Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at mtk@campkamassa.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
There are about two dozen summer camps for children with special needs or chronic illnesses led by dedicated volunteers and wonderful foundations in Mississippi. However, these camps typically lease church campgrounds, state parks, Civitan camps, and scout camps in order to hold their camp. While thankful to hold camp, often these venues don’t have the appropriate facilities and many times aren’t available due to other programming and the school calendar.
Mississippi does not have a camp facility devoted solely to children with special needs or chronic illnesses. Often other facilities don’t have an infirmary, making the job of the doctors and nurses very difficult. Usually, there aren’t more than one or two toilet stalls or showers large enough for a child needing assistance. Paths and walkways, proximity between buildings and recreation, and terrain can all be a challenge. Camp Kamassa is intentionally designed to solve all of these problems with a site plan and facilities that are handicap-accessible.
Together with partner organizations that serve many different diagnoses, we will provide programming that meets the needs of ALL campers who attend. Not only the facilities will be accessible, but all of our activities too! We want every individual to feel thought about, welcomed, included, and provided for.
It is our desire for Camp Kamassa to be used by thousands of campers with various medical, physical, intellectual, and developmental needs. We plan to partner with different organizations and have programming held at Camp Kamassa year-round to serve the needs of children and adults. Some of these challenges include asthma, spina bifida, cancer, HIV, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, brain injuries, hemophilia, Tourette syndrome, autism, transplant recipients, arthritis, visual and hearing impairments, developmental disabilities, sickle cell disease, Celiac disease, Crohn’s and colitis, and so much more.
The benefits of a single facility for these groups are numerous. A single facility would ensure the availability of prime summer weeks to these groups. It would also ensure a cooperative effort in programming, volunteer recruitment, and solicitation of donated goods. Costs could be cut through group purchasing of medical supplies, crafts, and other programs supplies, insurance, and food. Through the use of a single facility, the camp itself would be designed to meet the needs of all the campers and become THEIR camp! The staff would be specifically trained to work with the unique needs of the campers. Finally, this would ensure an equal camping opportunity for all children.
There are many examples. We have visited 14 camps specially designed for campers with special needs. These camps can be found in Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia. At this time, Mississippi doesn’t have a camp like this, but we will…SOON!
Yes, in 2008, we hired a lawyer to help us draw up bylaws and apply for an IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). We were notified in December 2008 that we were a tax-exempt charity in good standing with the state of MS. Our first executive board was established, consisting of Mary Kitchens, Dan Kitchen (both of Crystal Springs), Ruth and David Wilkinson (both of Brandon), and Billy Boykin (Jackson).
Camp Kamassa can sleep 288 total campers and partner staff. We have two different styles of lodging:
- Duplex Cabins (16): Each of these large, air-conditioned, barrier-free Duplex Cabin rooms has nine twin beds and its own restroom with three toilets, two showers, and two sinks. An identical, mirror-image cabin is attached next door. The cabins share a screened front porch and rear covered walkway access.
- Family Cabins (36): Each of these private, air-conditioned, barrier-free Family Cabin rooms has one queen bed and two twin beds, sleeping up to four per room. A private restroom is attached with one toilet, one sink, and one shower. Six rooms are housed in one Family Cabin unit that shares a front kitchenette and living area.
Camp Kamassa will not transport campers or partner staff; therefore partners will be required to provide transportation. Our team is always happy to provide advice and suggestions.
Absolutely! The daily fee will include room and board, as well as most activities. We provide three meals per day, with the total number varying according to the duration of the camp session.
Groups are not permitted to use Camp Kamassa’s kitchen. The cost of all meals is included in the fee. However, our Family Cabins do have kitchenettes in them and our Activity Center also has a teaching kitchen with residential cooking equipment that can be used for specific needs.
Yes! Our kitchen staff will be well-informed, adaptable, and eager to accommodate campers with dietary requirements. Please note that extra charges may be applicable.
