Course Info
Why take this course:
- Earn 6 capstone credits
(Practicum or elective credits also available – see our Flexible Enrollment Options) - Make outdoor recreation accessible for adults ages 18-50+ with developmental disabilities. Campers swim, hike, zip-line, ride horses, sing songs around a fire, and much more with the 1-on-1 support of PSU student counselors.
- Enjoy the scenic Mt. Hood National Forest.
- Strengthen your skills in communication, leadership, and more!
- Experience the course that PSU students have called "intense," "joy-filled," "humbling," "challenging," and "life-changing."
Learn more about Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC):
Dates & Times
- Choose from 4 sessions. Each takes place at camp, in the Mt. Hood National Forest, for a two-week period during summer 2026. The CRN for your chosen session will be provided to you after you’ve applied and been accepted as a counselor. Your options are:
- Session 1: June 21 - July 4, 2026
- Session 2: July 5 - July 18, 2026
- Session 3: July 19 - August 1, 2026
- Session 4: August 2 - August 15, 2026
- Regardless of which session you choose, you’ll need to attend a one-day mandatory information session at PSU on Saturday, May 9, 2026, complete online training modules, and write a short reflection paper before and after going to camp.
- There will be additional onsite training the first day and a half of each session before campers arrive.
Summer financial aid is not automatic. You can make a request to have your current financial aid package redistributed to cover summer term by either:
- Completing and submitting an Aid Revision request form to have aid distributed across fall, winter, spring, and summer. (Note: Have program of study available when completing the form.) OR
- Contact the Office of Financial Aid Office directly and set up an appointment. (Note: Bring program of study with you.)
You need to make this request as soon as possible in order to ensure that there will be funds to redistribute over the summer.
Additionally, see these Flexible Enrollment Options as one of these options may be better for your overall schedule and/or financial aid planning.
Apply for summer 2026!
Complete the following steps to apply:
- Review the Counselor Magazine to get an in-depth overview of the Camp and the counselor role and to see if it feels right for you! If you have any questions, reach out to the appropriate contact below.
- Complete MHKC’s Application (applications open in early November; est. time: 25 min).
- Please use our Guide to Navigating Campminder in order to ensure you complete your form correctly.
- You’ll be asked to list email addresses for three references. At least two of these should be professional references, such as your current or former job supervisors, volunteer supervisors, or teachers. One reference can be a personal reference, such as a friend or family member. The Camp will email your references a short form to fill out.
- After you submit your application, the Camp will email you within a week with instructions for next steps, including uploading all required paperwork (e.g., photo ID and background check consent form).
- Keep checking your email. We’ll be in touch if we have questions about your application. If you’re accepted into the program, we’ll email you a confirmation email.
- Attend a one-day mandatory information session at PSU on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Student counselors are accepted on an ongoing basis until all spots are filled, so apply now to reserve your spot for 2026!
Do you think you might need an accommodation?
The program strives to provide accommodations whenever possible. Given the remote location and the round-the-clock, immersive nature of this experience, any accommodations that you need while at camp must be discussed and approved well in advance, so that the camp can plan accordingly. Note that if you were to request accommodations or modifications to your role upon arrival at MHKC, it’s likely that the camp will be unable to meet your request.