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 is 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 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. 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.

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 learning the levels of Jewish living is an enjoyable and natural process with which campers engage.

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 transgender campers and staff sleep?
A transgender camper or staff members are housed in the space that affirms their gender identity. If you have any questions please contact Jo-Ellen Unger at jeunger@urj.org or (609) 410-9869.
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. 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 children and gender variance to kids?
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.  You can locate, with your child, where on the spectrum some friends and family fall – what cousin is a tomboy, what male friend likes dolls, which girl friend is a “girly-girl” who doesn’t like sports, etc.  Then you can say that some children have a boy’s body but inside feel far over on the female side, and some children have a girl’s body but inside feel far over on the male side.  This also presents a teachable moment about gender roles in general, to teach children that there are many ways to be a girl and to be a boy.