Colvig Silver Camps in Colorado has sparked controversy among conservatives due to its “gender inclusivity” policies that allow transgender adults to sleep in the same cabins as children of the opposite biological sex. While the camp is upfront about the possibility of transgender counselors bunking with kids, it refuses to disclose specific arrangements to parents, citing privacy concerns.
The camp’s “Gender Inclusivity FAQ” states that staff members are assigned to cabins based on gender identity, rather than sex, and parents will not be notified if their child is placed in a cabin with an adult of the opposite sex who identifies as transgender. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among conservative parents who believe they have a right to know if their children are in such situations.
Conservative legal experts, such as Sarah Parshall Perry from the Heritage Foundation, argue that while the camp has the right to hire and promote whomever they wish, the Constitutional right to care for one’s own children should not be infringed. They warn that potential lawsuits against the camp may hinge on whether plaintiffs can show an injury caused by the policy that courts can rectify.
The revelation of Colvig Silver Camps’ policy comes after another summer camp in Washington state pledged similar housing policies based on gender identity and vowed not to disclose children’s transitions to their parents. This growing trend has raised concerns among conservatives about the potential risks and implications for child safety and parental rights.
Conservatives argue that these policies could expose children to potentially uncomfortable or unsafe situations without parental knowledge, and they call for greater transparency and respect for parental rights. The conservative perspective emphasizes the need to protect children’s well-being while respecting parental authority, especially in situations where controversial and sensitive issues like gender identity are involved.
