Camp TESSA (Teaching Effective Social Skills to individuals with Autism) was the idea of Kate and Wally Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had a granddaughter with Autism, and they wanted a camp that their granddaughter could attend without feeling overwhelmed while also increasing skills needed for life. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas went to Vanderbilt University and observed a camp there for those with Autism to see what kinds of skills could be taught in a camp setting. From that will to help their granddaughter and observation, Kate and Wally Thomas founded Camp TESSA. Now, Camp TESSA has been serving families in Hardin, Larue, and other surrounding counties since 2003. Every year, Camp TESSA strives to help children and adults with Autism improve their socials skills to enhance effective communication in the classroom and through community based instruction on field trips. Additionally, Camp TESSA integrates traditional summer activities into the curriculum to make learning fun!  Our Camp Crew has Certified Special Education and General Education Teachers, Volunteers, and Peer Buddies who have the common goal of making a difference in the lives of those with ASD.

Picture: Katie Caswell (Wally and Kate's granddaughter) in 2023 with Pam Harlow