Our Community

6 Points Creative Arts Academy and all URJ camps are proud of our open, supportive and inclusive environments. The make-up of the URJ and our programs is as diverse as our population, therefore our communities represent that vibrant and colorful fabric that makes up the Reform Jewish population. We hope that our campers and staff strengthen their self-esteem, Jewish identity, and connection to the Jewish community through the supportive nature of our people, staff, and programs.

With the care of our community as our highest priority, we recognize that campers may need varying levels of support while at camp. It takes great intentional, active and thoughtful planning to put systems in place to ensure that each child is given the chance to enjoy the most positive experience. Our counselors, mentors and leadership work with community care specialists to meet this goal on-site. 

Parents and guardians are our invaluable partners in ensuring the success of each camper. Together we work to set up each camper with the backing they need to be the best version of themselves. It is critical that parents provide us with all the information necessary to determine what supports will be needed, and can be provided, in the camp environment. Changes in medication, treatment, health and/or family circumstances must be shared with camp leadership prior to your camper’s arrival. All families will have an intake call with our year-round social worker upon submitting the camper application, and if recommended, a second meeting closer to summer, during which we ask for as much information to aid camp and camper success as possible. We will be equally forthcoming if camp is unable to make the accommodations needed for a camper to thrive in our program and will work with families to identify other potential placement options.

Camp is a fast-paced, communal living environment. Campers are active and social from morning until night and will share a dorm room with at least one roommate. Please consider these factors when determining if CAA is the right fit for your family. 

LGBTQIA

6 Points Creative Arts Academy embraces the diversity of life experiences and Jewish journeys. In alignment with our mission and Reform Jewish values, we welcome and support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender campers, staff, faculty, and all members of our community who are between and outside of those identities.

What does it mean to be transgender? Is that person a boy or a girl?

Some children are born into the body of a boy, but in their hearts and minds they are girls. Others are born into the body of a girl, but in their hearts and minds they are boys. Those raised as boys for the first few years of their lives make it increasingly clear at a very early age that they understand themselves to be girls. Likewise, those that are raised as girls for the first few years of their life made it increasingly clear at a very early age that they understand themselves to be boys. Their social development and patterns are aligned with other children of their age.

Where will a transgender camper or staff member sleep?
A transgender camper or staff members are housed in the space that affirms their gender identity. If you have any questions please contact Jay Rapoport at jrapoport@urj.org or (410) 609-9869 x3215.
What about privacy?
At camp, all of our campers and staff have a sense of modesty and respect one another’s privacy. On dorm, our bathrooms all have stall showers, each with its their own curtain and all participants travel to and from showers in a robe or large towel. Around camp, our restrooms have individual stalls. We will make reasonable accommodations for campers who need further support in regards to privacy during changing. Every child and staff member thus has privacy when showering, changing and using the restroom.
Will my child be scared or confused?
Probably not, but if they are, help them understand that this is just one of many ways in which their friends may be different from them. Try not to assume that your kids will think this is weird or confusing. They may just accept it at face value and move on. It’s a good idea to ask if they understand and if they have more questions. As always, there are staff and resources at camp for your child to turn to in times of need.
What does the Reform Movement say about transgender people?
The Reform Movement’s recognition of transgender rights dates back to 1978. The Movement has an explicit policy of non-discrimination regarding transgender people and has even developed blessings for the changing of gender. Through the years, the URJ has been a fierce advocate of LGBT rights and equality both within the Movement and in the wider community through the resolutions of the Commission on Social Action and the work of the Religious Action Center. In November 2015, the URJ adopted a movement-wide “Resolution on the Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People.” View the the full text.
How do I explain transgender people and gender variance to my children?
One way to explain gender variant and transgender children/adults is to use the concept of gender being on a spectrum.  Draw a line and on one end write male (or draw a male), and do the same for female on the other end of the line.  Have your children list “typical boy” and “typical girl” behaviors, likes, characteristics, etc., and write them on either end.  Think about the toy and clothing sections of Target! Describe how people tend to fall on the end of the spectrum that matches their body parts, but not always. 
 
 
 

Loved the natural flow of inclusivity throughout camp and how concepts that may have been unknown were beautifully shared.

CAA Parent

Interfaith

All campers are recognized as full members of the Jewish community whether they have one or two Jewish parents. This is a no-stress environment, where the learning the levels of Jewish living is an enjoyable and natural process with which campers engage.

Racial Diversity

The Creative Arts Academy is committed to racial diversity, equity and inclusion. With an estimated 12-15% of the North American Jewish community identifying as people of color, CAA creates a space that fosters and celebrates this diversity. Partnering with the URJ,  6 Points Creative Arts has initiatives in place to ensure that from our hiring practices to our artistic choices, our campers of color and their families know they are seen, embraced, and welcomed. 

Disabilities Inclusion 

We strive to provide inclusive and accessible experiences for our campers, and we realize that, just as no two campers are alike, no two disability experiences are alike.  Our goal is to empower young people to thrive in the best camp environment possible for them.  We recognize that participants may need varying levels of support while at camp and that parents are our partners in ensuring the success of each camper.  Each camper is considered on an individualized basis, with input from parents, teachers and other professionals, to determine a path to success in our program and the types of accommodations needed to meet that expectation.

Once a camper is registered, families work in partnership with our Community Care team to ensure the camper’s success for the summer. This may include a more comprehensive intake, collaboration with professionals who work with your child, and maintaining regular communication throughout the off season as we prepare for the summer.  Please contact us and let’s start the conversation!  If it is determined that CAA is not the best fit we can try to connect you to other programs which might be options. 

LBTQIA Resources

Anti-racism resources

Interfaith family resources