Camp Kamassa has a 3,300-square-foot pool with zero entry for all to enjoy during the warm months of the year. A splash pad is in the works too! We also have a lake for fishing and canoeing. Beautiful Turkey Creek flows along the back portion of our property and we plan to make access to the creek for wading and other fun recreation.
Rest assured, Camp Kamassa will have Red Cross Certified Lifeguards overseeing all aquatic activities, ensuring compliance with both Red Cross and American Camp Association accreditation standards.
Yes, we will be seeking accreditation within our first year of operation and are already hard at work to have that stamp of approval. We will also be inspected by and hold a permit with the Mississippi Department of Health.
Yes, we will! Our opening season is Summer 2025, and we will continue to accommodate groups for day use, mid-week, weekend, and weeklong events throughout the year. Interested in partnering with us? Give us a call at 601-892-1117 or email campdirector@campkamassa.com. We’d love to hear from you!
You bet! Every building is outfitted with centralized heating and air conditioning systems.
No, Camp Kamassa will operate on a partner model. Camping partner organizations will bring campers, support staff/volunteers, and any required medical personnel. This model ensures that every group has the specialized care that they need.
Camp Kamassa is roughly 40 minutes from Children’s Hospital. The campus is 12 minutes off of I-55 in Crystal Springs.
Certainly! Camp Kamassa’s Health Center features a secured medication storage room, a nurses’ station, and a treatment area available for our partners’ utilization. Additionally, the treatment area is equipped with two hospital beds. The Health Center includes four bedrooms with a total of four beds, specifically designated for use by our partners’ medical personnel.
While Camp Kamassa offers a secluded atmosphere, it’s conveniently located just 13.5 miles from Walmart in Hazlehurst and 9.8 miles from Ramey’s in Crystal Springs.
No, Camp Kamassa does not furnish linens for campers and guests. However, we will keep a few sets of bedsheets and towels on hand for backup in case a camper forgets theirs.
There will be four sets of washers and dryers accessible in the Poolside Building, Health Center, and Comfort Station for partner group use.
Yes, Camp Kamassa will Wi-Fi in specific buildings for partner use.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter! It’s the best way to stay informed about upcoming events and receive updates on Camp Kamassa. We’d love to keep you connected and share opportunities for your camper and family to participate.
For our camps, each session is currently hosted by a sponsoring partner organization and tailored to specific populations, conditions, and age groups. To sign your camper up, visit the “Find Your Camp” link on our website and select the category that best matches your camper’s needs. There, you’ll find contact information for the sponsoring partner organization hosting that session.
Please reach out to the partner organization directly—they will be happy to handle registration and provide detailed information about the qualifications and application process for their specific camp session(s).
We are actively working with potential partners to expand our services and add sessions for a wider range of diagnoses. If you know of an organization that might be interested in partnering with us to serve more individuals, please send them our way—we would love to connect with them!
Feel free to contact us if you need assistance finding the right partner organization for your child or have suggestions for new partnerships. We look forward to welcoming your child to Camp Kamassa!
Our camp is designed to serve children and adults with chronic illnesses, physical and intellectual challenges, and other special needs. If this describes your family member/friend, we would be honored to make Camp Kamassa their camp home!
At this time, we do not offer day camps. All of our current programming is designed as overnight camp experiences, hosted in partnership with organizations that serve individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses.
We are continually reaching out to different organizations about holding programs at Camp Kamassa, and day camps are on our list. If day camps become available in the future, we will be sure to share updates through our website and newsletter. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about new opportunities and programs at Camp Kamassa.
At Camp Kamassa, we aim to be a year-round facility hosting week-long camp experiences during the summer as well as day use, midweek, and weekend events for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. Our model of service is maximizing on partnerships with organizations that represent individuals within our purpose and mission. These partnerships allow us to provide impactful and inclusive experiences while providing excellent care.
If your organization fits these parameters and is interested in a weekend camp or retreat, we’d be happy to discuss your needs and explore how we can work together to create a meaningful event at Camp Kamassa!
