FAQ
QUESTIONS ABOUT KAMP KALEIDOSCOPE
(Scroll down for questions and answers about Kamp Kaleidoscope)
(Scroll down for questions and answers about Kamp Kaleidoscope)
Where is Kamp Kaleidoscope located?
It is conducted on the grounds of Timber Creek Camp, a facility of the Breakthru Ministries. The facility is located approximately 9 miles South of Forest, MS.
It is conducted on the grounds of Timber Creek Camp, a facility of the Breakthru Ministries. The facility is located approximately 9 miles South of Forest, MS.
How long to Kampers stay at Kamp Kaleidoscope?
Each session is conducted over a period of four days and three nights.
What age children are allowed at Kamp?
Kampers are composed of children ages 7 to 17. Along with our Kampers who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a percentage of our Kampers are nuero-typical children. These not only provide psycho-social peers to the Kamp experience they too, are learning about autism and how to effectively support their peers who have an autism spectrum disorder.
Each session is conducted over a period of four days and three nights.
What age children are allowed at Kamp?
Kampers are composed of children ages 7 to 17. Along with our Kampers who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a percentage of our Kampers are nuero-typical children. These not only provide psycho-social peers to the Kamp experience they too, are learning about autism and how to effectively support their peers who have an autism spectrum disorder.
What type of Supervision do Kampers have at Kamp Kaleidoscope?
Most Kampers have a one-on-one Kounselor who is trained to meet the needs of our Kampers. In some cases Kampers, especially those who have attended for several years, may be assigned to a Kounselor who may have one or two other Kampers. Though this is not typical, it is often socially in the best interest of that group of Kampers.
Most Kampers have a one-on-one Kounselor who is trained to meet the needs of our Kampers. In some cases Kampers, especially those who have attended for several years, may be assigned to a Kounselor who may have one or two other Kampers. Though this is not typical, it is often socially in the best interest of that group of Kampers.
How much does Kamp Kaleidoscope cost?
The cost per Kamper is approximately $600.00. Of this amount $300.00 pays for the Kampers lodging, food and supplies and the other $300.00 covers those cost for their Kounselor. TEAAM makes every attempt to raise money so that each Kamper only has to pay the $50.00 registration fee. In the event that enough money cannot be raised, the Kamper is responsible for the remaining $250.00.
The cost per Kamper is approximately $600.00. Of this amount $300.00 pays for the Kampers lodging, food and supplies and the other $300.00 covers those cost for their Kounselor. TEAAM makes every attempt to raise money so that each Kamper only has to pay the $50.00 registration fee. In the event that enough money cannot be raised, the Kamper is responsible for the remaining $250.00.
What is the Kamper to Kounselor ratio?
1-to-1, in some cases 1-to-2 or 3.
1-to-1, in some cases 1-to-2 or 3.
My child has seizures and/or takes medication. Is this a problem?
Not at all. We, of course, need to know this in advance. Kamp Kaleidoscope has a full time nursing staff as well as physicians on site. If you child has seizures you should make plans to send additional bed linen and clothing.
Not at all. We, of course, need to know this in advance. Kamp Kaleidoscope has a full time nursing staff as well as physicians on site. If you child has seizures you should make plans to send additional bed linen and clothing.
Can my child come to Kamp for the day activities only?
No. Kamp Kaleidoscope is a “sleep-over” program. No day Kampers are enrolled.
No. Kamp Kaleidoscope is a “sleep-over” program. No day Kampers are enrolled.
Can parents be Kamp Kounselors?
No. Kamp is about giving parents and families a break. Also, Kampers perform better for their Kounselor without parents on the grounds. Parents have time to discuss their child’s needs when they drop them off. Though there is always a tendency for parents to wish to volunteer, our experience has been that it is best if the Kampers are allowed to participate with autonomy.
No. Kamp is about giving parents and families a break. Also, Kampers perform better for their Kounselor without parents on the grounds. Parents have time to discuss their child’s needs when they drop them off. Though there is always a tendency for parents to wish to volunteer, our experience has been that it is best if the Kampers are allowed to participate with autonomy.
