YOU BELONG AT CAMP GEORGE
Camp George is proud of our open, supportive and inclusive environment. We recognize that each individual comes to camp with a lens and experiences which are uniquely theirs. We aim to celebrate this uniqueness and believe it is our job to support every child and family to ensure that their camp experience is safe and successful.
The make-up of the Union for Reform Judaism and our programs is as diverse as our population, therefore our communities represent that vibrant and unique fabric that makes up the Reform Jewish community. Through our policies and our programs, we work to reflect the URJ’s core value of Audacious Hospitality. We stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities .
As a camp we are on a continual journey of learning and understanding about how to open ourselves up even further, to ensure that everyone feels included and safe in our community. We accept our responsibility in dismantling oppression both inside and outside our communities and work hard at examining our internal systems while also teaching our campers how to support others.
Whether you have questions about how your child or family will be included in our community, or have thoughts on how to widen our reach even further, we would love to hear from you.
Interfaith Campers and Families
Any child from an interfaith family who is being raised as a Jew – has a place at our camp. The Reform Movement has been at the forefront of the Jewish world ensuring a welcoming environment for interfaith families and their children. As Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs has stated, “Creating pathways for Jews and non-Jewish partners to create active Jewish homes is a blessing.”
Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility
We strive to make camp accessibible to everyone regardless of ability. With our various camper supports, including additional support staff and a specialized program for campers with special needs and exceptionalities, we work with families to provide accomodations that might be needed to ensure a camper’s success at camp. Contact us to discuss how we can ensure your child’s needs are met.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
As part of the URJ’s commitment to expand racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) principles and practices, we are focused on examining systems of racial oppression within our camp community and working to create a culture shift that will enable racial diversity. Camp George families, staff, and alumni who represent the Black community and people of colour are an integral part of this work.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
We are a welcoming and safe community for all LGBTQ+ individuals and families. In 2015 the URJ passed a resolution calling for the full inclusion of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in our communities. While campers are bunked by gender, participants are included in the bunk of the gender they identify with. We welcome the opportunity to work with families to ensure that all personal needs are met for any camper.
Indigenous Reconciliation
We recognize the Indigenous Peoples of the land on which Camp George gathers. We affirm our commitments set out in the 2013 URJ Resolution on First Nations calling for greater respect for treaty rights. We recognize our obligation as Treaty People. We know that we need to examine our structures, and practices and commit to respecting the land, its resources, and its traditional stewards.
Multi Year Accessibility Plan
We are committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities and to treating all people in a way that ensures their dignity and independence. We are committed to preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Check here to read our Multi Year Accessibility Plan.
Gender Inclusive Policies
We support gender-expansive and transgender campers and staff at Camp. We recognize that gender identity and expression is expansive and may change at any point in an individual’s life. To support our transgender and gender-expansive community, we acknowledge that each participant’s needs are unique and should be treated individually, in consultation with the participant. Read our policies here.