About Us

Welcome to the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, home of Camp Kostopulos! Opening a World of Opportunities for People of All Abilities

Since 1967, The Kostopulos Dream Foundation has offered recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Our longest running program is Summer Camp, where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities or special medical needs experience a 5-day camping adventure. There are 3 types of Summer Camp: Residential, Day, and Trip. Residential and Day 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. Residential campers spend 4 nights on our campus, while Day Campers spend the night at their own homes, and return to Camp K each morning. Trip Campers spend 5 days on the road as a participant in the Travel Trip Adventures program. These trips journey to places like Yellowstone, Moab, Bear Lake, or Jackson Hole, and may include adventures such as river running, hiking, viewing wildlife, and visiting attractions.

The fun at Camp K isn’t limited to the summer. We are open all year, and offer a variety of activities throughout the year.

Our Community Based Programs run from September-April. We offer 5-6 activities per week, and our participants are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities as often as possible. Some of the opportunities offered are cooking classes, Jazz Games, Community dances, bowling, holiday parties, and much more.

Our Vocational Rehabilitation and Work Experience programs prepare students to successfully transition from high school into the workforce. In Vocational Rehabilitation, they learn the skills and attitudes necessary to apply for and obtain a job. In Work Experience, they apply the skills that they learned, as they work at Camp K during Summer Camp.

Our Equestrian Program runs year-round. Our campers experience valuable equine therapy opportunities during both the Summer and Community Based programs. We also offer individual riding lessons for people of all abilities.

Our Mission

The Kostopulos Dream Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all abilities through recreation, education and growth opportunities.

Our Goal

Our goal is to make our services available to all people, regardless of ability level, income or place of residence.

Our 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 1953, they formed a charity organization to address this special population’s 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. 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.

Camp Kostopulos has grown over the years, and has become much more than a “camp”. What once served only the residents of Salt Lake City has now expanded to include participants from across the United States. To more adequately reflect our mission and purpose, we adopted the name “Kostopulos Dream Foundation”.

Over the years, facilities have been modernized, and new facilities have been added. Our Lodge is equipped with a commercial kitchen, dining hall, activity area, and Camp K’s staff offices. Five all-season cabins can sleep up to 105 people. Our campus includes a large grassy activity area, an accessible playground, stocked trout pond, swimming pool and pool house, multi-sport court, lighted pavilion, 3 multi-purpose Yurts, low- and high-ropes challenge courses, and an indoor equestrian center with stables and riding arena.

Kostopulos Dream Foundation has been successful over the years due to the dedication and support of staff, board members and the community.

Why Camp Kostopulos?

Camp Kostopulos is unique. Our services are available to people of all abilities, including many who may not be eligible for services at other camps or facilities. All of our programs are designed to teach new skills through the use of recreation and leisure activities. Our trained staff, excellent counselor to camper ratios, and fantastic accommodations set us above the rest.

We don’t stop when the summer ends. During the rest of the year, participants may explore educational and recreational activities throughout the Salt Lake Valley in Camp K’s Community-based education programs. We offer 5-6 activities per week which allow children, teens, and adults to socialize and engage in a variety of activities.

Our Vocational Rehabilitation and Work Experience programs prepare students to successfully transition from high school into the workforce.

Camp K also offers programs to many different corporate, civic and social groups. The Leadership Challenge program uses high- and low- ropes challenge course events with initiative programming to provide an excellent non-traditional training opportunity.

Private rentals of the Camp Kostopulos facility are offered throughout the year, including weekends during the summer. Weddings, retreats, school field trips, and company picnics can all be accommodated at our site.

Service and volunteerism are at the heart of any nonprofit agency. Our success has been facilitated by the kindness and generosity of our community. Volunteers give their time and effort to assist in the programs or work on physical projects at camp. Others may choose to assist us financially. The rewards of giving back to your community can not be measured. Please contact us to become a part of the magic that is the Kostopulos Dream Foundation.