Summer Day Camp Equity, Access and Inclusion

We embrace our differences:

Guided by each individual’s needs, we strive to create rich and varied experiences that connect campers to the living world and each other. Our programming intends to meet people where they are, embrace differences and abilities, and allow an opportunity for campers to share their experiences. Celebrating each other’s uniqueness helps create a camp culture where everyone can feel heard, valued and connected.

We believe in access for all:

We work hard to make sure that camp is a safe and inclusive space, regardless of race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, physical ability or neurodiversity. We strive to remove barriers that limit access through staff training, program planning, policy, community partnerships and communication. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Each camper, counselor and staff member has the right to expect the best possible experience by being fully themselves within our camp community.

We can all help create a safe and inclusive camp environment:

We focus on building relationships through empathy and understanding. Each of us has the power to address inequities when we see them. We commit to listening to the voices of the marginalized, evaluating our own biases and actions and sharing our learned experiences as we move toward better access and Inclusion. 

We acknowledge the original caretakers of the land we occupy:

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum lies within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. Our Waived Admission for Indigenous peoples policy is an important initial step toward acknowledging the history of this land.

Resources to learn more are available here: https://ias.umn.edu/about/ias-land-acknowledgement