Where can parents stay while their children are at Kamp?
Forest has some hotel accommodations and there are a couple of campgrounds nearby. For information about these facilities call the TEAAM office. We recommend that parents plan their own trip or vacation. There kids will be well taken care.
Forest has some hotel accommodations and there are a couple of campgrounds nearby. For information about these facilities call the TEAAM office. We recommend that parents plan their own trip or vacation. There kids will be well taken care.
Can Children with Asperger Syndrome attend Kamp?
Yes. About 50% of our Kampers have a diagnosis or ruling of Asperger Syndrome. Some of our Kampers also have a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), Landua-Kleffner Syndrome, Rett Disorder and other Autism Spectrum related disabiliites.
Yes. About 50% of our Kampers have a diagnosis or ruling of Asperger Syndrome. Some of our Kampers also have a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), Landua-Kleffner Syndrome, Rett Disorder and other Autism Spectrum related disabiliites.
Are the Campers evaluated by Dr. Yeager at Kamp?
No. He makes every attempt to observe each child during Kamp but there is no time for evaluations. Parents can make request of him before Kamp and he will try to observe specific concerns and report to the parents prior to their departure.
No. He makes every attempt to observe each child during Kamp but there is no time for evaluations. Parents can make request of him before Kamp and he will try to observe specific concerns and report to the parents prior to their departure.
What behavior interventions are performed/done at Kamp?
A full-time behavior intervention team is on the call 24 hours per day at Kamp. This team is composed of individuals well trained and versed in behavioral intervention methods utilized with children on the autism spectrum. The most common strategy utilized is a change of venue coupled with cool down time. The Kamper is quickly returned to the program site to continue participating in the events.
A full-time behavior intervention team is on the call 24 hours per day at Kamp. This team is composed of individuals well trained and versed in behavioral intervention methods utilized with children on the autism spectrum. The most common strategy utilized is a change of venue coupled with cool down time. The Kamper is quickly returned to the program site to continue participating in the events.
What types of supports will my child have at Kamp?
Kamp Kaleidoscope boast a well developed group of professionals. In addition to Dr. Yeager, who is always on the grounds, there are physicians, nurses, music therapist, certified lifeguards, trained equestrian specialist, behavior specialist, occupational therapist and other program specialist.
Kamp Kaleidoscope boast a well developed group of professionals. In addition to Dr. Yeager, who is always on the grounds, there are physicians, nurses, music therapist, certified lifeguards, trained equestrian specialist, behavior specialist, occupational therapist and other program specialist.
Can my child be a KIT or Junior Kounselor?
We often get many questions about our Kounselor in Training program or KIT. The KIT program at Kamp is designed to allow young men and women to participate in the kamp activities while being trained to be a Kamp Kounselor in the future. The program has two components.
KITs
Individuals who are 11 and 12 years of age participate in the program by being assigned to the various program areas. They work with the camp staff to provide music, arts & crafts, swimming, recreation and fishing activities. This provides excellent opportunities for appropriate modeling for our Kampers. Each KIT stays in the cabin with the Kampers and when not in a program area works with the cabin staff and the Kampers. All individuals applying for this program must complete a Kamper application and are responsible for all applicable fees.
Junior Kounselors
Individuals who are 13 and 14 years of age, as part of their training, work with the program staff and their Tribe’s Kounselors to be a strong guiding peer for our Kampers. They are assigned campers for the evening activities, which give them the experience of working in a Kounselor situation under the guidance of another Kounselor or the Tribe Chief. All individuals applying for this program must complete a volunteer application and are responsible for paying the registration fee for Kamp.
All Kounselors In Training are always under the supervision of an adult staff person in the program and cabin areas. Once a person turns 15, they can serve as a full Kounselor and assume all of the responsibilities of that position.
We are often asked, “Can a person on the autism spectrum serve in any of these roles?” The answer is simple, not only can they….they already do. The Kamp Leadership decides what level of responsibility that individual can handle and they are assigned accordingly. Actually this is not different than the way the Kamp Leadership handles all assignments.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TEAAM'S ARAY PROGRAM
When and where is the next ARAY weekend?
