THE CAMPER
Northwest Kiwanis Camp Philosophy

We want to provide a fun, safe, no-pressure environment where the campers will have the opportunity to participate in recreational, therapeutic and educational activities in a setting otherwise not available to them. 

• grow as individuals
• learn to do things for themselves
• enhance social skills and skills needed for independent living 
• and TO HAVE FUN!

Our staff and counselors participate in training workshops prior to the opening of camp to insure they are fully versed in the needs of our campers and have the skills needed to meet our high standards. 

At Northwest Kiwanis Camp we believe that:

1. Persons with disabilities have the same right to self-actualization as any others-at their own rate, in their own way, and by means of their own tools.
2. Persons with disabilities have the same needs that non-disabled people have-to love and be loved, to learn, to share, to grow and to experience in the same world we all live in. 
3. Persons with disabilities have the same right as everyone else to fail, to suffer, to cry, to curse, to despair. To protect them from these experiences is to keep them from life.
4. Persons with disabilities must do for themselves. We can supply the alternatives, the possibilities, the necessary tools-but only THEY can put these things into action. We can only stand fast, be present to reinforce, encourage, hope and help when we can.
5. Persons with disabilities need the best “YOU” (staff) possible. In order for them to be themselves-growing, free, learning, changing, developing, experiencing person, “YOU” must be all these things. You can only teach what you are.