t. Hood Kiwanis Camp offers award-winning, unique, and innovative summer camp opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities ages 18 and up. In addition to our Main Camp program, we offer specialty groups for individuals seeking a higher level of independence and adventure. On any given day at camp, our campers can be seen catching a fish in our pond, swinging high in the sky on our adventure course, splashing in our fully accessible pool, riding horses, or dancing the night away at our weekly dance. Our camp fosters a sense of accomplishment for campers and allows them to experience freedom and acceptance. As camper Renae told us – “At camp, I can FLY.” Campers keep coming back year after year to experience all we have to offer – recreation, fun, friendship, and more!
Camp is Philip’s highlight of each and every summer. He lives for it and I am so glad he is able to attend. I am so thankful as a parent for this camp.”
Debbie, camper parent
MAIN CAMP:
Main Camp activities include our adventure course, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, a dance, and campfire programs. Campers sleep in assigned group areas (lodge or dormitory-style housing). Groups consist of 8 campers, 8 counselors, and 2 staff members. Meals are served in our main dining hall (Fanning). Main Camp is accessible to those who utilize wheelchairs or other mobility supports. We strive for a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio.
FOREST TREKKERS:
Forest Trekkers is for campers seeking a more independent and active camp experience. Campers sleep in our Main Camp lodge/dormitory-style housing and will be paired 2:1 camper to counselor ratios. They participate in regular programming at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp but will also do some specialty activities like outdoor cooking, water play, fire safety, lunch-and-a-hike, and the giant swing on the adventure course. Campers must have attended Main Camp at least one year before applying for Forest Trekkers and must be approved by the Programs Director.
GROUND EXPLORERS:
Ground Explorers is for campers seeking a more independent but mellow camp experience. This group is coed, and campers will sleep in platform tents (divided by Male & Female) or personal tents (provided by MHKC) in the Upper Barlow area about a ¼ mile walk from our Main Camp area. Campers will be paired with 2:1 camper-to-counselor ratios. The main bathroom facility up there is a portable toilet with a portable hand washing station (designated times to shower occur at our Main Camp facilities). They participate in regular programming at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp but will also do some specialty activities like outdoor cooking, water play, fire safety, lunch-and-a-hike, and the giant swing on the adventure course. Campers must have attended Main Camp at least one year before applying for Ground Explorers and must be approved by the Programs Director.
**The only difference between Forest Trekkers and Ground Explorers is where the groups sleep. Forest Trekkers sleep at Main Camp in a lodge and Ground Explorers camp up at a campsite ¼ mile walk away from Main Camp.* Ground Explorers is the most similar to the old Lakeside Group**
CAMP DATES:
HELPFUL DOCUMENTS
Adventure Course
The adventure course consists of a 32-foot rock wall, tight rope stream crossing, a “flying squirrel” that can take campers 40 feet off the ground, a zipline over the river, low adaptive elements, and a low obstacle course. Each group attends the adventure course at least once during their stay at camp. We have trained adventure course facilitators as a part of our summer staff to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our campers. We also have an adaptive chair for those who utilize wheelchairs so they can experience the adventure course as well! Weight Limit: 275lbs (MHKC provides the required helmet and harness while participating).
Horses
Every summer our herd of 4 horses is thoughtfully chosen. Our trained horse program facilitators educate our campers and lead them on an obstacle course ride. In addition, we have an adaptive horse saddle for campers who need extra support. Campers also enjoy a craft, games, and a picture booth up at the corral. Weight Limit: 275-300lbs *depending on horse size that given year (campers are required to wear an MHKC provided helmet and gate belt while riding)
White Water Rafting
Campers in our Trip & Travel and Tent & Travel groups spend one day on the Deschutes River navigating the rapids in a guided rafting trip provided through Deschutes River Adventures, located in Maupin, OR. Campers take camp vehicles to and from the location and eat lunch provided by DRA in a picturesque location next to the river. DRA navigates through the Class I-IV rapids and instructs campers when to hold on and sit low in the rafts. Each raft holds one DRA Instructor and a mix of campers and staff. DRA issued lifejackets are worn whenever on or near the water. Chest size limit: 48 inches around
Canoeing/Row Boats
All campers enjoy a partial day outing to the beautiful Trillium Lake to canoe or rowboat. MHKC provides transportation to and from the lake. We have certified lifeguards onshore and in the water at all times. Campers spend hours relaxing and paddling around the lake with their counselors. Weight Limit: 300/400lbs (Lifejackets are required and provided by MHKC)
Other Activities
- Adaptive Bikes, Recreational Games & Fishing – Campers can participate in catch and release fishing, group games in the field, and adaptive bikes with their group. Adaptive Bike weight limit: up to 400lbs depending on the bike. MHKC provides a required helmet and protection pads if needed.
