In 2008, a group of long-time volunteers for Camp Rainbow, a summer camp for pediatric cancer patients, began discussing the need to construct a camping facility for chronically ill children in the State of Mississippi. The idea was to build a “super” camp designed uniquely for children with all special needs. In order to accomplish this goal, the group sought to answer these questions:

What camps exist for children with special needs in Mississippi? 

Every summer, there are about two dozen camps for children with special needs led by dedicated volunteers and wonderful foundations in Mississippi HOWEVER, they must lease church campgrounds, state parks, Civitan camps, and scout camps in order to hold camp. While thankful to hold camp, the facilities are not totally handicap-accessible, most facilities don’t have an infirmary, and available weeks are limited. Camps for those with special needs are given the weeks at the beginning of summer when not all their campers are out of school or at the end of the summer when the campers must return to school.

Who are the potential user groups for Camp Kamassa?

It is our desire for Camp Kamassa to be used by thousands of campers with various illnesses and challenges. We plan to partner with different organizations and have programming held at Camp Kamassa year-round to serve the needs of children and adults living with medical conditions and special needs. 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.  

What would be the advantage of a single facility to meet the needs of all children with special needs?

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 facility itself would be designed to meet the needs of all the campers. 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.

Are there existing models for a camp for children with special needs?

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.

Is Camp Kamassa (Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation) a non-profit?

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).

Why not rent a facility that is already built?

Although there are many groups around our state holding camps for individuals living with special needs, Mississippi does not have a camp devoted solely to this population. There are great camps, organized and staffed with volunteers who lease church camps or state parks for their programs. As wonderful as these facilities are, they were created to provide camps for children of their denomination or tourists on vacation. Scheduling is a problem when leasing someone else’s camp. Mississippi special needs groups will have FIRST priority at Camp Kamassa!!!

Often other facilities don’t have an infirmary, making the nurses’ job very difficult. Usually, there aren’t more than one or two toilet stalls or showers large enough for a child needing assistance. None of these camps have sidewalks connecting all the buildings and leading to activities, making it hard for children in wheelchairs, those using walkers, or the blind to move around the camp. Pool access can be a serious challenge to some.

Where do you build a special needs camp?

The site investigation committee, chaired by Dan Kitchens, looked at many possible sites. The land had to be relatively flat, able to hold water for a lake, easy to access, and hopefully with a creek. Over and over, the land did not meet our requirements.