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For All

YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya seeks to model a society of peace and understanding built upon the foundation of unconditional love.  We encourage everyone to not be ashamed of their identity.  In that spirit, we are proud of the YMCA’s vibrant Christian history and roots.  As with all we do, our actions and practices originate from the mission statement of the YMCA. 

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

From these principles we find guidance and clarity in that as a community strengthening organization we may approach diversity, inclusion and equity through:

Honoring the Greatest Commandment
Putting Love into Action
Not Passing Judgement
Oneness and Unity
Peacemaking
Welcoming All People
Obeying the Law

In light of our underlying mission statement, we are not however a religious organization or Bible camp.  In all practical applications the YMCA is a secular non-profit charity.  Putting inclusive and welcoming Christian principles into practice at YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya looks like this:

  1. Creating a welcoming and safe environment for all.
  2. Celebrating an individual as a unique creation of God; not by celebrating a specific trait, belief or practice. 
  3. Acknowledging and validating a camper’s interest in discussions about sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity at camp but redirecting them to discuss these topics with their parent or caregiver.  Sexuality or sexual themed conversations are very important and need to be guided by a child’s parent or caregiver.    
  4. Encouraging all discussions at camp to be within the framework of our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 
  5. Not explicitly advocating for any single religion, Christianity included, but seeking ways to extend Christian hospitality to people of all faiths. 
  6. Inviting campers to give thanks at their meals through fun graces and a moment of silence.
  7. Hiring staff of diverse backgrounds based exclusively on their merit as an excellent childcare provider.    
  8. Making legal accommodations for staff and visitors to honor their identity, faith and privacy.
  9. Ensuring that all campers and staff have spaces to change clothes and shower with 100% personal privacy.
  10. To obey Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in our employment practices.  

Bottom line, all are welcome and safe here.  Our rules for acceptance and participation are the same for everyone regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious affiliation, immigration status, ability or national origin.  We believe that all kids deserve a camp experience, and will make every reasonable effort to meet the individual needs of all our campers.  If you have questions about whether YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya is the right fit for your child due to unique behavior needs, religious beliefs or practices, or any other special need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Executive Director. 

Hiring Practices

YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya adheres to the anti-discrimination employment laws of the United States of America.    

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) or religion.

Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination, but also practices that have the effect of discriminating against individuals because of their race, color, national origin, religion, or sex.

Under Title VII, it is unlawful to discriminate in any aspect of employment, including:

  • Hiring and firing;
  • Compensation, assignment, or classification of employees;
  • Transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall;
  • Job advertisements and recruitment;
  • Testing;
  • Use of company facilities;
  • Training and apprenticeship programs;
  • Retirement plans, leave and benefits; or
  • Other terms and conditions of employment.

Discriminatory practices under Title VII also include:

  • Harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) or religion;
  • Refusal or failure to reasonably accommodate an individual's sincerely held religious observances or practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business;
  • Employment decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions about the abilities, traits, or performance of individuals of a certain race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), or religion;
  • Denial of employment opportunities to an individual because of marriage to, or association with, an individual of a particular race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity) or religion; and
  • Other employment decisions based on race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) or religion.