender cabins?
All campers have multiple bathroom options. The all-gender cabins will have access to our all-gender bathrooms and showers (which feature fully enclosed, locking stalls), as well as the boys’ and girls’ bathroom and shower facilities. Expectations in these spaces are reviewed at the start of camp, and they are supervised by staff — one right inside the door of the restroom and another staff outside of it. Campers are always within sight and sound of counselors and always move throughout camp with at least two other people.
How will you handle privacy and changing clothes in all-gender cabins?
All of our campers, including those staying in boy and girl cabins, will have the option to change in their cabins or use private changing rooms. These rooms could be restrooms, shower stalls, or our changing stations which are locked stalls. Counselors always supervise these areas if campers are using them, while honoring their privacy.
Who will be the counselors?
In our staff application, interview and training, we give staff 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 their preferences as well as what leadership think would provide the best possible experience for campers. There are always at least two staff members in each cabin, and they sleep in bunks near entrances and exits to cabins.