Mae West said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” I believe that I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be involved in Camp K for more than 18 years now, and to have the unique opportunity to play a role in enhancing the quality of life for so many people and families. When I was 18 years old, in Romania, I enrolled in an exchange program. That same summer, while in college studying to become a banker, I ended up being a counselor at Camp K in Utah. I had not been around people with disabilities before that time. However, that opportunity, that summer, completely changed who I am today. That was one of those moments when you make choices, and the path of your life changes. I consider that moment to be the turning moment in my life, and an experience that I would not change for anything in the world. Getting to know, and getting to work for, people with special needs and disabilities has enhanced my vision on human nature and the human heart. Who are we, where do we belong, and why are we here? I certainly believe that living half my life in Europe and half my life in United States has given me an opportunity to understand different cultures and different lifestyles. People are people – it doesn’t matter where you go around the world. Everyone just wants to have a better life, and make a difference in the world. People with special needs and disabilities are definitely no different.
We all define success in different ways, and success does come in all sizes, forms, and shapes. However, encouraging and giving hope, bringing hope to people with special needs and disabilities during our interactions with them (just like they bring hope back to us), and working to make a difference in someone’s life every day is certainly a form of success. I believe I have been blessed, and I am humbled by the opportunity to work for Camp K, and to represent Camp K as the CEO. I am excited to help create the vision of what our world needs to look like in 5, 10, 15 years from now in regards to inclusion, and services that people with special needs and disabilities should have in our communities. Every person who has achieved success in the world has had at least one person in their life who believed in them, gave them hope, gave them support. In regards to participants at Camp K, it is no different. They need someone who believes in them, gives them hope, and support. Camp K would not be successful without all of the wonderful supporters, volunteers, board members, and donors who build bridges and create success every day for our agency and participants.
Once a year, Camp K holds our annual fundraising event, the “Send a Kid to Camp” Gala, designed to help us build our scholarship fund for the summer. Disability is the number one cause for poverty, and people with disabilities need our support to be successful and independent withinin our communities. Camp K believes in inclusion, and works hard to provide those opportunities for everybody, and to provide scholarships to those who need it most.
Last year, our gala was the most successful ever. We had a lot of fun, and we had a lot of great auction items – silent and live, small and large, trips all over the world, a lot of fun baskets. We want to thank everyone who helped us make the gala a huge success. I want to thank Don Hudson – he and ABC 4 Utah have been amazing ambassadors for our agency. Don Hudson was our emcee last year, and he is coming back to emcee again this year. I want to thank the Sorenson Family for all of their continued support, who came to our gala last year and were honored with the Children’s Humanitarian Award. I want to thank Celina Jensen, our 2015/2016 Ambassador, who is getting ready to pass on the title to a new Ambassador at the Gala.
This is a call to action to our community to come support us on May 6, and to have an amazing time while making a difference. The Dalai Lama said, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room.” The trouble is, we think we have time. Life goes by extremely fast. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, you can by supporting Camp K. Please come join us on May 6, and be the voice of people with disabilities, and inclusion, around the world.
Help us make 2016 the best year in Camp K’s history!
Click here for more information.
“Together we dream, together we do.”
Space is limited! Sign up today!
Join Camp K for the exciting 2016 Summer Camp Season! Rekindle friendships from last year, build new friendships, ride horses, climb/traverse the high ropes course, explore and learn about nature, swim, fish, canoe, hike, and many other fun activities!
There will be many new, exciting activities added to our Summer Camp! Look forward to our next newsletter to learn what is coming! Summer Camp 2016 will be the BEST summer in the history of Camp K!
Camp K offers 4 different Summer Camp Programs:
Residential and Day camps take place on our 25-acre campus in Emigration Canyon, where campers interact with and ride horses, climb/traverse the high ropes course, explore and learn about nature, swim, fish, canoe, hike, and many other fun, recreational activities.
Trip campers journey to local destinations, or nearby sites of National, historic, or scenic interest, including destinations such as Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Zions National Park, Moab, and Bear Lake.
