In April 1976, Camp ASCCA welcomed its very first campers. What began as a dream to create a place where individuals with disabilities could experience the joy of camp has grown into a community that has impacted thousands of lives. For the past 50 years, our doors have remained open, welcoming campers from across Alabama and beyond. In those five decades, friendships have been formed, confidence has been built, adventures have been shared, and countless memories have been made. Through it all, our commitment to inclusion has never wavered.
On August 1, 2026, we celebrated this incredible milestone with our 50th Anniversary Celebration. More than 400 people gathered to honor Camp ASCCA’s past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future. Throughout the day, stories were shared about lives changed, lifelong friendships, and the moments that have made Camp ASCCA so meaningful to so many. It served as a powerful reminder that Camp ASCCA has always been about more than cabins, activities, or a week at camp. It is about creating a place where every person belongs, is celebrated for who they are, and has the opportunity to thrive.
Reaching 50 years is an extraordinary achievement, but it would not have been possible without the people who believed in this mission from the very beginning. We are forever grateful to our campers, families, staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped shape Camp ASCCA into what it is today. To the original staff of 1976, thank you for your vision, determination, and unwavering dedication. Because of your hard work, generations of campers have discovered confidence, independence, friendship, and a place they can truly call home.
Fifty years of inclusion. Fifty years of belonging. Fifty years of laughter, growth, unforgettable memories, and unconditional love. While we proudly celebrate all that has been accomplished over the last half-century, we know our story is far from over. The lives changed at Camp ASCCA each year remind us why this mission matters, and we are honored to continue serving individuals with disabilities and their families for generations to come.
Here’s to the last 50 years, and to the many more still to come.
