Build America makes stop in Utah
Each of the 17 members had to raise at least $3,500 to participate in the summer service projects. They arrived in Salt Lake City on Sunday and ended a five-day stay at Camp Kostopulos Friday. The camp serves people with a variety of disabilities.
The fraternity members came from 12 colleges and universities across the country. Many joined the fraternity because of its association with Build America, an organization established by the fraternity to help groups and individuals with disabilities. The members travel across the country to make camps more accessible for such people.
At Camp Kostopulos, the 17 men spent their time fixing an accessibility course, rebuilding a rock wall and retrofitting the upper ropes course. While the fraternity members were fixing up the camp, they also were given opportunities to spend time with the campers. The campers there during the week were people with neurofibromatosis, a condition caused by the formation of tumors on nerve cells.
"One of the most rewarding aspects is not building the physical things; it's the lifelong friendships you build," said Tyler Quinn, the group's spokesman. "The smiles on their faces make the work worthwhile."
"We showed them that we can have a good time, and then we can see the smiles on their faces," Salazar said.
The fraternity members also attended a campfire with s'mores and singing. The next day they went to a rodeo with the campers. On their final night at Camp Kostopulos, they participated in a skit and awards night.
Salazar said the satisfaction comes from being with the campers, not from donating time and money to the camps. Sometimes they get attached to the campers, who don't want them to go when their time is completed, he said.
Gary Ethington, executive director for the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, thanked the fraternity members for their dedication to the needs of the disabled.
"They've joined a group with a great cause that not many people support," Ethington remarked. "There are not many college guys that would do that."
Next week the fraternity members are heading to Empire, Colo., where they will help with projects at Rocky Mountain Village.
E-mail: cmadsen@desnews.com
Recent comments
As a mother of one of these young men I am proud of what they are...
Anonymous | July 21, 2008 at 5:57 a.m.
What a wonderful group of real gentlemen. We have a son who was on...
Anonymous | July 20, 2008 at 10:07 a.m.
As a Pi Kapp Phi alumnus and someone who was part of the Build America...
Pi Kapp Alum | July 19, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.
