We, the undersigned, urge the Colorado Department of Early Childhood to reconsider its recent regulations requiring youth summer camps to allow campers to use bathrooms, showers, and sleeping facilities based on their gender identity rather than biological sex. While we support inclusivity and respect for all individuals, we believe these rules infringe on the religious freedoms and operational autonomy of camps especially faith-based camps, such as Camp IdRaHaJe, a Christian summer camp operating since 1948. These regulations force camps to choose between violating their sincerely held beliefs or risking license revocation and fines, threatening their ability to serve thousands of children annually. 

We are concerned that the policy disregards the privacy and comfort of all campers, particularly in shared facilities, and does not adequately balance the needs of diverse groups. We respectfully request that the state grant religious exemptions or revise the policy to allow camps to maintain sex-based separations while continuing to welcome all campers in a manner consistent with their mission and values. This approach would protect religious liberty, ensure camper safety, and preserve the unique experiences summer camps provide for Colorado’s youth.