History

Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation was founded in May, 2008. The Foundation received word in December, 2008, from the IRS that it had been ruled a public non-profit under section 501(c)(3).

In the February, 2009 Ruth Wilkinson, Dan Kitchens and Mary Kitchens, attended the Special Needs Conference which preceded the American Camping Association (ACA) convention in Florida. This very helpful meeting was held at Boggy Creek, a special needs camp. Ruth and Mary stayed to attend the ACA Convention.

Dan Kitchens and Mary Kitchens toured special needs camps already in operation in North Carolina, Victory Junction; and Camp Twin Lakes in GA. Over the summer of 2009 Mary toured Camp For All and Camp John Marc, both in Texas; and The Center for Courageous Kids in KY. Also, during the summer Mary spent many hours visiting many of our wonderful MS camps observing and hearing of their specific needs.

On March 26 the Foundation invited MS groups presently holding camps for kids with special needs to meet at Bass Pro Shop in Jackson, MS, to discuss the need for a special needs camp. A court reporter, Mrs. Nancy Binder, took careful notes of this meeting. Nine groups were represented.

During the summer of 2009 a Founding Board was established. Mrs. Jim (Mary) Kitchens (Crystal Springs), Chairman; Mrs. David (Ruth) Wilkinson (Brandon), Vice Chairman; Dan Kitchens (Crystal Springs)

Krista Traxler of Montana designed our logo and brochure. Lindsey Binion of Jackson created the design for our first newsletter which came out in January, 2010.

An office has been built within the Kitchens Law Firm in Crystal Springs, MS. For the time being Mary will man this office along with other volunteer help. Tina Lang of Crystal Springs has volunteered many hours already.

And this is just the beginning ...