Concerns Raised Over YMCA Camps’ Gender Policies

Conservative organizations have expressed alarm regarding summer camps linked to the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), highlighting ongoing gender identity policies for both campers and counselors.

In May 2025, the American Parents Coalition (APC) alerted families about the YMCA’s policies concerning cabins, locker rooms, and showers, claiming that a lot of content is focused on gender ideology. Recently, the Lookout website noted that the YMCA’s national body, the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations (Y-USA), has integrated gender ideology throughout its programs.

Across the United States, various YMCA branches run overnight summer camps for children. Some of these camps have implemented transgender or gender-inclusive policies, as evidenced by documents shared with media outlets. For instance, at Camp Olson in Minnesota, the policy states that “Trans* people can choose to use either restroom.” Furthermore, their policy document mentions that at least two staff members are assigned to each cabin, ensuring that the gender of at least one aligns with the campers’ gender identities.

Similarly, Camp Let’s in Maryland reportedly assigns cabins based on the gender campers identify with during registration. If a camper identifies as non-binary or transgender, decisions on cabin assignments are made individually to best suit the camper and their family.

Sherman Lake Camp in Michigan also accommodates diverse identities with its “all-gender cabin” for counselors. The camp’s website indicates that counselors are asked their preferences regarding cabin assignments prior to the camping season, mirroring the approach taken with campers.

Staff at these camps are instructed to keep any personal information shared by campers confidential unless there are safety or health concerns involved.

In Pennsylvania, the YMCA’s Pride Camp offers a “gender-free village” for attendees. As summer camp season approaches, Allie Marais, director of the United Parents Federation of America, stated, “Men continue to be allowed in girls’ cabins, showers, and other private areas,” emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transgender ideology.

In response to concerns raised, APC’s Lookout noted that the YMCA claims there is “no national policy regarding locker room or restroom facilities,” although guidelines to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ campers exist. However, some critics suggest these guidelines may be outdated.

Financial records indicate that before its operations concluded at the end of 2025, Y-USA had received significant federal funding totaling $5.3 million from various agencies. The organization has yet to provide a comment regarding the ongoing concerns.