There are few places where individuals with developmental disabilities can spend an entire week joyfully focusing on their abilities. For almost 90 years, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp has offered one of the largest programs in the U.S. for 600 campers ages 5 and up at our fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest. We help EMPOWER youth and adults with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and more through year-round recreational programming.
Ben has been going to camp for 8 years and is the highlight of the year. Camp encourages Ben to be his full independent self, seperste from my Mom and I. We also love the structure that allows young adults to become counselors and learn about the magic that comes with work with persons of all abilities.
Our team name is based one of Bens biggest supporters-his dad. When Ben was younger any can to him was soda, so when dad left his Bud Light, Ben of course had to try (then proceed to spit it out). At that point, it was called Daddys pop. Ben went through all of his years at school drawing pictures of "Daddys Pop" to show his friends and teachers. It is in Ben's dads legacy that our team will carry his story with us as we support camp.
Please join me in supporting this magical place!