Programs
TEAAM Announces Plans to Build Adventure Base Camp for Autism Programs
TEAAM is about to take a huge step toward one of its long time dreams, building a site dedicated to conducting our camps and adventure-based programs. The site will be called The Center Ridge Outpost and it will be located in Center Ridge, Mississippi located in Smith County. This site’s location will place it central to all Mississippians. Though adventurers and campers will come from all over the United States to participate in this one of a kind program, TEAAM’s focus remains clearly set on supporting Mississippians and their families.
The Center Ridge Outpost will help fulfill the overall mission of TEAAM by providing inclusive adventure-based programs that provide supports for individuals on the autism spectrum, their friends and their families. These programs will provide fun, socialization, and respite in a safe, accepting and understanding environment. The programs that will be offered through The Center Ridge Outpost are a one-of-a-kind program concept for individuals on the autism spectrum. Nowhere else in the United States are there programs with the same unique design and success of our programs.
The services that will be provided through The Center Ridge Outpost represent a unique approach to providing needed services while creating new opportunities for individuals with and without autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities. As mentioned, The CRO Base Camp will be located in the rural setting of Center Ridge in Smith County, Mississippi. This setting will give the program many advantages that may go unnoticed by the typical observer. The location will provide the rustic, rural setting that makes these types of programs work in the manner they are designed. All programs and events will be supervised under individuals trained by Dr. Mark H. Yeager. This will include TEAAM staff as well as high school and university student volunteers. Our staff to camper/adventurer ratio will typically be maintained no less than 1 to 2. In some programs a higher ratio will be used due to skill level of the campers/adventurers. Featured programs will include:
SUMMER PROGRAMS
KAMP KALEIDOSCOPE ~Summer Camp sessions for youth on the autism spectrum and their neuro-typical peers ages 7 to 17. Designed to meet the challenging needs of this group while having camp fun.
CAMP WALAPEI ~Summer Camp sessions for adults on the autism spectrum, ages 18 and up. Designed to be fun in an age appropriate environment. All campers have a mentor work with them during their camp sessions.
BOTH PROGRAMS WILL INVOLVE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING, HIKING, CRAFTS, SPORTS, MUSIC, FISHING, CAMPING, DANCING, AND A LIST OF OTHER ACTIVITIES SPECIFIC TO THE PARTICULAR SESSION.
WEEKEND PROGRAMS
ARAY (Adventures in Recreation for All Youth) ~Weekend, theme-driven retreats aimed at introducing Adventurers to new skills and friends. Designed for all ages up to 18 years of age, each session is tailored with an interest and age group in mind. Adventurers are grouped by age and interest.
ADVENTURES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES ~Weekend, theme-driven retreats that are much like the ARAY programs except with an adult flair. Designed for ages 18 and up, each session is developed to not only address areas of interest but to facilitate new interests.
IN SOME CASES THE PROGRAMS WILL BE OUTWARDBOUND IN DESIGN. THIS MEANS THE ADVENTURERS WILL LEAVE CRO TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE IN THE COMMUNITY. ALL PROGRAMS FOCUS ON SOCIALIZATION FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING PERSPECTIVE.
FAMILY TRAINING RETREATS ~These programs will provide much needed training and planning for parents who have a newly diagnosed child.
The Center Ridge Outpost will host many features. The planned facilities include:
Multi-Purpose Pavilion
~Central to The Center Ridge Outpost will be the Multi-Purpose Pavilion. This building will serve as THE HEART OF ALL PROGRAMS. Everything from movies to dances, stage plays to talent performances, the Pavilion will serve as the heart of CRO. The Pavilion will also be where the Outpost Country Store, the nurse’s station and the Outpost Offices will be located.
The spectacular Outpost Entry will set the tone for the fun and adventure ahead.
Mess Hall
~Though it will be playfully referred to as the Mess Hall, the CRO dining facility will be very popular with all campers and adventurers. By providing meals in a rustic setting, it will be far from a mess. MEALS HERE WILL NOT JUST BE YOUR REGULAR CAMP FOOD! Also housed in the Mess Hall will be the bunkhouse for CRO staff.
Activity Center
~The busiest place on the Outpost will be the Activity Center. Here you will find the Arts & Crafts area as well as an open-air pavilion for special activities. Many activities will be conducted here, often simultaneously.
Travel through the Activity Center and you will find the Center Ridge Outposts "CONCRETEPOND", A POOL THAT IS LIKE NO OTHER, with a sprinkler tower at its entrance, campers and adventurers will forge forward to the zero-edge entry pool. Once in the pool all will enjoy a comfortable and safe water depth for games and activities.
Bunk Houses
~No day would be complete at the Outpost without a comfortable bunk to lay down your head and DREAM THOSE AMAZING DREAMS that only a night in the great outdoors brings. CRO’s Bunk Houses will be furnished with bunk beds and a personal locker. Each Bunk House will sleep 16 people and will be complete with private toilet and shower/bathing areas. For each of the 4 Bunk Houses, a Staff Bunk-room will be provided for additional supervision of campers and adventurers.
Campfire Plaza
~Just outside the Bunk Houses, each camper and adventurer will have direct access to the Campfire Plaza. No outdoor experience is complete without a campfire. The fun and laughter will never stop as CRO staff and counselors will get everyone involved in the excitement of CAMPFIRE SONGS, STORIES AND SKITS.
Pathways
~All buildings and activity areas in the main area of The Center Ridge Outpost will be connected with LEVEL CONCRETE PATHWAYS to provide a safe and accessible environment for all.
Other Areas Planned at The Center Ridge Outpost:
Nature trails
Equestrian trails
Wildlife food plots
Archery range
Hiking trails
Primitive camping sites
Fishing lake
Bird nesting sites
Horseshoe ring
Astromony viewing area
Camper slips
Challenge courses
Insect emporium
Reptile study area
Fork lore center
TEAAM’s Adventure-Based Program Field Guide
TEAAM’s programmatic focus is to develop and conduct Adventure-Based program opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and related developmental disabilities of all ages. These programs are designed to provide opportunities that otherwise are not available in the appropriate environment along with their neuro-typical peers. Each program provides experiences that are not only fun but also an opportunity for social learning, engaging a new experience and making friends.