Link:
Camp Kostopulos Web Site
May 30, 2000
Children and adult with disabiltities have been enjoying Camp Kostopulos for more than 30 years.
But now the camp is struggling for funds, and may have to turn away some campers.
News Specialist Shelley Osterloh has details.
It's the first day of camp at Camp Kostopulos.
This week, adults with mental disablities are the campers. But throughout the summer children, teens and adults with many different kinds of disablitites will attend.
They enjoy lots of different activities -- from horseback riding to singing.
Jeremy Allred/camper: "I LOVE TO GET AWAY FROM THE HOUSE."
In addition to checking into their new camp home, campers also meet with a nurse and map out medication schedules.
Shelley Osterloh, Eyewitness News: "BECAUSE CAMPERS AT CAMP KOSTOPULOS HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, CAMP IS EXPENSIVE. IT ACTUALLY COSTS ABOUT $600 PER CAMPER, BUT THE FEE IS ONLY $300 DOLLARS."
Many go to camp on scholarship, like ten-year-old Kirsty. Her parents pay for sister Kaitlund's camp but need help to send Kirsty.
"I WORK FULL TIME. WHEN YOU HAVE TWO KIDS THAT WANT TO GO TO CAMP TOGETHER, ITS PRETTY PRICEY TO COME UP WITH THAT KIND OF MONEY."
Camp directors say it appears right now, few campers like Kirsty will receive scholarships, mostly because of federal funding cutbacks.
"WHERE WE HAVE LOST AS MUCH AS $10,000 OR MORE THAT WE USED FOR SCHOLARSHIPING LOW INCOME FAMILIES, AND NOW WE ARE NOT GETTING THAT AT ALL."
The camp has started an aggressive fundraising campaign.. but says its funding is still short... and that may mean, there maybe few smiles like this at Camp Kostopulos.
"WE TRY TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY GETS TO COME, BUT IF WE RUN OUT OF SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS, THERE ISN'T ANYMORE."
