Gender Inclusion Statement & FAQs
For camps and all programs.
W.O. Smith Music School is dedicated to creating an open and welcoming environment for all of our students. We are using the following guidelines to help students of all gender identities make a more informed decision about joining us for Resident Camp.
Why are we addressing this now?
Our primary motivation at Resident Camp is to provide an excellent summer camp experience for all of our students. We want to address the potential for alienation of our trans and non binary campers so they feel welcomed just like everyone else. The alienation can be unintentional with simple things like dorm assignments, dorm names, pronoun use, bathroom designations, and the very common practice of splitting up campers into groups of boys and girls for activities. We want to make sure that there are no systemic rules or practices that exclude ANY eligible camper from participating. We at W. O. Smith feel it is important for us to address this issue and set an example making sure that all campers are welcome and respected at our camp and in our community.
What about dorm assignments?
Parents may choose the dorm that corresponds with their student's gender or the gender-inclusive cabin. We encourage parents to talk to their student(s) prior to selecting a dorm. Students in the gender-inclusive dorm will be assigned regardless of specific gender identity or sex. All dorms will be supervised by two camp staff members. We will do our best to staff the gender-inclusive dorm with both a male-identifying and female-identifying staff member. Any time students are in the dorms there will be staff supervision. This goes a very long way to eliminating any fear of harassment due to gender issues or otherwise.. Students will not be allowed to change dorms after arriving at camp. If your student is questioning which dorm is the best fit, please contact us for help deciding.
What about bathrooms?
All single stall bathrooms will be considered gender neutral and available for anyone, regardless of gender identity. Students are encouraged to let staff know if single stall availability is a concern through the week. We will provide a camp map marked with these bathroom locations. Regardless of single or multi-stall bathrooms, all students will be expected to follow conventional bathroom respect in regards to privacy and civility.
What about pronouns?
Our goal is for every student to be treated with respect. Addressing your student with their requested pronouns is part of showing respect. Our staff will do our best to follow your student's preferred pronouns and encourage other students to show the same respect. Intentionally using the wrong pronouns to antagonize others will not be tolerated. Instances of intentional disrespect or bullying should be reported to the camp director immediately.
Can my cis-gender child register for the gender-inclusive dorm?
Absolutely! Inclusive is never meant to exclude. We want to ensure all who need spots in the gender-inclusive dorms have a spot available, but would welcome cis-gendered students to help us equalize the dorms this year.
Are there any activities that will exclude students in the gender-inclusive dorm?
Absolutely not! No student will be excluded from any activity based on their dorm choice, pronouns, or gender identity. Students spend very little of their time in their dorms and most of that time is used for rest or getting ready. This is due to the jam packed music schedule.
Do you expect to lose registrations because of addressing gender identity?
Realistically, maybe. Sincerely though, we hope not. Gender identity and equality are important topics and topics that we need to address moving forward with in-person activities. Parents with concerns about resident camp are welcome to schedule a time to speak with Mr. Jordan. Students who choose female or male dorms will be minimally affected by adding a gender-inclusive cabin. W. O. Smith Music School has long embraced students from diverse backgrounds, challenges, abilities, and identities. Resident camp has historically been a life-changing time in the lives of our students. Playing music together, learning from one another, and embracing the differences in each other builds a stronger, more compassionate community. We hope this change only reinforces to you our dedication to make our programs accessible and equitable for all our W. O. Smith students.
What about all the other things?
Resident camp has been a staple of the W. O. Smith experience for many, many years. Most of our staff come back year after year, and are well-versed in the many shenanigans of teenagers without direct supervision. We have policies and procedures that have been honed over time, as well as staff training to help mitigate bullying, inappropriate behaviors, romances, general awkwardness, special needs and loads of other considerations that could pop up over the course of the week. Our focus is on making music, making friends, and making great memories. Everything else, our seasoned staff will handle with care.
Is the whole camp going to end up about gender identity?
Nope. The whole camp will be about music! We are bringing these things up to inform you about our policies, to welcome, and to protect our trans and non binary campers. Dorms are a "home base" for students and restrooms are a necessity so we address these things accordingly. This camp has, is, and will always be about bringing students together to make friends and memories through making music.
Are you making these changes for just a few students?
No. We are making these changes because it is time, and for the many students in the future who will want to know they have a safe, inclusive space at camp and at W. O. Smith. Every student is important and every student is welcome.
