Want to be an MHKC volunteer counselor? APPLY HERE!
t. Hood Kiwanis Camp runs on the efforts of its volunteer counselors. MHKC is the only Camp of its kind to offer a one-on-one camper to counselor ratio for our population of children and adults with disabilities. MHKC can only offer this kind of service and attention because of its partnerships with local universities. Each year, over 200 counselors from Portland State University, Pacific University, Portland Community College, University of Oregon, and other local institutions volunteer to spend two weeks at our campsite working individually with campers under the supervision of our experienced staff.
At Portland State, PCC, and Pacific Universities, counselors receive course credit for their work with MHKC. For example, through Portland State’s Capstone program, students receive six credits for participation as well as completing the required Capstone course, which normally takes one, two or three full terms to complete.
To learn more or apply, email our Partnerships Coordinator, Sarah Doty
Camp Dates & Training
All training is mandatory.
All Counselors will have Asynchronous Online Training Modules prior to their session. Onsite, in-person training will occur for Counselors at the beginning of their respective session all day Sunday and Monday morning.
Counselor/Volunteer Positions
Jr. Counselor (volunteer): For volunteers that are 16-17 years old. Jr. Counselors are assigned a group to be a part of and support throughout their week. They assist with camper care and program engagement. Jr. Counselors may have the opportunity to support the facilitation of program areas if they desire.
College Credit Counselor: This is a two-week volunteer position for students 18+ receiving credit through their college/university program. Counselors are put into a group of counselors, campers, and supervisory staff to be a part of and support during their time at Camp; counselors are paired 1:1 with a camper. No experience required!
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- College Credit Counselor Job description
- We have partnerships with various local colleges/universities bringing in students from a variety of majors including special education, occupational therapy, social work, speech and language pathology, psychology, medicine/nursing, kinesiology, and more. If you are interested in receiving college-credit through your school for this experience but are not sure if that’s an option for you, reach out to our Partnerships Coordinator, Sarah Doty, at sarah@mhkc.org.
Volunteer Counselor: For individuals 18+, 1-2 week position. Counselors are put into a group of counselors, campers, and supervisory staff to be a part of and support during their time at Camp; counselors are paired 1:1 with a camper. No experience required!
Apply Here
Partnerships
Academic, Experiential, and Interdisciplinary Learning Partnerships
t. Hood Kiwanis Camp has strong, ongoing partnerships with local universities, colleges, and high schools providing students with the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining impactful, hands-on experience. MHKC continually seeks to expand academic partnerships, providing students from diverse disciplines— including special education, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, social work, psychology, medicine/nursing, family studies, and kinesiology— with invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary practice and collaboration. MHKC collaborates closely with faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and high school students to incorporate best practices in the field of developmental disabilities. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts, while developing practical skills and deepening their awareness and understanding of disabilities. Over 7,000 students have had the opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities, broadening their perspectives and fostering a greater appreciation for diversity and inclusion. These experiences equip students to carry their learning forward into the community as they complete their degrees and enter their professional careers.
Contact our Partnerships Coordinator, Sarah Doty (Sarah@mhkc.org), to learn more or discuss establishing a new partnership! To learn more about our partnership with Portland State University, visit their MHKC page.
Because of you, for a week I can forget my limits and pain and be free. you can never know what you give me… Thank you for caring about those who are different.” RENAE, CAMPER