Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Benefit

People out enjoying the Biloxi Shuckers game had the chance to learn more about one group’s mission to help people across Mississippi.

One charitable organization is going to bat for kids and adults in Mississippi. The Biloxi Shuckers hosted Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation during Sunday afternoon’s contest against the Jackson Generals, allowing the foundation to highlight one of its top projects. Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation Volunteer David Pitre said, “We’re dedicated to building a camp exclusively for kids with special needs and adults as well with cancer and other disabilities.”

Camp Kamassa is currently under construction in Copiah County and will allow those with disabilities and special needs to connect with each other and enjoy the outdoors. “We have everything a regular camp would have. We have a lake. We have an archery course. We’re going to have a ropes course, fishing.”

As a survivor of both neuroblastoma and leukemia, 18-year-old Cailey Holliday is a former camper at another MTK Camp and will be a counselor at Camp Kamassa. She’s thankful to be able to give back to the organization. “It’s really amazing to be able to help out where I can because all these people gave so much for me to be here. I’m so happy to be able to just give a little bit back.”

Holliday threw out the first pitch before the game and the Shuckers recognized MTK with a scoreboard video and other promotions throughout the day. “They’ve partnered with us to allow us to put the word out and we get a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales as well as some of the other special promotions. So, we’re very thankful that they allowed us to do that.”

Holliday says the camps that MTK provides have a big impact on campers. “Seeing them with the biggest smiles on their faces, knowing that they’re fighting these hard diseases, it’s just something you can’t describe. It’s awesome.”

The Camp Kamassa name reflects the spirit of those who will walk through its doors. “It’s a Choctaw term for perseverance and toughness and never quitting which really exemplifies the children and also the volunteers and people who contribute.”

Camp Kamassa is scheduled to open at some point next year. For more information on the camp and MTK, visit www.mtkfound.com.