LAUREL —
The organization which is working to establish an outpost for autistic children and their families will soon have a place to house up to 36 people.
Volunteers from across the region have helped Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi, better known as TEAAM, launch the first phase of a proposed camp in the Center Ridge Community of Smith County. The camp, which will offer a “one-of-a-kind” inclusive adventure-based program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other related developmental disabilities, will be located off Highway 37 between Taylorsville and Raleigh.
“We hope to have our first group at the camp by late November,” said Dr. Mark Yeager, TEAAM’s founder and executive director. “We need money to keep building. We are in the process of planning our next big fundraiser to help with construction.
Once completed, the Center Ridge Outpost will have four bunk houses that sleeps 16 people each, a staff bunk room, mess hall, activity center, multi-purpose pavilion, campfire plaza, pathways, nature trails, archery range, equestrian trails, primitive camping sites, hiking trails, fishing lake, and much more.
“Children and adults with autism can achieve amazing things if they are understood and supported,” said Yeager. “The Center Ridge Outpost will be a place where their uniqueness will be celebrated and they will be allowed to express themselves without being judged.”
Autism spectrum disorders currently effect 1 in every 110 children and presents a devastating set of challenges to families. Recognized as a neuro-developmental disability, individuals with autism spectrum disorders require a very specific set of programming strategies to assist them toward success.
Yeager noted that most children are not allowed to participate in many traditional camp programs and many require intensive supervision. Center Ridge Outpost will give these children and their families an opportunity to experience camp.
Those interested in making donations to assist in the construction of the Center Ridge Outpost, may contact TEAAM at 601-782-9005. For additional information, you may visit the group’s Web sites at www.TEAAM.org and www.AutismCamps.org.
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TEAAM autism camp in Smith County enters first phase
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