For Craig and Kelli Campbell, Camp ASCCA has become much more than a place where their daughter, Samantha, spends a week at camp each summer. It’s a place that brings their entire family peace, joy, and time to reconnect.
This summer marks the second year the Campbell family has stayed at one of the cabins at Frith Landing while Samantha enjoyed her week at Camp ASCCA. What started as trying something new has quickly become a tradition.
“We normally would go to the beach,” Kelli said. “But this is the only time we really have together throughout the year. It’s so peaceful here. You aren’t able to relax anywhere like this.”
From the porch of their cabin, they’re able to take in the quiet beauty of Lake Martin and enjoy a slower pace of life. In the evenings, they can even hear the sounds of camp drifting across the water.
“You can hear the talent show and karaoke,” Craig said. “It’s just really special being this close.”
Their Camp ASCCA journey began in 2017 through a recommendation from a family friend. Even with the recommendation, sending Samantha to camp for the first time wasn’t easy.
“She had never been away from home before, and we were very scared,” Kelli recalled.
Those worries didn’t last long.
“A few hours later, we started seeing pictures, and she had the biggest smile on her face,” she said. “Then we saw a picture of her tubing behind a boat. I never thought she would be able to do something like that.”
Since that first summer, Camp ASCCA has become one of Samantha’s favorite places.
When asked what Camp ASCCA means to their family, Kelli said, “That’s a loaded question.”
Craig answered with one word.
“Joy.”
“It’s heaven on earth for Samantha,” he continued. “She doesn’t get to do things like this everywhere else. For her to be able to go somewhere for five days, be completely seen, and be okay being away from home means everything.”
The week at camp benefits the entire family.
“We know she thrives being away from us,” Kelli said. “As parents, it gives us a break and peace of mind knowing she’s cared for and loved.”
When camp ends, the impact doesn’t stop at checkout.
“The whole way home, she’s smiling,” Kelli said. “You can tell by the look on her face that she’s replaying all of the moments over and over.”
While Samantha is creating memories at Camp ASCCA, Craig and Kelli have found that Frith Landing offers them a chance to create memories of their own.
Beyond the beautiful lake views, they appreciate the convenience of being just minutes from camp while still having a quiet place to unwind.
For families considering staying at Frith Landing during their camper’s week, the Campbells have simple advice.
“Just trust,” Kelli said. “Trust the people. Everyone here knows what they’re doing, and there’s so much passion for the campers.”
They also encourage families to embrace the experience.
“You really can’t beat the view or the peacefulness of this place,” Kelli said.
For the Campbell family, Camp ASCCA is where Samantha finds independence, where her parents find peace, and where their family is reminded that everyone deserves a place where they are seen, loved, and able to thrive.
