Camp ASCCA Blog

As the new Aquatics Program Specialist, Heather is primarily responsible for the Pool, Waterslide, Splash Pad, Tubing, and Boating programs. Her favorite part of the job is having the opportunity to share the aquatics activities she grew up loving on the Tennessee River with all of the campers that come through the gates of Camp ASCCA here on Lake Martin. Over the summer, Camp stole her heart, and she knew that she could not leave such an impactful place.

Last Thursday we were joined by Auburn Junior High School 7^th and 8^th grade students from Tiger Pride and the Student Council for a day of team-building. The Tiger Pride club promotes school spirit, student pride, and random acts of kindness. The goal of the day was for each team to become stronger when working together and maximize their communication skills when obstacles are put in their way.

Camp ASCCA weekend events often come with special treats. On Friday, members of the Alexander City Elks Lodge joined us for a sweet treat and served ice cream to campers and staff. The owner of the local Dairy Cream, Mike Lucas, once again was generous enough to donate the ice cream for this weekend. They provided flavors of strawberry, vanilla, and peanut butter and even included waffle cones!

We have had a spooktacular weekend full of program rotations, costume contests, and old and new friendships. Last night campers and staff arrived to dinner wearing their best and favorite costumes for the annual costume contest and dance. We saw every costume you could think of from, Taco Man, Taco Woman, Mister Pink, Darth Vader, and many more. As the anticipation grew for an announcement of the contest winners, we brought everyone into the dining hall for a night of dancing with their friends and taking silly pictures in the photo booth.

Last night, campers and their families arrived at Camp ASCCA for our annual Fall Family Weekend anticipating a time of ASCCA scares and memorable stories. The weekend began with campers reuniting in the cabins and talking about everything that had happened since they were together this summer.

We recently showed you a few new projects that we are working on here at Camp, and we are continuing to make progress. As promised, here is a new updated to our latest project at Hammocks and Horseshoes.

If you are interested in learning about how Camp ASCCA can visit your school or organization, contact Amber Cotney at amber@campascca.org.

On Tuesday, we were visited by Kevin Rickman and Randy Burgan from Payless ShoeSource. Over the past 5 years, the company has given over $8,200 to Camp through its corporate “Choose to Give” campaign.

ASCCA on the Road is a new opportunity for potential campers and their families to learn more about Camp ASCCA and everything it has to offer. ASCCA staff members are traveling to various locations across the Southeast to meet families that could benefit from Camp ASCCA and encourage them to check out camp and visit for a weekend event or perhaps a week during the summer.
Many people do not realize that a place like Camp ASCCA exists, so we decided it was time to bring Camp to them.

This morning we were joined by staff members from the East Alabama Medical Center for Camp Ignite, a day of new challenges, team building, and ASCCA group elements. Everyone was divided into groups by the color of their t-shirt for the day. Before any strenuous activities began, everyone gathered in the pavilion for a time of fun and performance from each group, and a few games with Camp Director Matt Rickman and Program Director Amber Cotney.

Throughout the fall, we often have groups visit camp for team building, group elements, and more. Starting Friday, we have a couple organizations that will be joining the ASCCA staff for activities that will develop their ability to work together and conquer their every day challenges.

Each summer, the Camp ASCCA Camper of the Year is chosen by the summer staff. The staff comes together to nominate ten campers, and after those are voted on, the Camper of the Year is chosen from the top three. The staff members individually consider campers and what make each one special to them.