At Keystone Science School, we believe camp and outdoor education is for everyone! We create spaces of true belonging in which campers, students, and staff can be their authentic selves while experiencing the magic of camp and the outdoors. We strive to make everyone in our community feel comfortable, supported, and validated, regardless of their gender, race/ethnicity, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
A Special Note on Gender Inclusivity
KSS Value: We are Different Together
Gender diversity is one of the many ways in which our campers and staff are “different together.” Keystone Science School has a long history of welcoming gender-expansive campers and staff who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender noncomforming, and nonbinary. In line with our values, we ask that everyone at KSS respects each other’s gender identity, including their name and pronouns.
Pronouns
We have always provided campers and staff with name tags for the duration of camp, and have expanded that in recent summers to include preferred pronouns if they would like to add them. Some choose to add them, and some do not. Either way is supported and respected at KSS.
Additionally, a longstanding part of our programs are name games, ice breakers, and introductions of campers and staff. During these times, campers and staff may or may not share their preferred pronouns. We normalize both approaches by letting campers and staff know that the choice of approach is up to them.
Lodging Assignments
Although our cabins are divided into male and female groups, we have a longstanding practice of allowing campers and staff to live and work in a cabin of the gender with which they most closely identify. For staff, lodging assignments are discussed during the onboarding process; for campers, it happens during enrollment; for school groups, it occurs amongst the teacher and students prior to arrival. Campers, students, and staff are not required to share information about their gender identity during onboarding or enrollment. We do our best to validate and normalize the choices they make related to lodging.
The gender diversity among our staff and campers is representative of the gender diversity that exists within the world. Our core values and long-established anti-discrimination laws compel us to foster a culture of belonging by embracing diversity and protecting the rights of everyone we serve and employ.
