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 11 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.
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 all 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 accredited by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
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 do 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.
Please fill out our Facility Use Request Form or call 601-892-1117. We are happy to talk with you about your event and begin our partnership!