Camp K and the Muscular Dystrophy Association partnered for the first time in 2015. Together, we provided 2 weeks of camp for kids with Muscular Dystrophy. Each week, about 50 campers and 50 volunteers came to Camp K. Campers enjoyed all of the amenities and activities that Camp K has to offer, plus additional activities planned by the MDA staff.
MDA’s President and CEO, Steven Derks, visited Camp K during one of the weeks of Camp, and was able to see the amazing facilities that we have to offer. He said that, at the core, camps like this are about strength, independence, and freedom. These camps help kids understand how to ask for help, that they can be independent, that they can do things, that they can have joy, and that they can be free from some of the challenges that they face every day. Camps like this also give parents and caregivers a break.
We loved having the MDA campers at Camp K. They helped us better understand the unique challenges and struggles that they face. And, they brought a lot of joy to everyone at Camp K.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the MDA, and to providing amazing experiences for these amazing kids.
Camp K would like to thank everyone participated in our 15th Annual Camp K Golf Classic. It was a beautiful, sunny day – more than 110 people came out to golf for a good cause. Everyone who played had an opportunity to learn more about Camp K, and the magic that happens at the camp.
This event raised more than $25,000, a combination of cash and in-kind donations. All funds raised will help us provide the highest quality services for our participants.
Don Hudson and Kimberly Nelson, of ABC 4 News, joined us at Stonebridge Golf Course. Watch the news story below:
Photos from the Golf Tournament can be seen here.
We would like to thank the committee who put this event together. John Reinschmidt and Jeff Thorpe chaired the committee.
We would also like to thank our sponsors.
Performance Golf & Wellness Center
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Mircea, Tom Holland, Mike
Tom Holland, CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA) visited Camp K in August. Tom visits camps all over the country, and was particularly impressed by Camp K’s facilities and programs. He told us that there are very few camps which have facilities similar to ours, and even fewer which serve people with disabilities.
We are pleased to announce that we passed our Accreditation review with flying colors. During the review process, there are approximately 300 checkpoints which examine our health, safety, and program policies and procedures, and ensure that we are providing the highest possible service to our campers. The ACA Accreditation process ensures that a camp is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the campers. There are only 3 camps in Utah which are Accredited by the ACA – and we are the only accredited camp in Utah which provides services for people with disabilities and special medical needs. Camp K has been ACA Accredited for more than 20 years, which is a true testament to our commitment and dedication to our campers.
Tom told us that he wants his own kids to be growing during the summer months, and he wants them to be safe. ACA Accreditation provides the best evidence of a quality camp program. Camps are not required to be accredited – but those who choose to become accredited want to be “the best of the best”. Accreditation involves passing nearly 300 measures of safety and camp program quality. Tom said, “For me as a parent, that’s great evidence of knowing their commitment to my child’s safety.”
While Tom was at Camp K, he had an opportunity to see both the incredible facilities that we have, and watch our dedicated staff as they interacted with campers. He was impressed with the programs offered at Camp K. Tom described Camp K as the perfect compliment to the education and growth that happens in the school setting. At Camp K, people with disabilities are supported by positive role models, encouraged to take challenges and achieve – all tied in with fun. Learning happens while they are having fun.
Before leaving, Tom said, “If you’re a parent, and Camp K is a camp that you’ve chosen, you’ve made a great choice. This is a wonderful program for your children.”
We are grateful to the David Eccles School of Business for sponsoring 2 service days for Camp K. One day was students from the MSIS program, and the other day was students from the MBA program.
The students from the U of U have been coming to Camp K for many years for an annual service project. They work together in teams, and fully manage projects here at Camp K. This provides them with practical experience while they learn valuable team building and project management skills. This partnership benefits Camp K, the students, the U of U, and the community as a whole.
During these 2 wonderful days of service, the students helped break ground for new equestrian trails, trimmed trees, cleared moss from our fishing pond, painted cabins, stained sheds and fences, and performed general landscaping maintenance on our trails and around the camp.
Some photos from their service can be seen here.
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Click here to see photos from the event.
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Click here to see photos from the event.
In this interview, Temple Hayes and Mircea discuss how Camp K contributes to our community of a whole, by intentionally creating a space where people with disabilities are able to grow, and prove to themselves that they “CAN DO” whatever they set their minds to. Camp K provides a safe environment for people to explore creativity, growth, and transformation into their best selves.
Temple Hayes is a powerful, dynamic, and energetic presence – a successful author, life coach, motivational speaker, Unity minister, and practicing Shaman – an intentional spirit! For many years, people have asked her to share her views on how to go beyond seeing life to actually being life – being present, being intentional, being alive. On her show each week, Temple shares tools that support everyone on their journey to becoming an intentional spirit.
Click Here to listen to the interview
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Summer is nearing an end and we’re guessing that you haven’t spent as much time on the golf course as you wanted. Are we right? If so, here’s your chance to up your game with 7 ways to enter the Camp Kostopulos Golf Lesson Giveaway! The more ways you enter, the more chances to win.
