Ability Camp 2015

The Ability Experience, formerly Push America, is a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities. The Ability Experience was founded in 1977 as the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its members and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Although the organization is still fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended, The Ability Experience has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni and communities about the abilities of people with disabilities.

Thirty-eight students representing six university chapters are here at Easter Seals Camp ASCCA this week – March 7-12, 2015. They are here for one of the organization’s annual Ability Camps. This is a week in which the group works on projects that helps to create accessible environments for people with disabilities. This week they have constructed a new accessible fishing pier, built six accessible picnic tables, built a guard rail, built hammock stands, refurbished the laundry carts and the gym benches, constructed a new game at the lakefront area, and many, many other needed projects.

The Ability Experience has many other events that benefit people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. Please check them out here!

The Ability Experience’s mission is, “We use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders.” which has been fulfilled for more than 35 years. Although the wording may have been changed, The Ability Experience’s vision to “Create a community, one relationship at a time, where the abilities of all people are recognized and valued,” remains unchanged.

They have definitely enjoyed the warmer weather since they are all from the more northern universities of Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Truman State, University of Toledo, Furman, and Missouri State. The four Ability Experience staff members leading the group are from Charlotte, NC, and even there they’ve had a lot of recent snow!

And finally as an interesting side note, Alex Dumais is a former Camp ASCCA summer staff member and is the leader here this week for the Ability Camp. Alex is The Ability Experience’s Director of Special Events and according to their website, “Alex is primarily responsible for the Build America program, Ability Weekends, Ability Camps, AccessABILITY grants, and our Ability Experience Challenges.” Alex is an alumnus member of Pi Kappa Phi from the University of South Alabama and has recently started working with The Ability Experience full-time. So far he has led one Ability Weekend and this is his first Ability Camp. To say the least, we are PROUD and HAPPY to have him back here!