Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp helps empower children and adults with developmental disabilities through equitable access to the outdoors and recreation. At Camp, you'll find campers ziplining, climbing a rock wall, riding a horse, catching a fish, swimming, hiking, crafting, singing, dancing, and so much more. Camp is home to many of us, campers and staff alike, where we escape to the mountain each summer to build community, play, enjoy nature, and develop personal and professional skills. Camp provides an opportunity for children and adults with developmental disabilities to experience recreational activities without limits, make friends, and foster independence and self-confidence. For counselors and staff, Camp is an experience of deep learning and growth, and helps create advocates for a more inclusive world.

I started at Camp in 2009 as a volunteer counselor at age 17, and I fell in love with it. This summer marks my 2nd as the Assistant Programs Director for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp and my 11th summer all together. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work for an organization that I am truly passionate about. I keep coming back to Camp because of the meaningful impact it has on campers, counselors, staff, and myself. I am continuously challenged, continue to learn about myself and grow, and amidst the hard work of it all, am filled up with immense joy and fulfillment each summer, as are those I get to spend each summer with.

Camp is a place where people from various walks of life come together for the same purpose. We learn that, despite differences, we're all more alike than different. We learn communication, how to adapt, and teamwork. Each individual, camper, counselor, and staff, is met where they're at, celebrated for who they are, supported and encouraged. We learn what we are capable of. Camp is empowerment. Camp is joy. Camp is belonging.

And Camp cannot happen without the financial support from the community and those who believe in it. Thank you for considering making a donation to this beautiful place that many of us call home. Camp is truly magical, and I thank you with all my heart for helping to make it possible for each camper who wants to experience it.

With love,

Sarah