Before long, it will be summertime.
Thousands of children will be flocking to summer camp and taking part in canoe races, softball games, swimming, and fellowship. Unfortunately, not all children are able to have this type of experience. Those with special needs — medical, physical, or mental — cannot enjoy the same summertime fun as other children. Lucky for these children there was a woman who had a dream and a vision of a place where these special needs children could go and enjoy camp life and still get the medical attention they need. This woman was Mary Kitchens and her dream and vision has now become a reality.
Camp Kamassa is Mississippi’s only year-round, fully handicap-accessible camp for children and adults with chronic illness, physical and intellectual challenges, and other special needs. The name, “Kamassa” (pronounced Kuh-MAH-suh), comes from the Choctaw language and means “toughness; to persevere under difficulties and not give up.” How appropriate considering the campers and families who will use this facility.
I first learned of Camp Kamassa from Southwest Electric CEO Kevin Bonds. The camp is in Southwest Electric’s service territory and Southwest, its board, and employees have been big supporters. Kevin brought the camp to the attention of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s board of directors and co-ops from all over Mississippi have supported Camp Kamassa over the last seven years.
While I have been supporter of the camp and participated in fundraising events, I had never seen the place until March 7. Deb McGee, the human resources and public relations specialist for Southwest, invited me down for a visit. “Southwest employees are going to have a workday that Friday,” Deb said. “It would be a great time for you to finally visit, and don’t worry, no one expects you to work.” That last part stung a little, but I realized she was referencing my cane, as I am still recovering from back surgery, and not my lack of skill or talent.
Tanya Mohawk, the executive director, gave me a golfcart tour of the facility and showed me around. I visited a huge activity center, where children will be able to experience woodworking, pottery, needle working, and even a performance room for plays or skits. Of course there are rooms for the campers, all wheelchair accessible, and even family cabins. There is a medical clinic, so children can continue to receive the medical treatment they need while attending camp. The magnificent zero entry swimming pool was gorgeous. Even the floating pier on the lake has runners to hold the canoe steady while campers take their seat. The camp was much more impressive than I had originally imagined.
Camp Kamassa will open to its first campers in mid-May. However, the work is not completed. Mary and Tanya still have some big plans, and they need support to finish Camp Kamassa. Please read our cover story and consider giving to help finish this wonderful facility. No amount is too small, and all donations will be appreciated. Camp Kamassa will be an incredible miracle for Mississippi’s toughest kids.