Partner Camp offers opportunities for kids our partner’s Day Camps to spend half of the day participating in Camp K’s activities, and the other half of the day at the partner’s facility. Partners for 2016 include Natural History Museum, Bad Dog Arts, Tracy Aviary, U of U youth programs, Red Butte Gardens, Hogle Zoo, and This is the Place.
** Registrations are processed in the order they are received.
Camp K is proud to host American Camp Association’s (ACA) Spring Training and Networking Event, on March 16, 2016.
This event is designed for New & Seasoned Camp Directors, Parks and Recreation Professionals, and Youth Development Professionals. Whether you run day camp, resident camp, or specialized summer activities, this day will provide all levels of professionals with great opportunities for learning, networking, and preparing for summer 2016!
The New Director Orientation (NDO) is a special 6 hour course (6 CECs) for seasonal or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing a camp. The NDO course helps directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders for their camp program. The course covers five critical areas: camp management leadership, risk management, camper behavior, staff training, and staff supervision.
The Business of Camp Seminar (BOC) is designed for camp directors, administrators, and their staff. The seminar will discuss trends in camp and will provide easy “take-aways” for participants for the summer of 2016.
Featured Speakers:
Danielle Timmerman, University of Utah – Unstructured Play in Camp
Danielle Timmerman’s history is wrapped around camp. At an early age, she knew she wanted to work in the camp industry so pursued degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Administration to make her a better camp professional. She has served in many roles within the profession but currently teaches at the University of Utah preparing the next generation of camp professional. Danielle professional experience includes directing a day and residential YMCA camp, spearheading education initiatives with the National Recreation and Park Association, building partnerships around play with KaBOOM! and teaching at nationally accredited Universities.
Jim Sibthorp, University of Utah – ACA’s Youth Outcomes Battery
Jim Sibthorp is a professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. He teaches courses on youth programming, outdoor education, and research design and analysis. Jim’s current research focuses on youth development through outdoor and adventure programming. Through his work with both the American Camp Association (ACA) and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Jim continues to design, implement, and translate studies that bridge research and practice. Jim has written extensively on topics involving outdoor and adventure education and is the Coordinator of the Adventure and Outdoor Programs Emphasis at the University.
Greg Hughes, Utah Speaker of the House – Outdoor Recreation and Youth in Legislation
Utah Speaker of the House Greg Hughes resides in Draper, Utah with his wife Krista and their three children. After a childhood in Pittsburg, PA, he moved to Utah to work on a political campaign and ended up staying. He attended Utah Valley State College and Brigham Young University. He is a small business owner, working in real estate development and property management. Hughes was first elected to the Utah Legislature in 2002. In 2010 he was elected Majority Whip in House Leadership and in 2014 was elected Speaker of the Utah House.
Camp Connections will happen after the speakers, and is our time as a camp community to connect, network, share ideas, discuss common issues and enjoy each other’s company. NDO participants are welcome to stay and join the Business of Camp Seminar at no extra charge. Snacks and appetizers provided during this time. Participants who are members of ACA will receive 2 CEC’s for attending.
This event is FREE for ACA members or $45 for non-members. Not a member yet? Take advantage of ACA’s trial one-year free membership.
Want to join us from out of town? Not a problem! Camp K has generously offered to provide overnight accommodations, either the night before or after the event, for additional $15.00 per person (lodging/no meals). Participants must bring their own bedding and towels. To arrange accommodations, please contact Mircea Divricean directly.
Not a member yet? Take advantage of ACA’s one-year free trial membership. Members receive a discounted rate for this event registration, so sign up today!
Mircea Divricean and Celina Jensen
We are pleased to announce that our 28th annual “Send A Kid To Camp” Gala is on Friday, May 6th, 2016, at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.
Please join us for a fun-filled evening including great food and drinks, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and an opportunity drawing.
We are grateful to Celina Jensen for being Camp K’s first Ambassador, during 2015/2016. During this year’s Gala, she will pass the title on to our 2016 Ambassador, Greg Kogan, who will be our Ambassador for 2016/2017.
