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Inclusitivity

Inclusivity at Adult and Recreation Services

Valley Forge Educational Services is an equal opportunity employer and educator and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability in the administration of its organizational policies, activities, admissions, programs, financial aid or employment practices

In accordance with the equal opportunity statement of Valley Forge Educational Services, our programs are committed to creating an environment where individual and group differences are met with respect and compassion. Our program standards are designed and implemented to reduce sexual, gender, gender-identity, racial, religious, and cultural stereotypes fostering positive relationships for all participants. 

Our program encourages independence, nurtures responsibility, develops competence and builds lifelong friendships in a warm supportive atmosphere of planned permissiveness to give exceptional people an opportunity to be themselves.

We aim to:

  • Create opportunities for participants to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually by encouraging them to make their own decisions as to activity and interest.
  • Give participants an opportunity to make friends with persons outside their immediate circle.
  • Provide a warm, friendly atmosphere where the growth of each individual involved is at his or her own rate, and is of the utmost importance.
  • Help participants develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging to a group which they can truly call their own.

We encourage any individual, staff member or parent to reach out to us to discuss how best to work with their situation for the benefit of our entire community.

At VFES, everyone is welcome.

Find more information about gender inclusion at VFES.

Gender Inclusion at VFES

VFES  is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive experience for all participants. We work to ensure that our programs are supportive for participants of all gender identities and gender expressions.  Here are some of the frequently asked questions about inclusivity at VFES. If you have additional questions, please contact camp@vfes.net.

  • We aim to be inclusive and respectful of our participants’ genders, including those who identify outside of the gender binary. In our staff trainings, we talk about inclusivity, and ways we can actualize this, by avoiding gender stereotypes.

  • Staff will respect the pronouns the participants choose for themselves. Our staff will do its best to use participants' chosen pronouns and model respectful interactions.

  • Participants are assigned to a cabin consistent with their gender identity.  All cabins are fully supervised with staff present 24 hours a day. 

  • All bathrooms are designated as single-occupant and gender neutral. All conventional social norms about respect, modesty and civility apply.

  • Every participant's privacy is respected at all times. Participants are taught to use modesty and discretion when choosing a designated place to get dressed. Staff is available to support participants as needed.

  • We make every effort to assign staff members to rooms/cabins according to his or her gender. Our existing staff:participant ratios will remain in place.

  • VFES is committed to providing an inclusive and conscientious environment, which makes us a stronger and more compassionate community.

    VFES has policies and procedures that address behaviors and consequences that may arise during an Adult and Recreation Services program. We have a well-trained staff, many of whom are special educators and child development professionals. We address things like bullying, inappropriate behaviors, camp romances, social struggles and other issues.