Hey everyone, and happy 2026!
As you all know, the Dining Hall has officially reopened after lightning struck on June 29, causing fire and water damage and leading to the cancellation of Session 3. That evening, the counselors reached out to check on me. It was upsetting when Matt had to announce that Session 3 campers would need to return home early.
This upcoming summer will be Camp ASCCA’s 50th summer! During the session, I’m attending the theme is Decades. I’ll take you through a look back at everyday life, the old school way.
Back then, weekends were spent listening to the radio, especially Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. Before dishwashers, every dish had to be hand-washed after each meal. Laundry detergent came only in powdered form, and you used about one cup per load. Toothbrushing meant choosing a favorite toothpaste like Aim, Aquafresh, Colgate, Crest, or Close-Up.
Television was much simpler, too. There were only a few channels, and during the day, grandmothers often watched their favorite soap operas like Ryan’s Hope, Loving, All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital. After school, kids came home for The Disney Afternoon before doing homework. If you wanted to change the channel, you had to get up and do it yourself.
At the grocery store, there were no scanners. Cashiers manually keyed in prices, and you left with your groceries packed in a paper bag that you carried yourself. Outside department stores, kids rode coin-operated rides like merry-go-rounds or horses for just 25 cents. After taking photos, the film had to be dropped off to be developed instead of seeing pictures instantly.
There is still plenty of time to plan your weekly theme attire!
In other news, Summer 2026 Staff Applications are now open. Female counselor positions tend to fill quickly, and Matt will be scheduling interviews soon. We are also gearing up for Spring Weekend Registration and Rookie Camp Weekend, which is designed especially for new campers and their families.
