Wesson American Legion Post #79 welcomed guest Mary Kitchens of Crystal Springs to speak at its recent monthly meeting.
Kitchens is the founder of Camp Kamassa, Mississippi's Toughest Kids (MTK) Foundation, who spoke to the legion about the camp and it's progress in construction. She also gave an update on its first camp which was held this past summer, June 30 through July 5.
Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation serves children and adults living with chronic illness, physical and mental challenges, and other special needs. Camp Kamassa is Mississippi's first, and only, year-round handicapped accessible camp, specifically designed to meet the needs of these extraordinary children and adults. Kamassa is the Choctaw word that means "toughness"; to persevere under difficulty and not give up.
The word perfectly describes MTK's future campers. The camp is being built with help from the U.S. Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) which teams reservists with needed infrastructure projects in communities nationwide.
The first camp was held this summer with 31 kids and five adults. Fundraising for MTK began in 2007 and construction started in 2018. Camp Kamassa is offered to school-aged children with disabilities. Camp even accepts adults. The camp provides summer camps where each week has a specific focus and is staffed with medical professionals to provide excellent care while enjoying Kamassa-life.
Different groups living with or affected by various diagnoses and challenges are served at weekend events at camp. A state-of-the-art sloped entry swimming pool is a fun highlight for campers due to its easy access for wheelchairs.
For information regarding special events and fundraisers throughout the year, call or visit online at www.campkamassa.com or email mtk@mtkfound.com.
The community can support Camp Kamassa by purchasing items from their wish list, donate to MTK Foundation, consider one of its "naming items", purchase an MTK car tag, shop their online store, purchase a cookbook, children's book, or t-shirt, or give through Kroger Community Rewards (organization number VG910).
Camp Kamassa fully opens summer of 2025.