In order to allow our campus to be available for these purposes, our facilities are not available for events that do not fall within our mission (e.g. family reunions, school proms, or similar events or activities).
Camp Kamassa’s programs are primarily designed as overnight camp experiences for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses, hosted by sponsoring partner organizations. Most of these sessions are structured for campers to attend independently, giving them an opportunity to build confidence and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
However, some of our partner organizations do offer family-inclusive programming. We recommend visiting the “Find Your Camp” link under the “Camp Kamassa” tab on our website to explore available sessions and reaching out to the sponsoring partner organization directly to inquire about family participation.
At Camp Kamassa, our mission is centered on providing a supportive and inclusive environment for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. While we are dedicated to staying true to this mission, we are open to hosting events that align with our core values and serve our demographic. We aim to maintain a focus on programs and activities that support our campers and community, ensuring that all events are in line with our mission and purpose. If you’re interested in hosting an event that supports this demographic, we’d be happy to discuss the possibilities!
INTRODUCTION TO CAMP KAMASSA
Camp Kamassa is Mississippi’s first year-round, fully accessible campground designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, physical or mental challenges, and chronic illnesses. Our facility offers a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where individuals can enjoy life-changing camp experiences. We are committed to fostering partnerships with medical organizations to better serve campers and expand access to specialized care and support.
In order to allow our campus to be available for these purposes, our facilities are not available for events that do not fall within our mission (e.g. family reunions, school proms, or similar events or activities).
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Camp Kamassa offers tailored partnership opportunities for medical, disability and special needs-oriented organizations, including:
- Hosting camps or retreats
- Collaborative programming for therapeutic activities
FACILITIES AND CAPACITIES
- Lodging: Fully accessible cabins with accommodations for up to approximately 250 campers and staff
- Duplex cabins: Each cabin has 9 lower single beds (16 cabins available).
- Family cabins: These cabins have 6 private rooms outfitted with a queen and two twin beds and can sleep up to 4 per room (5 cabins/30 rooms available this year)
- Dining Hall: Capacity for up to 250 individuals per meal service
- Medical Center: Equipped with exam rooms, medication storage, treatment room, recovery spaces, and attached medical staff lodging
- Activity Areas: Lake canoeing and fishing, stargazing and bonfire site, swimming pool, outdoor recreation pavilion, sports field, archery range, teaching kitchen, indoor activity building featuring dedicated spaces for arts and crafts, woodworking, ceramics, and music, as well as a dress-up area, sensory room, and dance hall.
AVAILABLE DATES
Camp Kamassa will operate year-round with flexible scheduling for medical and special needs camps and retreats.
Several Summer dates are still available for 2025 and our Fall and Spring calendars are still wide open. If you are interested in mid-week or weekend events, feel free to inquire about convenient dates for your organization.
>>Contact Us for more information.
RATES AND FEES
We offer customized packages to meet the unique needs of each partner organization. Currently, our fees are based on the type of lodging your group selects. Our basic rates include one night’s lodging, three meals, and a site use fee which includes access to all recreation areas, activity rooms, meeting spaces, and staff hosts to support your camp.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss additional options, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help create a package that works for your group!
NEXT STEPS
We invite you to schedule a tour of Camp Kamassa and discuss how our partnership help create meaningful experiences for your group.
For our summer camps, each session is currently hosted by a sponsoring partner organization and tailored to specific populations and conditions. To sign your camper up, visit the “Find Your Camp” link on our website and select the category that best matches your camper’s needs. You’ll find contact information for the sponsoring partner organization hosting that session.
Please reach out to the partner organization directly—they will be happy to handle registration and provide detailed information about the qualifications and application process for their specific camp session(s).
We are actively working with potential partners to expand our services and add sessions for a wider range of diagnoses. If you know of an organization that might be interested in partnering with us to serve more individuals, please send them our way—we would love to connect with them!
Feel free to contact us if you need assistance finding the right partner organization for your camper or have suggestions for new partnerships. We look forward to welcoming your camper to Camp Kamassa!
