NEMC Diversity Statement
Our goal at NEMC has always been and will always be to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for all students so that they may grow both musically and socially. At NEMC, we believe that all individuals deserve to:
- Grow and learn as musicians.
- Cultivate meaningful friendships.
- Be treated with respect and dignity.
We are committed to building a diverse community that welcomes and celebrates Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals as campers, leaders, faculty, and staff.
To do this we strive to:
- Actively recruit campers, faculty, and staff from underrepresented populations.
- Invest in anti-racist education for all staff and board members.
- Continue to review and adapt our policies.
- Increase availability of scholarship funds.
- Provide translation services whenever possible.
- Recognize that this work is ongoing and needs to continue to be reevaluated.
We acknowledge that the summer camp and music industries have a history of bias and exclusion. At NEMC, we are committed as individuals and as an organization to remain aware of our own biases so that we can commit to our ongoing improvement.
“Strength to lead and faith to follow”
Gender Inclusive Policies
NEMC Gender Inclusive Policies New England Music Camp (NEMC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all campers. As part of this commitment, NEMC offers gender-inclusive housing options to ensure that every camper feels comfortable and respected during their time at camp. It is important that we make a place for all people, which means purposefully including the LGBTQ+ community.
NEMC recognizes that individuals may identify beyond traditional binary gender categories. In the past, camp has been divided into the “girls” end and the “boys” end. In recent years we have moved away from this and have moved towards identifying the ends of camp as Bowl end and Lodge end. While the Bowl end is primarily male-identifying campers and counselors, and the Lodge side is primarily female-identifying campers and counselors, students may choose whichever end of camp they feel most comfortable living on. NEMC also offers Gender-Expansive Housing.
The Gender-Expansive cabin is open to all interested campers. Even if a camper does not identify as genderqueer, but they feel this cabin would be a good place for them, they are able to be in the gender-expansive cabin.
Campers who require accommodations based on their gender identity or other specific needs will have the opportunity to discuss their preferences with camp administration. NEMC will work to provide suitable arrangements that prioritize the camper’s comfort and safety.
FAQs
If my camper asks to use a different name or set of pronouns will that information be shared with parents?
This would be up to the camper. Similarly to what we would do if staff asked us to use a different name or pronouns, we would have a conversation with that camper and ask them who they would like us to share this information with or who they would like us not to share it with. We are a small enough camp that we can work with each camper toward what will make them feel the most comfortable.
Will campers be allowed to switch bunks once they arrive at camp?
If there’s space, yes.
If my camper changes their cabin during their session will that information be shared with parents?
That is entirely up to the camper and what makes them feel most comfortable. We will work with the camper to make their transition back home as safe and successful as it can be.
What if my camper has questions or concerns about these practices before or during camp?
If your camper has questions ahead of camp, they can contact Associate Director, Thea Hollman at Thea.Hollman@snowpond.org. If campers have questions while at camp, they can ask their counselors or a camp director.