T.K. Martin Center Celebrates 21st Camp Jabber Jaw

Funded in part by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Project START, Camp Jabber Jaw was established to provide a fun way for individuals to develop improved interactive communication skills. The campers are both individuals who utilize augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and those who do not but are of similar ages. Parents attend the camp with their child and have the opportunity to interact with other parents giving each an opportunity to share triumphs as well as disappointments. The camp has provided a forum for the development of friendships, facilitation of interactive communication, and fun.

In June 2018, Camp Jabber Jaw paused for a moment to CELEBRATE the completion of 20 great years of camp and also to celebrate Camp Jabber Jaw turning 21!!!  The campers began the week on Monday night with “An Anniversary Affair” complete with lace table cloths, china, candlelight, flowers and of course a delicious anniversary cake! The campers engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week focusing on celebrating big things as well as celebrating everyday things including random acts of kindness. Campers packed hygiene kits to be distributed by OSERVS as well as packed back pack meals which are given to local students in the school district to assure they have adequate meals on the weekends. The campers went horseback riding, swimming, and participated in a special musical activity which they had requested. On Wednesday, Camp Jabber Jaw celebrated its 21st Birthday Bash, and we welcomed back campers from over the years as well as previous TKMC staff to the annual camp dance. Guests were entertained on Friday with a play entitled, “Camp Jabber Jaw…This Is Your Life,” looking back at all the exciting events, fun times, and accomplishments achieved with our speech generating devices over the years.  Counselors for the week were graduate students from Mississippi University for Women, Jackson State University, The University of Southern Mississippi along with 3 recent MSU grads.  We had campers from California, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.