FAQ
QUESTIONS ABOUT TEAAM PROGRAMS AT THE CENTER RIDGE OUTPOST
Where is The Center Ridge Outpost located?
It is located approximately 6 miles South of the intersection of Highways 35 and 37 South of Raleigh Mississippi.
It is located approximately 6 miles South of the intersection of Highways 35 and 37 South of Raleigh Mississippi.
Because The Center Ridge Outpost is located at a brand new address, most GPS will not work using the physical address. As a matter of fact, it will take you about 16 miles away from our location. Therefore, it is best if you enter the following coordinates instead of an address:
N 31 degrees 56.626
W 89 degrees 28.435
. W 89 degrees 28.435
How long do campers stay at each program?
Each session is different. You should check the schedule for the particular event you are registering. Most are conducted over a period of three days and two nights.
What age campers are allowed at each program?
Again, it depends on the programs. You should check the schedule for the particular event you are registering. Along with our Campers who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a percentage of our Campers are neuro-typical children. These not only provide psycho-social peers to the Camp experience. They too, are learning about autism and how to effectively support their peers who have an autism spectrum disorder.
Each session is different. You should check the schedule for the particular event you are registering. Most are conducted over a period of three days and two nights.
What age campers are allowed at each program?
Again, it depends on the programs. You should check the schedule for the particular event you are registering. Along with our Campers who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a percentage of our Campers are neuro-typical children. These not only provide psycho-social peers to the Camp 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 Campers have at TEAAM programs?
Campers who require a one-to-one counselor will have one assigned that is trained to meet the needs of our most challenging campers. In some cases Campers, especially those who have attended for several years, may be assigned to a Crewmember who may have one to three other Campers. Though this is often socially in the best interest of that group of Campers.
Campers who require a one-to-one counselor will have one assigned that is trained to meet the needs of our most challenging campers. In some cases Campers, especially those who have attended for several years, may be assigned to a Crewmember who may have one to three other Campers. Though this is often socially in the best interest of that group of Campers.
How much does Kamp Kaleidoscope cost?
Again it depends on the session you are applying. Check the schedule for the appropriate fee. Please remember that fees not only cover the expense of the camper but in some cases will also cover the cost of the volunteer. TEAAM makes every attempt to raise money so that each Camper only has to pay a minimal fee for each session. Camperships are available to families who need financial assistance. Campership applications for this assistance can only be obtained by contacting the TEAAM office.
Again it depends on the session you are applying. Check the schedule for the appropriate fee. Please remember that fees not only cover the expense of the camper but in some cases will also cover the cost of the volunteer. TEAAM makes every attempt to raise money so that each Camper only has to pay a minimal fee for each session. Camperships are available to families who need financial assistance. Campership applications for this assistance can only be obtained by contacting the TEAAM office.
If my family is a member of TEAAM, how does that help me with programs?
TEAAM family members get a discount on programs. However, placements in sessions are on a first-come-first-serve basis.
TEAAM family members get a discount on programs. However, placements in sessions are on a first-come-first-serve basis.
What is the Camper to Crewmember ratio?
A 1-to-1 ratio is maintained if indicated and necessary. Generally, there is one person who is 18 years of age for every 4 campers. This means that in some cases campers will work in small groups during a camp session. A member of the Senior Leadership Crew is always on site.
My child has seizures and/or takes medication. Is this a problem?
Not at all. We, of course, need to know this in advance. All of our programs have a full time nurse, EMT or paramedic on site. During some of the summer programs a physician will also be on site. If your 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. All of our programs have a full time nurse, EMT or paramedic on site. During some of the summer programs a physician will also be on site. If your child has seizures you should make plans to send additional bed linen and clothing.
Can my child come to camp for the day activities only?
No, unless the program is a day only event. Most of our programs are "sleep-over" programs. This is not only to give each camper a full experience, but to provide a respite for the family as well.
No, unless the program is a day only event. Most of our programs are "sleep-over" programs. This is not only to give each camper a full experience, but to provide a respite for the family as well.
Can parents be Crewmembers?
In most cases, no. Our Camps are about giving parents and families a break. Also, campers perform better for their Crewmembers without their 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 campers are allowed to participate with autonomy. Siblings and other relatives are welcome to serve as Crewmembers. There are often roles that parents can fulfill. These are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be discussed with Dr. Yeager.
In most cases, no. Our Camps are about giving parents and families a break. Also, campers perform better for their Crewmembers without their 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 campers are allowed to participate with autonomy. Siblings and other relatives are welcome to serve as Crewmembers. There are often roles that parents can fulfill. These are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be discussed with Dr. Yeager.
Where can family members stay while their campers are at camp?
Taylorsville has a hotel. Accommodations can also be found at Magee (20 minutes away) and Hattiesburg (one hour away). There are also a couple of campgrounds nearby. For information about these facilities call the TEAAM office. We recommend that parents plan their own trip or vacation. Your kids will be well taken care of.
Taylorsville has a hotel. Accommodations can also be found at Magee (20 minutes away) and Hattiesburg (one hour away). There are also a couple of campgrounds nearby. For information about these facilities call the TEAAM office. We recommend that parents plan their own trip or vacation. Your kids will be well taken care of.
Can campers with Asperger Syndrome attend Kamp?
