For Jake and Wynne Van Laan, Camp ASCCA has been part of their family’s story long before their son, Shepherd, attended his first week of camp.
Jake first came to Camp ASCCA in 2005 and later returned from 2010 to 2013, serving as a counselor and head counselor. The experience left a lasting impression on him, and when he and Wynne welcomed Shepherd into the world, Camp ASCCA quickly became part of the conversation about his future.
In fact, Wynne says the decision was made almost immediately.
“It was an immediate decision,” she said. “Jake was the voice of reason.”
When Shepherd was just a week old, doctors told the family he would likely have cerebral palsy. While the news brought plenty of unknowns, Jake remembers keeping his focus on the possibilities ahead.
“We’ll get him a super cool walker, and he’ll get to go to Camp ASCCA,” he said.
Years later, that vision became a reality.
The family reconnected with Camp ASCCA during the COVID-19 pandemic when they learned they could attend Family Camps. Since then, they have participated in Family Camp weekends several times, allowing Shepherd and his younger sister, Lucy, to experience the magic of camp alongside their parents.
This summer, however, was different.
For the first time, Shepherd attended camp on his own.
Although it was his first time spending a night away from home, his parents felt a sense of confidence that surprised them.
“He has never been away, even for a night,” Wynne said. “But we weren’t nervous about him being away. It was Camp ASCCA.”
Like many parents, they still had some concerns leading up to the week. Most of those centered around nighttime routines and how Shepherd would adjust to being away from home. But when it came to trusting the people caring for him, there was no hesitation.
“If he’s going to stay away for a while anyway, it might as well be Camp ASCCA,” Wynne said.
One thing that made the experience easier for the entire family was the opportunity to stay in one of the Frith Landing cabins while Shepherd attended camp.
Located just minutes from main camp, the cabins allowed Jake, Wynne, and Lucy to remain close by while still giving Shepherd the independence and full camp experience he deserved.
“It’s been awesome to be here at the cabin,” Wynne said. “It would’ve been a lot harder, even knowing everything about camp. I don’t know if we would’ve been ready to send him if the cabin wasn’t an option.”
Throughout the week, the family has enjoyed spending time together at Frith Landing, relaxing in the hammocks and enjoying the peaceful setting. One unexpected comfort has been hearing the sounds of camp carrying across the property.
“You can hear camp from here,” Jake said. “That’s comforting.”
For Jake, returning to Camp ASCCA as a parent has brought a completely new perspective.
“It’s interesting seeing camp from this side,” Jake said. “Being on the parent side.”
While Jake’s time on staff helped shape many of his memories of Camp ASCCA, it also taught him lessons that have stayed with him long after his counselor days ended.
“I picked up a lot of parenting skills throughout my time here,” Jake said.
As the week has unfolded, Shepherd has embraced camp life, building confidence, making new friends, and creating memories of his own. Watching him experience the same sense of belonging that Jake found years ago has made the moment even more meaningful.
For families considering Camp ASCCA for the first time, Jake and Wynne have simple advice.
“I feel more comfortable sending my kids to ASCCA than anywhere else,” Wynne said. “It’s good people, and they’re going to do right by them.”
Jake encourages families who may still be unsure to take advantage of the opportunities available to become familiar with camp.
“If it’s a real concern, try a weekend camp, follow Camp on social media, send mail, or use these cabins,” he said.
For the family, this week has been about much more than a first overnight camp experience. It’s been a chance to watch Shepherd take an important step toward independence while knowing he’s surrounded by people who care about him.
For Jake, Wynne, Shepherd, and Lucy, Camp ASCCA has become more than a place. It’s a community that has supported their family through every stage of life, and now it’s helping create a new generation of camp memories.
To listen to Jake’s episode on Camp ASCCA: The Podcast, click here.
