From Policy to Practice: Creating Gender-Affirming Camp Environments

Creating safe and inclusive camp spaces is essential for fostering positive experiences for both youth and staff. Camp Fire's first-of-its-kind research on gender-affirming practices at camp has shown that adult support, 2SLGBTQ+ representation, and having gender-neutral camp policies all play a critical role in helping trans* and non-binary youth thrive. But how do we put these practices and policies into action? What does it look like on the ground at camp?

Join ACA and Camp Fire for an engaging session on how to create gender-affirming environments that uplift and support youth of all genders. Participants will leave with practical strategies for implementation, as well as a comprehensive report outlining how these inclusive practices contribute to the well-being of youth and their families.

Presenter Bios

HK Gilbert (they/them)

Training & Development Manager, Camp Fire National Headquarters

HK Gilbert has been working with young people in the outdoors since they graduated from counselor-in-training as a camper! They have a degree in environmental studies and anthropology, and have worked with young people at nature centers, science museums, afterschool programs and camps their entire adult life. Most recently, HK (camp name: Gilly) has been a camp director at both Girl Scouts and Camp Fire and has managed the Accreditation Program in the West for the American Camp Association. HK believes strongly in the power of trauma-informed, connection-focused youth work. They are passionate about teaching and supporting adults so they can be outstanding mentors who support young people in their authentic journeys! They live in Durham, NC with their wife Mona and rescue pit bull Lilly, where they love exploring local parks, gardening on their back porch, reading, and listening to music. 

Hannah Howard (she/her/hers)

Research & Evaluation Manager, Camp Fire National Headquarters

Hannah specializes in data-driven program improvement and works to organize and interpret information for the purpose of communicating Camp Fire’s impact. She is passionate about providing quality out-of-school time programs to all young people and ensuring that youth voice is central in program planning. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, with a concentration in Statistics, from St. Louis University.

ABOUT CAMP FIRE
Growing up is hard. That’s why Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. Founded in 1910, Camp Fire was the first nonsectarian, multiracial organization for girls; but today, Camp Fire is an inclusive national youth development nonprofit that serves all young people. By creating safe spaces where young people can have fun and be themselves, its 46 affiliates in 24 states provide affirming year-round youth-driven experiences—school day programs, afterschool programs, leadership programs, camps and outdoor education—that enable youth to develop essential skills that have long-term benefits and make a positive social impact on the world.