Each adventure will be posted on the Kamp Kaleidoscope homepage as we plan the events. Keep checking back for more information about all our ARAY weekends.
Does my child have to go on every adventure, or can we pick and choose?
You can pick and choose. Each adventure is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
You can pick and choose. Each adventure is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
How much does each ARAY weekend cost?
Typically we try to find sponsors to cover some or all of the expenses with the exception of personal gear that might be needed for an ARAY Weekend. Each Adventure cost differently depending upon the nature of the event. When a sponsor cannot be found each Adventurer is responsible for the cost of the event. Prices for each adventure is posted on the website with the listing of that event. We encourage each Adventurer to help find sponsors for their portion of the cost.
Typically we try to find sponsors to cover some or all of the expenses with the exception of personal gear that might be needed for an ARAY Weekend. Each Adventure cost differently depending upon the nature of the event. When a sponsor cannot be found each Adventurer is responsible for the cost of the event. Prices for each adventure is posted on the website with the listing of that event. We encourage each Adventurer to help find sponsors for their portion of the cost.
How many adventurers and leaders will be on each adventure?
Again, this depends on the nature of the adventure. A typical size would be between 15 to 30 adventurers and 5 to 8 adult leaders.
Again, this depends on the nature of the adventure. A typical size would be between 15 to 30 adventurers and 5 to 8 adult leaders.
Will I need to bring my own gear?
Yes. Each adventure requires that an Adventurer have some of his or her own gear. This gear is minimal and the list can be found in conjunction with the listing of a specific adventure on the website.
Yes. Each adventure requires that an Adventurer have some of his or her own gear. This gear is minimal and the list can be found in conjunction with the listing of a specific adventure on the website.
What type of first aid is available on the adventures?
All adventures will have adult medical support if needed. This need is determined by the needs of the Adventurers. Typically a nurse or an EMT. In some cases a physician will also be part of the supervising staff. To find out for sure on a specific adventure, call the TEAAM office.
All adventures will have adult medical support if needed. This need is determined by the needs of the Adventurers. Typically a nurse or an EMT. In some cases a physician will also be part of the supervising staff. To find out for sure on a specific adventure, call the TEAAM office.
Does my child have to stay all night?
Yes. All adventure are overnight trips. Part of the intent of the program is to provide respite times for families while providing fun, safe and directed adventures for all Adventurers.
Yes. All adventure are overnight trips. Part of the intent of the program is to provide respite times for families while providing fun, safe and directed adventures for all Adventurers.
Can parents go along on the adventures?
Typically not. Remember, one of the primary purposed of ARAY is to provide parents with a break. Not to mention developing autonomy skills for adventurers. In rare cases there may be exceptions to this rule. Consideration for this will be handled in a case by case manner by Dr. Yeager and the ARAY staff.
Typically not. Remember, one of the primary purposed of ARAY is to provide parents with a break. Not to mention developing autonomy skills for adventurers. In rare cases there may be exceptions to this rule. Consideration for this will be handled in a case by case manner by Dr. Yeager and the ARAY staff.
What happens if the weather gets bad during an outdoor adventure?
We will always have a back-up plan. The program will gone on in a safe manner.
We will always have a back-up plan. The program will gone on in a safe manner.
What happens if my child wants to come home?
We will do everything to deal with homesickness without an Adventurer leaving an adventure. In the rare case that this cannot be done, the Adventurers family will be contacted and a plan developed to return the adventurer home when feasible for all.
We will do everything to deal with homesickness without an Adventurer leaving an adventure. In the rare case that this cannot be done, the Adventurers family will be contacted and a plan developed to return the adventurer home when feasible for all.
My child has seizures and/or takes medication. Is this a problem?
Not at all. We just need to make all of the preparations to deal with this in advance. This includes everything from making sure adequate medical support is in place for the adventure all the way to making sure additional clothing is available.
Not at all. We just need to make all of the preparations to deal with this in advance. This includes everything from making sure adequate medical support is in place for the adventure all the way to making sure additional clothing is available.