Counselor Camp 2025

Essential Items

• Sleeping bag, pillow(s), bed sheets and blankets
• Towel
• Personal toiletries, including sunscreen
• Warm layers, rain jacket and/or umbrella
• Hiking boots or other outdoor/water-resistant shoes
• Water bottle
• Supplementary food/snacks if you are vegan, gluten intolerant, or have dietary needs

Suggested Items

• Coffee cup, thermos
• A notebook and pen
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Insect repellent 
• Eye mask and/or ear plugs
• Outdoor chair or picnic blanket 
• Item to donate to our Silent Auction (if you choose)
• Cash or checks for the Silent Auction and Recovery Store (If applicable that year)
• Cash for massage therapist (If applicable that year)

CEU certificates will be provided to attendees at the end of the conference: 13 CEUs for your general conference attendance and 4 Ethics-specific CEUs if you also participate in the pre-conference Ethics workshop.

Accommodations are the classic summer camp set up–shared large cabins laid out in a dormitory style. Each rustic cabin is fitted out with bunk-style beds, bathrooms and showers. You will need to bring your own sleeping bags or other bedding and pillows, as well as your own toiletries and towels. For any sleep issues, please bring ear plugs or other noise-reduction items. If you have fond memories of summer camp, you will love the accommodations!

An alternative to group cabins is Tent Camping or RV-Camping-without-hookup, located across the road from main Cispus meeting areas. There are grassy spaces and a bathroom nearby, with your shower access in the cabins. Camping costs the same as your regular conference rate. When you check in, ask for directions to the camping area if you select this option.

Yes, the cabins have several regular outlets in each area, but not necessarily convenient to all bunks. Get there early to claim a bunk near an outlet or contact us early to make arrangements.

Bunking is communal style, and “campers” wanting to bunk with their friends, colleagues and companions can simply stake out a group of bunks in the overall space. If your “buddy” isn’t with you at check in, feel welcome to leave a note holding space for them on a nearby bunk. Counselor Camp is a supportive environment, and there is plenty of space!

Yes, you can rent trailers from Cispus for $45/night for two people, plus $5 per extra person. Contact Sue at sharples@cispus.org to reserve and pay. The trailer amenities include: running water, toilets and showers; electricity and outlets; bunk beds, couches and chairs; closets with hangers; a kitchenette and table. You will need to bring your own toiletries, towels, pillows and bedding. 

We have an exciting initial line-up of workshops scheduled for this year. We will post the lineup when it becomes available.

Workshops will take place in small indoor classrooms, unless the presenter chooses to spend time outdoors. The indoor temperature is moderate, but please dress in layers so that you can regulate your own comfort. Please take advantage of the beautiful location! We are fortunate to retreat to the wilderness and spend time together in the fresh fall mountain air. Outdoor activities will be available throughout the weekend, including an evening campfire and morning hikes on local trails. Come prepared to enjoy some time outside with friends.

Cispus Learning Center will do their best to accommodate food allergies and preferences noted in your registration. The Planning Committee’s disclaimer is that the purpose of Counselor Camp is not to be a “clean food” or “health food” camp. Please note everyone has a different relationship to those terms, and different definitions for them as well.

With a focus on ensuring that conference pricing is accessible, food costs are a key consideration. You may want to bring any additional food items that will help your stay be comfortable for you. We suggest that the items you bring are shelf stable.

Please contact Jerry Blackburn at jerryblackburn@outlook.com to discuss in more detail how we can support meeting your dietary needs.

Yes, Financial Aid is available to support access to training at Counselor Camp. To apply for financial aid, please register here, and include in the “Comments” field your brief statement (one paragraph) outlining your financial need and your interest in attending Camp this year. The Planning Committee’s goal is to review and respond within one week. Please note that they typically award half-scholarships.

If you are working with youth/young adults you have found a home. This conference/retreat is definitely appropriate for you. Seminars and activities are geared toward prevention, intervention, counseling, treatment and youth engagement. You do not need to be at any particular level of training to attend. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people in multiple fields, learn and share best practices, and nourish yourself.