Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp is committed to hiring passionate, kindhearted people dedicated to empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Apply Now — Staff Positions Volunteer CounselorsWe believe that if people are having FUN at camp, all of the benefits of our programs will come through — for campers and staff alike.
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp runs an eight-week overnight summer camp serving more than 450 adults with developmental disabilities at its 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Our programs are led by passionate, enthusiastic, and kindhearted people who believe in helping us create a magical camp culture. Staff play a vital role in delivering high-quality care and a deeply enriching experience for every camper.
Paid staff positions are available in group leadership, program facilitation, and camp support — offering hands-on experience and a chance to make a real impact.
Students seeking school credit must apply as Counselors (unpaid). Some students work one session as a Counselor and additional sessions as paid Staff — you can indicate interest in both roles on the application.
“I had the most amazing experience during my two weeks at camp. I had come with anxiety and left with confidence. I made friends with my fellow counselors that I will treasure the rest of my life.”— 2024 Counselor
“Saying the time I spent at Kiwanis Camp was transformative or life-changing might sound extravagant, but far from hyperbole these terms honestly fall short of describing the feelings I have for my experiences at camp.”— 2024 Counselor
Work at our stunning 22-acre campsite in one of Oregon’s most beautiful natural settings.
Build lasting friendships with a dedicated team united by shared purpose and fun.
Gain invaluable hands-on experience in disability services, leadership, and outdoor education.
Make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of campers with developmental disabilities.
Ready to join the team? Apply for a paid staff position → | Learn about volunteering as a Counselor →
All Group and Program Staff positions require a minimum 2-week (1 session) commitment. All employees are encouraged to work 4 weeks (2 sessions). All training is mandatory. Staff positions are paid. Students earning school credit must apply as Counselors.
All Group Staff positions require a two-week commitment: 1st week Sunday–Saturday, 2nd week Monday–Saturday.
Supervises and supports an assigned group of campers, counselors, and staff, ensuring safety, well-being, group functioning, and program engagement. Coordinates camper care, provides mentorship, leads team meetings, and ensures required documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Assists with the overall supervision and support of an assigned group of campers and counselors, including camper care and program engagement. Serves as a role model for counselors, supports effective group functioning, and ensures group safety, well-being and that required documentation is completed accurately and on time.
All Program Staff positions require a two-week session commitment. In addition to leading specific program areas, Program Staff are assigned to a camper group to assist with camper care as schedules allow.
Leads and delivers programming at MHKC’s Adventure Course, including the rock wall, zipline, flying squirrel, stream crossing, and giant swing. Receives course-specific on-site training during an additional training weekend.
Leads and delivers arts and crafts programming. Prepares, rinses, and cleans tie-dye shirts and maintains cleanliness and organization of the art building.
Leads and delivers horseback riding programming and manages daily care of MHKC’s horses.
Provides lifeguard coverage for all pool-related activities and assists with basic care of pool facilities.
Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of the dining hall, dishwashing area, and kitchen support spaces. Assists with dishwashing, dining hall setup and breakdown, garbage and recycling, and may support basic food preparation as needed. Helps create a welcoming, safe, and organized dining environment for campers, staff, and guests.
Maintains the cleanliness and general upkeep of camp facilities, including lodging areas, restrooms, and common areas.
Staff are required to attend a minimum of one full session (two weeks). Staff are encouraged to attend two sessions (four weeks). Training dates fall at the start of each session.
MHKC relies on the dedication of volunteers — from in-camp counselors to off-site day helpers — to run its programs and support events throughout the year.
Spend 1–2 weeks at camp supporting campers in all activities. A full session (two weeks) is highly encouraged. No prior experience required — thorough training is provided.
A one-week volunteer position for 16–17 year olds. Junior Counselors join a group and support campers with activities and daily engagement throughout the week.
A two-week volunteer position for students earning credit through their college or university program. Work 1:1 with a camper in a supported group setting.
Throughout the year, MHKC relies on the kindness and hard work of volunteers to help complete various projects, events, and work parties for the camp. If you or your organization are interested in using your skills and abilities to help empower children and adults with disabilities, we’d love to hear from you.
Day Volunteer Program: For more information, reach out to Savannah at savannah@mhkc.org.
Work Parties at the Office: Several times per year, MHKC conducts large in-house mailings, staging for events, and related activities. Contact info@mhkc.org to get involved.
MHKC has strong partnerships with local universities, colleges, and high schools providing students with the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining impactful hands-on experience. Disciplines include special education, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, social work, psychology, medicine/nursing, family studies, and kinesiology.
Contact our Partnerships Coordinator: partnerships@mhkc.org — or learn about our partnership with Portland State University at their MHKC page.