Yes. About 50% of our campers have a diagnosis or ruling of Asperger Syndrome. Some of our campers 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 campers have a diagnosis or ruling of Asperger Syndrome. Some of our campers 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 during a program?
No. He does, however, spend a great deal of time interacting with and observing each camper during programs but there is no time for evaluations. Family members can make requests of him before a program and he will try to observe specific concerns and report to the parents prior to their departure.
No. He does, however, spend a great deal of time interacting with and observing each camper during programs but there is no time for evaluations. Family members can make requests of him before a program and he will try to observe specific concerns and report to the parents prior to their departure.
What behavior interventions are performed/done during programs?
A full-time behavior intervention team is on call 24 hours per day at The Outpost during programs. 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 camper is quickly returned to the program site to continue participating in the events.
A full-time behavior intervention team is on call 24 hours per day at The Outpost during programs. 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 camper is quickly returned to the program site to continue participating in the events.
What types of supports will my camper have during programs?
Our programs boast a well developed group of professionals. In addition to Dr. Yeager, who is almost always on the grounds, there are physicians, nurses, music therapist, certified lifeguards, trained equestrian specialist, behavior specialist, occupational therapist, and other program specialist. In the event Dr. yeager must be away from the grounds, one of the Senior Crewmembers will be assigned as the charge staff.
Our programs boast a well developed group of professionals. In addition to Dr. Yeager, who is almost always on the grounds, there are physicians, nurses, music therapist, certified lifeguards, trained equestrian specialist, behavior specialist, occupational therapist, and other program specialist. In the event Dr. yeager must be away from the grounds, one of the Senior Crewmembers will be assigned as the charge staff.
Can my child be a KIT or Junior Counselor?
We now have a new criteria for participation as a Crewmember. You should see if your child fits any level of those criteria. Some non-Crewmember individuals can come to a program as a peer camper. We welcome their participation. NOTE: All peer campers must pay the fee just as any other camper would. The old KIT program that was used in the past Kamp Kaleidoscopes is no longer being used.
We now have a new criteria for participation as a Crewmember. You should see if your child fits any level of those criteria. Some non-Crewmember individuals can come to a program as a peer camper. We welcome their participation. NOTE: All peer campers must pay the fee just as any other camper would. The old KIT program that was used in the past Kamp Kaleidoscopes is no longer being used.
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 Outpost Leadership decides what level of responsibility that individual can handle and they are assigned accordingly. Actually this is not different than the way the Outpost Leadership handles all assignments.
How do I find out when events are planned?
Each adventure will be posted at www.AutismCamps.org. Keep checking back for more information about all our events. You can also call the TEAAM office for additional information.
Each adventure will be posted at www.AutismCamps.org. Keep checking back for more information about all our events. You can also call the TEAAM office for additional information.
Does my camper have to go to every session, or can we pick and choose?
You can pick and choose. Each session is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
You can pick and choose. Each session is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
How many adventurers and leaders will be on each adventure?
This depends on the nature of the session. A typical size would be between 15 to 25 campers and 5 to 8 Crewmembers.
This depends on the nature of the session. A typical size would be between 15 to 25 campers and 5 to 8 Crewmembers.
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.
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 o camperenture. A typical size would be between 15 to 30 adventurers and 5 to 8 adult leaders.
Again, this depends on the nature o camperenture. 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 a camper have some of his or her own gear. This gear is minimal and the list will be sent to you once your registration is complete. Extra gear must be kept to a minimum due to space constraints.
Yes. Each adventure requires that a camper have some of his or her own gear. This gear is minimal and the list will be sent to you once your registration is complete. Extra gear must be kept to a minimum due to space constraints.
What type of first aid is available at the Outpost?
All sessions will have adult medical support if needed. This need is determined by the needs of the campers. Typically a nurse, paramedic or an EMT is on site. 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 sessions will have adult medical support if needed. This need is determined by the needs of the campers. Typically a nurse, paramedic or an EMT is on site. 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 camper have to stay all night?
Yes for all overnight sessions. Some sessions may be designated day only sessions. Part of the intent of the program is to provide respite times for families while providing fun, safe and directed adventures for all campers.
Yes for all overnight sessions. Some sessions may be designated day only sessions. Part of the intent of the program is to provide respite times for families while providing fun, safe and directed adventures for all campers.
Can parents attend sessions?
Typically not. Remember, one of the primary purpose of our programs is to provide parents with a break. Not to mention developing autonomy skills for campers. In rare cases there may be exceptions to this rule. Dr. Yeager and The Outpost Leadership will handle consideration for this on a case-by-case basis.
Typically not. Remember, one of the primary purpose of our programs is to provide parents with a break. Not to mention developing autonomy skills for campers. In rare cases there may be exceptions to this rule. Dr. Yeager and The Outpost Leadership will handle consideration for this on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if the weather gets bad during an outdoor adventure?
We will always have a back-up plan. The program will go on in a safe manner.
We will always have a back-up plan. The program will go on in a safe manner.
What happens if my camper wants to come home?
We will do everything to deal with homesickness without a camper leaving a session. In the rare case that this cannot be done, the camper's family will be contacted and a plan developed to return the camper home when feasible for all.
We will do everything to deal with homesickness without a camper leaving a session. In the rare case that this cannot be done, the camper's family will be contacted and a plan developed to return the camper home when feasible for all.