Learning From Persons with Disabilities: Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp

INSTRUCTOR INFO

Brenna Stahr
mhkc@pdx.edu

NOTE: This course requires an application for registration. CRNS are provided after you apply. You can access an application at (https://www.pdx.edu/education/kiwanis). 

Interested students must go to http://www.pdx.edu/sped/kiwanis as soon as possible to learn more about the requirements and features of this course. If you have any questions, please contact us at mhkc@pdx.edu. This course spans spring and summer terms. Students enroll in 2 credits in spring term and 4 credits in summer term. Once the 4 credits in summer term are completed in the summer the spring term and summer term grades are issued. Seniors graduating in spring term should meet with their advisor to discuss graduation implications of enrollment in the course. Students attend an all-day informational session at PSU on Saturday, May 9th from 9 am to 3 pm and then spend two weeks (see session dates and details below) living at the campsite with a mid-session break. Meals and lodging provided. Students can register for this capstone in either the spring (2 credits) - summer (4 credits) format or in the summer term (6 credits) format. In addition, students will attend a brief Zoom meeting on 4/4/26 to confirm attendance and review course requirements.

Session 1: June 21 – July 4. On-site June 21-June 27, mid-session break (off-site): 2:30pm June 27 -11am June 29, on-site June 29-July 4.

Session 2: July 5 – July 18. On-site July 5-July 11, mid-session break (off-site): 2:30pm July 11 -11am July 13, on-site July 13-July 18.

Session 4: August 2 – August 15. On-site August 2-August 8, mid-session break (off-site): 2:30pm August 8 -11am August 10, on-site August 10-August 15. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Since 1972, PSU has teamed up with Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC), a nonprofit organization, to help make camp activities accessible to kids and adults with developmental disabilities. In 1995, PSU’s Special Education program and University Studies department partnered with the camp to create one of PSU’s very first capstone courses. Since then, over 4,000 students have earned PSU credit while serving as camp counselors.

During this capstone, in their role as camp counselors, students will broaden their understanding of the lived experience of persons with disabilities while supporting an inclusive and accessible camping experience for people with developmental disabilities at MHKC. Students will learn how the lives of persons with disabilities are similar and different from their own as well as expand their awareness, knowledge, and skills for interacting with and supporting people with a variety of disabilities. Working in smaller groups and under the supervision of qualified staff, students use teamwork and communication skills to support each other and campers in a range of outdoor recreation activities.

The two-week practicum portion of the course enables students to strengthen their personal and professional development through extensive opportunities to interact with campers, camp staff, and other counselor trainees. An application is required prior to registration; please see http://www.pdx.edu/sped/kiwanis for details. 

Course Goals:
Diversity, Equity and Social Justice; Inquiry and Critical Thinking- Students will deepen and broaden their understanding of the lived experience of persons with disabilities in society.

Agency and Community, Critical Thinking- Students will learn about the contributions of one nonprofit serving our community members with developmental disabilities through participation as a camp counselor at the Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp.

Communication, Inquiry and Critical Thinking- Students will learn to communicate and work as a team to support each other and their campers. 

Communication, Diversity, Equity and Social Justice, Inquiry and Critical Thinking-  Students will examine how one’s personal assumptions and perspectives about persons with disabilities impact what is possible for self and others.

CONTACT INFO

General Contact:

Brenna Stahr, PhD (she/her)

Email: mhkc@pdx.edu