Efforts by small class have significant results

  • Published
  • By Susan Griggs
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
A class of seven weather students in the 335th Training Squadron raised $3,160 through hot dog and hamburger sales to support scholarships for Kamp Kaleidoscope, the only camp of its kind in Mississippi for autistic children. 

Staff Sgt. Cynthia Reeves, their instructor, said the two-week camp for children ages 7 to young adults accommodates about 130 campers a year who enjoy swimming, horseback riding, fishing, sensory and educational activities, arts and crafts, hiking and other summer fun. 

TEAAM -- Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi - hosts the camp funded by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities along with private charitable contributions. 

"The price for each camper used to be $35, but it's risen to $200 plus a $50 registration fee," said Sergeant Reeves, who learned about the program through the Ocean Springs School District. "The contribution our class made enabled every child on the scholarship list to attend the camp. I'm very proud of what our class was able to accomplish."