At Leadership Academy Camps, we believe that every child has the right to feel welcomed, valued, and respected. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all campers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, or family structure.
We believe that diversity is our strength, and that every camper brings unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that enrich our community. We strive to create a camp culture that celebrates differences and promotes empathy, understanding, and kindness. Camp is a safe space, where we support children in making friends, discovering interests and in developing self efficacy, confidence, and grit. We are a place where kids can be themselves.
Leadership Academy Camps does not organize campers by gender, and does not have gender exclusive areas, including bathrooms. Groups are determined based on age to help support appropriate developmental socialization.
We recognize that inclusion is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We welcome feedback from campers, families, and staff about how we can better serve our community and create a more inclusive and equitable camp experience for all.
We look forward to spending the summer outdoors, in nature with your campers!
D.E.I. Initiatives
Our Campership Program
We would love for every child to attend camp, no matter their economic situation. Through generous donations from donors and our camp partners, Leadership Academy is able to offer camp scholarships, or “camperships”, to help make camp more affordable for more families.
Camperships are prioritized for families with financial need and children who are traditionally underrepresented in the camping industry. These include campers who qualifies for free or reduced lunch based on family income, is African American or black, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian American or Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, youth of more than one race; or are born somewhere other than the United States or they speak a language other than English as their first language; or are in the foster care system.
We are still providing the same high quality, safe, fun and inclusive activities for children while building a diverse community where every person is valued. The subsidies for camp are completely confidential and in no way affects the camp experience for your camper. Camp Counselors do not know which children receive camperships, all personal information and identity will remain confidential.
Special Needs and Neurodiverse Children
Leadership Academy Camps is an all-outdoor camp organization. Activities require campers to be comfortable playing, walking, hiking, biking, and/or sailing outdoors for long periods of time, rain or shine. We are dedicated to providing accessible and accommodating services for campers with disabilities, neurodiverse traits, and/or other special needs whenever possible, however we are limited by the terrain and facilities available at each camp location. We aim to ensure that all campers can participate in camp activities to the best of their abilities. We welcome and encourage families to share any relevant information or accommodations that may support their child’s success at camp. Any camper who participates should be comfortable in various outdoor weather and terrain conditions, and should be able to feed themselves and use the restroom without assistance.
