About the camp
Location
The camp is located approximately fifty miles east of Portland, Oregon, off of Highway 26, located in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
University/Community partnership
Sponsored by the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp of Oregon in cooperation with the Special Education Program at Portland State University and PSU University Studies.
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp is a nonprofit organization that operates the camp program on 22 acres within the Mt. Hood National Forest along the Zig Zag river. Members of the Kiwanis organization and many others in our community volunteer year-round to raise funds for the camp and maintain the camp facilities. Approximately 500-600 children and adults with disabilities in Oregon and beyond participate each year. The staff consist of fifty paid members who provide the program and mentor the student counselors. The staff bring a wealth of experience; various positions require a master's degree in special education, recreation, and other related fields.
Learn more about the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp.
Camp history
Founded by the Montavilla Kiwanis Club in 1933 under the leadership of Cy Gengelbach, Kiwanis Camp originated as a camp for low-income youth. 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. In 1995 the practicum course became one of PSU University Studies’ first senior capstone courses.
Activities
The camp program provides camping and recreational experiences for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, including fishing, group living, hiking, nature study, overnight campouts, sports, games, an adventure course, campfires and camp songs, skits, dances, arts and crafts, swimming, horseback riding, and a lot more!