- Arts & Crafts – Each year campers tie-dye their annual Camp shirt and can indulge in a variety of different crafts. Adaptive art equipment is available and provided by MHKC.
- Hiking (leisure-low walking) – Groups get to go to Zig Zag Falls, as we call the Waterfall Walk which is accessible to those who utilize a wheelchair. They also go on an evening program walk to find the Camp legend Ebenezer!
- Evening programs/Dance Night – Every evening is a different program after dinner. One night is campfire where our Program Staff put on a campfire program full of interactive games and songs as well as skits. Another night is our camp Dance and the other is a cookout where the group will roast hotdogs and s’mores followed by the walk to find Ebenezer.
- Saturday BBQ (awards, skits, and wish boats) – Our Saturday BBQ is a lunch followed by our traditional performance by our Staff Infection Band mixed with group skits and songs.
CAMP ACTIVITIES:
Our daughter had the greatest time at your camp. To know that she could go to a safe place where she felt confident and had a person there just for her, to encourage her and increase her self-esteem meant the world to us. She is so proud of her accomplishments there.
Camper Emily's Mom
Adventure Course
The adventure course consists of a 32-foot rock wall, tight rope stream crossing, a “flying squirrel” that can take campers 40 feet off the ground, a zipline over the river, low adaptive elements, and a low obstacle course. Each group attends the adventure course at least once during their stay at camp. We have trained adventure course facilitators as a part of our summer staff to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our campers. We also have an adaptive chair for those who utilize wheelchairs so they can experience the adventure course as well! Weight Limit: 275lbs (MHKC provides the required helmet and harness while participating).
Horses
Every summer our herd of 4 horses is thoughtfully chosen. Our trained horse program facilitators educate our campers and lead them on an obstacle course ride. In addition, we have an adaptive horse saddle for campers who need extra support. Campers also enjoy a craft, games, and a picture booth up at the corral. Weight Limit: 275-300lbs *depending on horse size that given year (campers are required to wear an MHKC provided helmet and gate belt while riding)
Other Activities
- Adaptive Bikes, Recreational Games & Fishing – Campers can participate in catch and release fishing, group games in the field, and adaptive bikes with their group. Adaptive Bike weight limit: up to 400lbs depending on the bike. MHKC provides a required helmet and protection pads if needed.
- Arts & Crafts – Each year campers tie-dye their annual Camp shirt and can indulge in a variety of different crafts. Adaptive art equipment is available and provided by MHKC.
- Hiking (leisure-low walking) – Groups get to go to Zig Zag Falls, as we call the Waterfall Walk which is accessible to those who utilize a wheelchair. They also go on an evening program walk to find the Camp legend Ebenezer!
- Evening programs/Dance Night – Every evening is a different program after dinner. One night is campfire where our Program Staff put on a campfire program full of interactive games and songs as well as skits. Another night is our camp Dance and the other is a cookout where the group will roast hotdogs and s’mores followed by the walk to find Ebenezer.
- Saturday BBQ (awards, skits, and wish boats) – Our Saturday BBQ is a lunch followed by our traditional performance by our Staff Infection Band mixed with group skits and songs.
Write Your Camper
Send a letter, post card, or package through USPS. Please address your mail as follows:
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp
Camper Name, Group Letter (if known)
P.O. Box 206
Rhododendron, OR 97049
Email Your Camper
Log on to your MHKC CampInTouch account, purchase “Camp Stamps” and send a one-way email letter to your camper. The Camp Director will access these daily, print them out, and distribute them to campers. Please note: you must purchase “Camp Stamps” for a small fee to complete this process.
Camp Mailbox
Drop off your letters, post cards or packages in our mailbox located on the front porch of Fanning Hall during check-in. Note: If you drop off multiple items, please note which days you would like your camper to receive them.
Call Our Campsite
Parents/Guardians may contact camp at any time to get a report on how their camper is doing from the Programs Director or one of our staff members. Note: calls on Saturday or Sunday will go straight to voicemail.
Email the Program Director
Click HERE to send an email directly to our Programs Director. Note: Our Directors are in and out of the office regularly providing camper support and care. If you call or email the camp office, they will get back to you as soon as possible.