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 kids and adults with developmental disabilities. Campers swim, hike, 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 for communicating with diverse people of all ages.
- Experience the course that PSU students have called "intense," "joy-filled," "humbling," "challenging," and "life-changing."
Dates & Times
- Choose from 4 sessions. Each takes place at camp, in the Mt. Hood National Forest, for a two-week period during summer 2025.
- Regardless of which session you choose, you’ll need to attend a one-day mandatory information session at PSU during spring (Saturday, April 5 OR Saturday, May 10, 2025), complete online training modules, and write a short reflection paper before and after going to camp.
- The CRN for your chosen session will be provided to you after you’ve applied and been accepted as a counselor.
- There will be additional onsite training the first 2 days of each session.
- Options:
- Session 1: June 22 - July 5, 2025
Work with ages 18-30 in the first week and ages 30+ in the second week. - Session 2: July 6 - July 19, 2025
Work with ages 30+ in the first week and ages 18-30 in the second week. - Session 3: July 20 - August 2, 2025
Work with ages 30+ in the first week and ages 18-30 in the second week. - Session 4: August 3 - August 16, 2025
Work with ages 18-30 in the first week and ages 30+ in the second week.
Summer financial aid is not automatic. You can make a request to have your 2024-2025 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.
COVID-19 Protocol
For details, please see PSU SHAC's COVID-19 FAQ.
Note that student counselors are subject to both Portland State University and Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp safety protocols.
Apply for summer 2025!
Before applying, please read this Counselor Overview to gain a fuller picture of your role at MHKC.
Applying is a 3-step process:
- To begin your application, fill out this Google Form (est. time: 25 min). You’ll see a confirmation screen after submitting your form. Proceed to Step 2.
- To continue your application, complete this form in Campminder after it opens on November 1st (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 Step 2, the Camp will email you within a few days with instructions for Step 3. - Finally, upload documents in Campminder (e.g., photo ID and background check consent form).
Then, keep checking your PSU email. We’ll be in touch if we have questions about your application. If you’re accepted into the program, we’ll email you an acceptance letter with instructions on registering for the course.
Student counselors are accepted on an ongoing basis until all spots are filled, so apply now to reserve your spot for 2025!
Questions? Contact us at mhkc@pdx.edu. We’re happy to help you find the best options for you.