Contest open to Utah residents only. The contest ends on Monday, August 24th at 11:59pm MT. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 and notified via email. Winner is responsible for coordinating golf lesson directly with the golf pro. Winner is responsible for all travel related expenses. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or any other 3rd parties.
There’s also time to sign up for the 15th Annual Camp K Golf Classic on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at the Stonebridge Golf Club.
UPDATE:
Congratulations to Matthew Gessel and Bruce Hansen… winners of the Golf Lesson Giveaway!
Scott Helmer will break the Guinness World Records title for Most Live Concerts in 24 Hours on #GivingTuesday – December 1, 2015 – to benefit Camp K
Independent touring and recording artist, Scott Helmer, plans to break the Guinness World Records title for Most Live Concerts in 24 hours on December 1, 2015 – a date that coincides with #GivingTuesday. His goal is to raise $1 Million for Kostopulos Dream Foundation, home of Camp K. All money will be used exclusively by Camp K to improve facilities, ensuring that Camp K can continue to provide high quality service in a safe environment for people with disabilities and special needs. Additionally, Scott and Camp K will raise awareness about the unique needs, challenges, and abilities of people with disabilities throughout the world.
Camp K is near and dear to Scott’s heart. He first visited Camp K in 2014, and was impressed by the Camp K’s mission, setting, staff, and campers. Scott shares a message of hope and of overcoming challenges. His message goes hand-in-hand with Camp K’s message, where people with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to overcome their challenges and accomplish things that they never before believed possible. At Camp K, everyone CAN!
Video produced by Don Hudson and ABC 4 Utah
Here is how this event will work:
Scott’s full Press Release can be viewed here.
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
As summer camp comes to a close, I would like to reflect on what we have accomplished so far here at the camp this season. With 4 weeks of summer camp left, we have served a record of 700 campers so far. Our campers represent all ages and all abilities; they come from different socio-economic backgrounds and geographical areas. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and special needs through education, recreation and growth experiences which promote personal growth and foster independence.
Last week, Don Hudson of ABC4, came to camp and interviewed our campers. He asked me at the end of our visit, “What moves you here at the camp?” In February, Utah Business presented me with the “Forty Under 40” recognition and asked, “Who is your hero”?
My heroes are all of the campers we serve here at the camp. I get my inspiration from all the wonderful campers who, despite their challenges, go through life with courage, determination, and love. I learn so much from our campers. They are the ones who move me every day.
Mircea and Jullian
I will share with you today a story, the story of Jullian. Jullian has NeuroFibromatosis (NF), a disorder that affects 1 in 3,000 babies. Today, Julian is 20 years old. He has been coming to Camp K for about 10 years. Several of our campers with NF come from communities where there are not many other children with NF; so they have to endure a lot of misunderstanding, bullying and hardship because of this situation. When they come to Camp K, there is a good chance that it is the first time they get to meet somebody else who has the same disorder as they have. Our NF campers come from all parts of the world. Jullian is from Canada.
NF is a disorder that causes the growth of tumors at the end of nerve cells. They can grow anywhere in the body, inside or outside, on the skin. Most of the children have several surgeries in order to remove the tumors, depending where the tumors grow. Jullian has been coming to camp every year where he feels loved, accepted, normal and independent. When I met him the first time, I couldn’t tell that he had a disability. As the years went by, he came to camp in a leg brace. Two years ago, when I picked him up at the airport, he was in a wheelchair. Every year, he comes joyous and excited to do all the activities at Camp K, where there are no limits. At Camp K everybody “can”, there is no “can’t”.
Two years ago, Jullian’s mom came with him to Salt Lake City. At the end of the week, she came into my office to thank me, and to tell me that right after camp he will go home to have another surgery. She started crying. She said, “Julian will have his leg amputated.” Julian missed camp last summer due to his recovery, but I was so excited to see that he was going to join us again this summer to enjoy everything Camp K has to offer: joy, independence, friends, understanding. Julian came to camp last week, and what an amazing week he had. He was able to participate in all the amazing activities that we have here at the camp. We were so amazed to see him climb the ropes course and the climbing wall, ride the horses and go swimming. Please watch this short video to see Jullian. You can also see pictures from our NF Camp last week here.
Jullian is my hero; he is an inspiration to me. When I asked him last week, how many surgeries he had so far, he responded: “8 or 10, I lost count Mircea, it doesn’t matter”. He is an amazing human being who we have so much to learn from.
Please watch this video from Madeline to sum up in 30 seconds last week of camp.
Disability is the number one cause for poverty. More than 50% of our population comes from families making less than $25,000 per year. We work really hard so we can provide scholarships to make our services available to all. I would love to ask you to join us in support of our mission as we continue providing great services to people like Julian. This is Camp K.
