Kiwanis Capstone receives award

Through a cooperative program with Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp and the Portland State University Capstone program, students spend their summers helping youths with disabilities enjoy their summers at camp.

This program helps PSU students learn more than what they would at a desk job about teaching and outdoor recreation. Students in this Capstone program are directly involved in the care and recreation of camp members, and the School of Extended Studies calls it a “life-changing experience.” The students are camp counselors and live at the camp during the summer, creating a fully encompassing learning experience.

Due to the dedication of the members of the program, and the continued involvement of PSU in the community, the Western Association of Summer Session Administrators (WASSA) awarded the program with their Best Credit Program Award. The award was presented during the 63rd Annual Conference of WASSA, which took place September 21–24.

Holly Campbell, the coordinator for the School of Extended Studies Summer Session, was present to receive the award at the conference in Saskatchewan, Canada.

“The Department of Special Education and our community partner, the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, are deeply grateful for the many years of support from PSU’s Summer Session so that we can offer this unique Capstone,” said Ann Fullerton, program coordinator at Portland State.

This isn’t the first time that PSU has been recognized for their continued efforts in summer sessions. In 2000, Maggie Herrington was awarded a Distinguished Service Award from WASSA. PSU’s involvement will continue in WASSA with their hosting of the 2011 conference.

For more information on the program, visit www.pdx.edu.