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Why Notre Dame?

With Notre Dame of Maryland University’s prime location, the WMACS 2024 staff decided it would be in the best interest of the community to continue camp for this summer somewhere that was closer to most of our campers’ homes. Ideally, we hope that it will be more accessible for parents in the event of any emergencies. While we cherish our times and memories at Frostburg State University, we look forward to building new relationships and experiences at Notre Dame this summer. Since we are always striving to create the best experience for our campers, we believe that this campus’s facilities and amenities will better serve our camp needs this summer (I mean, the gym has AC!). We hope you join us this summer and be a part of a new chapter of WMACS. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. 

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Gender-Inclusive Housing:

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• What is Gender-Inclusive Housing?

Gender-inclusive housing is a living environment in which campers are not restricted to traditional limitations of the gender binary (girl/boy); this initiative is based on the notion that multiple gender identities exist. Gender-inclusive housing means that campers from all gender identities may choose to live together, and they will have access to gender-neutral bathrooms in the dormitory. Campers will be placed in suite-style rooms, where two rooms share a single-occupancy bathroom.

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• Why are you offering this option?

In alignment with WMACS Summer Camp’s commitment to establishing an inclusive environment for campers, we are excited to offer a gender-inclusive housing option again this year. Our utmost priority is to ensure that all campers feel safe and respected during their time at camp, and we recognize that traditional same-gender room assignments may not be comfortable for all campers. By offering a gender-inclusive housing option, we hope to provide a living environment that is welcoming to all gender identities.

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• If I/my camper choose(s) gender-inclusive housing, will I/they have a roommate?

Only campers who indicate that they would like to participate in gender-inclusive housing on the housing preference form will be eligible for gender-inclusive housing. Depending on the number of campers that choose this option, they may or may not have a roommate. Nonetheless, our counselors will be encouraging all campers to spend time with other campers and counselors in our lounge areas!

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• What if I/my camper do(es) not want to participate in gender-inclusive housing?

Campers must indicate that they are interested in gender-inclusive housing in order to participate in this option. Since we strive to make every camper feel comfortable, the housing preference indicated on the form that was sent out to families will be honored. Gender-inclusive housing will not affect campers who choose same-gender room assignments. We encourage parents to have open conversations with campers to decide on which option would be best for the camper. Campers under 18 years old are required to have parental/guardian consent on their housing preference.

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• How will my camper’s privacy and safety be maintained in the dormitory?

We believe that campers in gender-inclusive housing and same-gender housing should have the opportunity for privacy when desired. Our counselors will encourage campers to change clothes in the privacy of a toilet stall or shower. All campers, counselors, and staff are required to respect the space and privacy of one another. As we have a camper to counselor ratio of approximately 3 to 1 this year, our counselors will proactively maintain the safety of our campers throughout each day.

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• I/my camper have/has more questions. How can we learn more?

We would love to share more about this exciting initiative! Please reach out to our head counselors (Mia and Zachary) at wmacscamp.info@gmail.com.