Kostopulos Dream Foundation

To improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities through a variety of recreation, social and education experiences.

Description:
The Kostopulos Dream Foundation is an agency dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Since 1967 we have offered recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. Our longest running program, Camp Kostopulos, is a residential summer camp where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities are able to engage in a variety of activities. During a week-long stay, campers go fishing, ride horses, camp out, sing songs, work on arts and crafts projects, challenge themselves on the ropes course, make new friends, and renew old friendships. Other campers may opt to enjoy a week on the road as a participant in the Travel Trip Adventures program. Groups of campers and staff participate in week-long camp trips to places such as Moab or Jackson Hole. River running, hiking, viewing wildlife, and visiting attractions are all a part of these trips.

History:
Dan Kostopulos and his wife Helen had big hearts. They loved helping people and giving to those less fortunate. They found their niche through helping individuals with disabilities. As early as 1954 they formed a charity organization to address this special populations needs. By 1967 they formed a new charity,one that would provide smiles to thousands of children and adults with disabilities; Camp Kostopulos was born – located on 25 acres in Emigration Canyon just 2.5 miles from Salt Lake City.

Camp Kostopulos has grown over the years, even adding an umbrella name, the Kostopulos Dream Foundation. That first summer it was a day camp. Once things began to take off it quickly developed into a residential summer camp, one that would eventually serve not only residents of Salt Lake City but span across the United States.

Today the programs are year round from after school activities for children, and evening and weekend programs for teens and adults (see Programs for more information). The summer camp now has grown to 500 campers and includes travel trips as well as the residential camp. Facilities have been modernized and many ones added. Five all season cabins can sleep up to 87 people, there is an accessible playground, stocked trout pond, swimming pool and pool house, multi-sport court, a multi-purpose Yurt, our modernized Lodge is equipped with a kitchen and dining hall and our offices. Coming in 2009 is a new indoor equestrian center with stables and riding arena.

The agency has been successful over the years due to the dedication and sacrifice of staff, board members and the community.

Dan and Helen Kostopulos have since passed away but their legacy continues to be felt by the thousands of special need individuals and families they helped.

Contact people:

Jason Wessel, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Mike Divricean, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (801) 582-0700
Office fax number: (801) 583-5176

Address:

2500 Emigration Canyon Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.campk.org

Last updated on November 10, 2009