Question 1

Why do we have a gender inclusive cabin?

Accepted Answer

Camp Kidston believes that every person has the right to identify, express themselves, and live in accordance with their authentic identity.  Traditionally, our camps have divided campers into "boys" and "girls" groups.  This was comfortable for some of our campers, but not for others.  It meant campers sometimes had to hide part of who they were, or made them choose between two options, neither of which fit for them. It also meant siblings or friends of different genders could never be in the same cabin.

Moving forward, Kidston is committed to creating a space in which people of all gender identities and sexualities feel welcome, safe, and celebrated.  We now have three cabin options to choose from: female, male, and gender inclusive - so that we can best suit everyone’s needs and preferences.

Question 2

How do I ensure my camper is placed in the cabin best suited for them?

Accepted Answer

When you fill out your registration forms this year, you can indicate which type of cabin group(s) your camper would prefer.  You can choose 1 or 2 of the following: gender inclusive cabin, female cabin, or male cabin.  There will also be the option to include a brief explanation of your camper’s preferences, although this is not mandatory.

If you select the Gender Inclusive Cabin, please also select a second option. If we do not have enough campers to operate a Gender Inclusive Cabin, we will use your camper’s second option.

Question 3

Who can be in our gender inclusive cabin?

Accepted Answer

This cabin is open to campers of all gender identities!  Gender inclusive cabins are perfect for many campers, including those who would simply like to be in a cabin with siblings or friends of a different gender.
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We also want to emphasize that every camper is free to choose the cabin that is best suited for them.  For example, if a non-binary camper would prefer to be in a female or male cabin, we will always follow their preference.

Question 4

Who will be in charge of the gender inclusive cabin?

Accepted Answer

Our inclusion policies apply to both campers and staff members.  Counsellors will be asked what cabins they are comfortable overseeing and will be assigned accordingly.  All of our staff will be thoroughly trained in creating safe and inclusive spaces and will be held accountable to a rigorous code of conduct and standard of professionalism.

Question 5

Where will campers get changed?

Accepted Answer

Currently, most campers choose to change in the washhouse (with privacy of bathroom stalls). 
We are also exploring options to install privacy curtains in each cabin for changing (regardless of gender option).

Question 6

What about washrooms?

Accepted Answer

Camp Kidston has several washroom options (toilets and showers).  Our washhouse currently remains divided with male and female options.  Our main lodge (Wilson) has two gender neutral washrooms (including one gender neutral shower facility).  We fully support campers in using whichever washroom they prefer.

Question 7

I have more questions.  Who can I reach out to?

Accepted Answer

If you have any further questions about our Gender Inclusive Cabin or Inclusion policy, please contact director@campkidston.com.(mailto:director@campkidston.com)

Question 8

If you are unsure or curious about some of the terminology used in the statements above, a helpful glossary is available here from the United Church of Canada:

Accepted Answer

https://united-church.ca/sites/default/files/gender-sexuality-glossary.pdf

Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp

Gender Inclusive Cabin Option

Camp Kidston Inclusion Statement

Additional Resources:

Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp

Gender Inclusive Cabin Option

Camp Kidston Inclusion Statement​

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Additional Resources:

Camp Kidston Inclusion Statement