This is our largest fundraising event of the year. We rely on support of our community so that we can provide our services to everyone, regardless of income.
We expect to see 500 attendees at our Gala, including some of Utah’s community leaders. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit our Summer Camp and year-round recreation programs and activities for youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, and children with special medical needs.
Continuing our tradition, we will be celebrating the contributions made on behalf of children in our communities by honoring Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation and the Noorda family with our seventh Children’s Humanitarian Award. The Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation join the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Ivory Homes, Wells Fargo, General Electric Healthcare, U of U Clinical Neurosciences Center, and the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
We will also celebrate people and organizations who have made a deep impact on Camp K and our programs by honoring ABC 4 Utah with our first annual Community Service Award.
If you would like to be a sponsor, or purchase tickets, click here for more information.
We are also accepting donations for the auctions. Please click here for more information.
Contact Mircea Divricean with any questions: 801-582-0700 x103 or mdivricean@campk.org.
We would like to thank our sponsors:
In January, Camp K hosted our Super Hero Mini-Camp! The participants enjoyed many activities, crafts, and games with Super Hero themes. They enjoyed delicions meals from Ruth’s Diner, and spent the night in our cozy cabins. In the morning, group of live action Super Heroes visited and helped them battle the evil villains to save the towns people!
Camp K Mini-Camps are held every month, and always have a different theme. These camps provide a great opportunity for the participants to socialize with their friends, and gain independence with a night away from home.
Sarah, with Fred riding Diego
Sarah Price has been an active volunteer at Camp Kostopulos for more than two years. During this time, Sarah has been a big part of the volunteer team at the Camp K Equestrian Center, where her equestrian experience and compassion for our participants is an invaluable asset.
Although she has assisted with all of the programs and activities at the Equestrian Center, Sarah’s passion involves helping with horse care and maintenance. Her dedication to the horses at Camp K was evident when she headed up a lengthy rehab for one of our horses, Ranger, under the supervision of barn staff and the vet. Because of Sarah’s diligence, Ranger thrived during his rehab program, and returned to our program, where he is one of our most valuable lesson horses.
Sarah remains active with the Camp K’s Equestrian Program, helping out 2-3 days a week.
Thank you, Sarah!!!
Buster is a 16 year-old Quarter Horse, who joined our herd in 2013. He has been a rider favorite ever since!
Buster likes living life in the slow lane, but will perk up for a carrot or a good belly scratch. He is very people oriented, and loves participating in equine assisted therapy and learning groups. When he’s not working, you can often find Buster in his stall waiting for some love or his favorite treat- carrots!
On February 19, Salt Lake Dance Center hosted an amazing dance performance. At the end of the performance, they presented a check to Mircea Divricean and Camp K. Kelsey Neff, who participates at Camp K, was in the audience, and joined Mircea on the stage (center, photo above).
We are grateful to Ali Webb, Jillana Webb, and all of the dancers for their support of Camp K. Together, they raised nearly $3,000 for Camp K, which will make a huge difference for our participants.
Thank you, Salt Lake Dance Center, for your most amazing support. We look forward to partnering with you in the future.
The team at Camp K was saddened to hear about the passing of Karen Johnson, in December 2015. Karen attended programs at Camp K for many years, and brought so much joy to our staff and her other friends. Her family said that Karen had 2 speeds: slow and stop – except when going to eat out or when she would go to school or Camp K. She had so much fun at Camp K that she was always reluctant to leave. She had to be bribed with eating out or a Pepsi in order to get on the bus to return home.
We miss you, Karen!
Thank you, Adcentives West, for helping Camp K!
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Thank you, Aspen Press, for helping Camp K!
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Camp K was featured on Good Things Utah, on 11/24/2015. Mircea spoke about Camp K, introduced Camp K’s Team, and Scott Helmer performed a song for the upcoming concerts.
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Thank you, So Cupcake, for helping Camp K!
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
Camp K enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner.
Click on the story below to view the TV news video.