Camp Kamassa proudly serves children and adults with a wide range of challenges, special needs, and chronic illnesses. As our programs continue to grow, we encourage you to check back regularly for updates on new opportunities and expanded offerings.
Currently, we offer programming for the following diagnoses:
- All Disabilities and Special Needs (Family Camp)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Mobility Impairments
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries
- Pediatric Cancer
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Spina Bifida
SPECIALIZED CARE
We can also welcome individuals with complex medical needs, including those requiring feeding tubes, mobility aids, chemotherapy, dialysis, or other specialized care. Our partner organizations bring trained medical teams to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment tailored to meet the unique needs of every camper. If you have specific questions about a diagnosis or need, we encourage you to connect with the partner organization associated with your loved one’s condition. Their contact information can be found on our website under the “Find Your Camp” link.
CONNECTIONS & NEW OPPORTUNITIES
If a diagnosis that fits within our mission and purpose is not currently represented and you are part of an organization that may be interested in starting a camp or retreat, we would appreciate your recommendation and connection. We are excited to work with organizations to develop new programming for our campers and community.
We are actively seeking partnerships with organizations that serve individuals in the following categories:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Adults with cognitive or intellectual challenges
- Adults with special needs (general)
If you are connected with any organizations that represent these individuals, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in connecting us.
Thank you for your interest in Camp Kamassa—we look forward to serving you!
The price for attending Camp Kamassa depends on the specific camp session and the organization hosting it. Camp Kamassa partners with various organizations, each of which sets its own fees for campers. To get detailed pricing for a specific camp session, it’s best to contact the hosting organization directly.
Feel free to use our “Find Your Camp” tool on our website to connect with the different organizations and camps we already have in place and check back regularly as we continue to add additional programs.
Yes, we are! Camp Kamassa hires college-age Summer Program Staff each year to support our June-July camp sessions. These team members play a vital role in creating a fun, safe, and enriching experience for our special campers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Hosting and assisting with camp operations
- Engaging with campers, staff, and volunteers
- Running activities and programs
- Lifeguarding
- Supporting general site upkeep and organizational tasks
ELIGIBILITY
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S
- Have graduated from high school or have equivalent experience by May 2025
- Be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs. (with or without reasonable accommodation)
- Complete a detailed medical history form (provided upon offer)
- Submit to a criminal background check (instructions provided upon offer)
- Commit to the full program, including staff training and camp sessions, from June through July
COMPENSATION AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Summer Program Staff are paid per week, along with room and board. As duties may require availability around the clock, summer staff live onsite during the camp season. Regular time off is provided, including a break between sessions every weekend.
Due to the limited number of positions available, the selection process is competitive. If your family member is interested, please visit our “Summer Program Positions” page to access the online application.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Camp Kamassa! We rely on the generosity of volunteers to help create an incredible experience for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. There are many ways to get involved, whether as an individual or part of a group.
VOLUNTEERS & HELPERS
- Daily Volunteers: Provide assistance for a single day, supporting camp activities, events, or operational tasks.
- Weekly Volunteers: Commit to an entire camp session to help with activities, meal service, or camp operations. Weekly volunteers are directed to our partner groups and their enrollment processes based on availability.
- Activity/Program Leaders: If you or your organization offer services or programs that could enhance the camp experience for our campers, we welcome your contributions and involvement.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS FOR SERVICE PROJECTS
We encourage groups—such as schools, churches, businesses, and civic organizations—to collaborate with us on impactful service projects, including:
- Building or maintaining camp facilities.
- Landscaping, gardening, and beautification projects.
- Organizing and stocking camp supplies.
- Special construction or accessibility initiatives to improve the camp environment.
REQUIREMENTS
Individuals working with campers:
- Must be at least 16 years old (18+ for some roles)
- Be willing to undergo a background check
- Bring a positive attitude, teamwork skills, and a heart for service
Whether you’re available for a day or a week, or if your group would like to take on a meaningful service project, we’d love to have you! Training and support are provided for all volunteers.