TEAMM'S Adventure Based Programs

Welcome

 

Come Out and Support TEAAM – The Organization You Love Most…
And Help Us Construct The Center Ridge Outpost!

 

 

As you may have heard, TEAAM has been working hard to build The Center Ridge Outpost which will become the home for all of TEAAM’s adventure based programs.

If you would like to read more about The Center Ridge Outpost, CLICK HERE.

 The first set of cabins at The Center Ridge Outpost are ready for the finishing touches and we need YOUR help!  TEAAM is looking for:

Carpenters
Plumbers
Electricians
And any other Jacks of all Trades, Masters of None…

You can help by coming out to The Center Ridge Outpost on any or all of the following dates for a fun and productive work day. (Lunch will be provided)

September 11
September 18
October 9
October 16

TEAAM is hoping to have this phase of The Center Ridge Outpost ready for our first event in November, but we can’t do it without you!

The Center Ridge Outpost is located on Highway 37 between Raleigh and Taylorsville in the Center Ridge Community.
If you have any questions or plan on attending, please call the TEAAM office at 601-782=9005.  (We need a count for lunch.)

We look forward to seeing you!

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Report from the Kamp Director, Dr. Mark Yeager

As we reflect on Kamp Kaleidoscope 2010 we want to say that we enjoyed another successful summer camp experience for youth on the autism spectrum.  This summer we hosted 140 campers, 90 volunteer counselors and some 30 volunteer staffers.  Though many of the faces were familiar, we met many new campers this summer.  Of the 140, 60 were first time campers.

This summer was not without its challenges.  Below are just a few:

  • Due to fund raising shortfalls, TEAAM had no other option but to ask families to pay the full price for camp.
  • Even with that, we had over 80 names on our waiting list.  All slots were filled by late March.
  • We faced 100-degree weather almost daily.
  • With so many new campers, this year’s camp became the most difficult one to manage with so many challenging behaviors occurring all at one time.  Counselors were stretched to the max with some campers requiring 2-on-1 supervision.
  • We realized that having 70 campers plus the necessary counselors and staff on the premises at one time is too many people.  It is over the tipping point for management.
  • The final bill for camp was MUCH MORE than expected!
  • Once we returned to the TEAAM office, we were met with a letter from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health stating that the grant that pays food and lodging for our counselors and staff would not be funded for 2011.

This is a frustrating time for non-profits and TEAAM is not by itself facing these challenges.  We must look to the future and TEAAM is committed to continue providing more adventures for campers.  Progress on our camp, The Center Ridge Outpost, is moving slowly.  We hope to be able to offer programs for small groups by late Fall, 2010.  These programs will be conducted under the ARAY format on-site at the Outpost.  We will begin to develop programs for adults also.  Keep checking this website for updates and program offerings.  We continue to need donations to buy materials so that our volunteers can build our camp.

Kamp Kaleidoscope 2011 will have to be different in order to address the challenges we faced this year.  We have a team of people that is looking at options and strategies to address these issues.  We are interested in your input.  Please let me hear from you about your ideas at takeaction@TEAAM.org.  We are already applying for grants and understand that this is a must.  Most do not know that TEAAM has no full time employees and that this process is time-consuming.  If you are interested in writing grants on behalf of TEAAM please contact me.

We have many challenges in the future but we will face them and move past them.  Together we can enhance the lives of Mississippians affected by autism.


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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MISSISSIPPI ROADS SEGMENT
FEATURING KAMP KALEIDOSCOPE!!

 

 

 






THANK YOU to all Kampers, Parents, Kounselors, Volunteers, Sponsors, and
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health for making
 Kamp Kaleidoscope possible.

 

“Kamp Kaleidoscope means that our child can experience summer camp as it should be. 
The swimming, fishing, horseback riding, rock wall, food, and fireworks are all provided within 
a safe, loving, and dedicated environment. 
Thank you so much!” 
Dr. Jack S. Breyer, Donna Jo and Debra.







There are many ways that YOU can help ensure that TEAAM continues 
to provide Kampers with an all-inclusive Summer Kamp.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Kamp Kounselor or sponsoring a Kamper,
Please contact TEAAM (Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi) at 601-782-9005.

 






TEAAM is supported partially through a grant provided by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities along with private charitable contributions from families, friends and corporate sponsors.

 

“After our oldest was diagnosed, we mourned many losses of things he would never be able to do. 
One thing was camp. Camp Kaleidoscope was an answer to a prayer. 
No other camp would make food especially for our child. 
No other camp would ensure involvement and keep him safe from bullies. 
He has so much fun here. We are so grateful to Kamp Kaleidoscope.”  
James and Wendy Neal.
 

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