Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

Interested in a two week senior capstone?

We are looking for counselors who want to learn how to teach recreation and life skills to children, youth, and adults with varying disabilities during the summer at the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp located in the U.S. National Forest near Portland, Oregon. Counselor positions are available for university/college students, teachers, high school seniors, and others.

You can attend camp as a PSU student looking to earn Capstone or Practicum credit and also as a volunteer.

See a short video about Kiwanis Camp filmed for Oregon Public Broadcasting's (OPB) Oregon Field Guide.

BACKGROUND

The primary goal of Kiwanis Camp is to provide individuals with varying disabilities the opportunity to engage in an exciting array of recreational activities in an outdoor setting. While these experiences are new to many of our participants, staff work together to assist each individual in achieving maximum success. Counselors work one-on-one with campers to ensure that they get the most out of their camp experience; this can include assisting some participants in meeting their basic everyday needs, such as toileting, bathing, and feeding. As a Kiwanis Camp counselor, you will practice new skills while stretching your vision of who you are and what you can do. You are never required to work alone; trained and capable staff members are ready to help you in all aspects of this practicum.

HISTORY/PURPOSE

Founded by the Montavilla Kiwanis Club in 1933 under the leadership of Cy Gengelbach, Kiwanis Camp originated as a camp for low income youth; and since the 1950's has served children, youth and adults who have disabilities. Training partnership was established with the Special Education Department at Portland State University in 1972. The camp program provides camping experiences for children, youth, and adults with varying disabilities, and a practicum training experience for students interested in special and general education and related human service professions.

SPONSOR

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Oregon in cooperation with the Special Education Program at Portland State University.

LOCATION

Approximately fifty miles east of Portland, Oregon, off of Highway 26, located in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

MT. HOOD KIWANIS CAMP IN THE NEWS

 Oregonian News Paper Article August, 2006