Meet The Staff: Aquatics

by Jackie Popper
ASCCA Session One

ASCCA has finally started; all of which would not be possible without the wonderful people making up our staff. Meet one of our longest returning Program Staff members Erin Stauss.

What’s your name, age, and where are you from?

My name is Erin Stauss, I’m 21 and I’m originally from Louisville, Kentucky but I grew up in Indian Springs Village, Alabama. But, I go to school at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

How did you find out about Camp ASCCA and how many summers have you worked here?

This is my 6th summer at Camp ASCCA. My high school has a graduation requirement of 50 hours of direct service to the disabled or disadvantaged, so that’s how I ended up here. I wanted to work MDA camp, since that’s what most of our students do; I figured since I grew up going to camp, it would be a good way to get my service hours. I ended up being out of town for part of MDA camp that year, so I googled this “Camp ASCCA” that it was held at, figuring other organizations like MDA held camps here. I learned from the website that camp has their own summer programs– an email to Matt later, followed by an interview, and I was a CIT that summer. I haven’t left since!

In the several years that you have spent with ASCCA what is the biggest thing you have taken away?

Oh man, I could write a novel on everything camp has taught me! From all the knowledge I’ve gained that has helped me in nursing school, to my own personal growth and leadership, camp has truly defined my life. I think the biggest lesson has been a greater respect for life; I’ve seen the value that each life has, and I’ve seen how universal the human experience is. We all have the same dreams and goals and desires. You know that line from that song, “You’ve got every right to a beautiful life”? That pretty much sums it up– life is beautiful. All life, every life. And at camp we help to enrich lives and bring hope to a lot of people.

Why is it important for parents to involve their children with disabilities or special needs in summer camps ASCCA?

One of the biggest things is the socialization – a lot of these children and adults spend all day every day at home with their families, or in their group home. After they age out of school, they don’t have a lot of options. Here, they are able to socialize and interact with new people. They also get to participate in things outside of the ordinary – not only activities like ziplining and waterslides, but things like dances and basketball games. They may have never been able to ask a girl (or guy!) to a dance before, or be Prom King or Queen.

Even just the simple fact that they get to go to summer camp like other kids is beneficial. When they go back to school in the fall, they are able to say, “hey I went to camp too! Here’s all the cool things I got to do!” These social experiences are one of the most important things camp provides! One of the other benefits is how it helps campers become more independent. The self confidence our programs build, such as being able to go down the zipline or catch a fish, and being able to take a one week “vacation” from Mom & Dad build campers’ independence.

They also are able to do things for themselves for the first time at camp. Our counselors take the time to let campers feed themselves and dress themselves. I remember one summer celebrating a camper who took his own socks off. Those are the important things around here, and that’s part of the magic of this place.

What to you hope to gain by working here another summer?

Every summer, I learn something new, and I fall in love with camp all over again. We call them “ASCCA moments” or “getting it”. I “got it” my first summer, but every year something happens that makes you stop and say “this is why I’m here.” I’m ready to “get it” all over again and be reminded why this place is so amazing.

And finally, now that ASCCA is finally here, what are you looking forward to most for this summer?

This might be my last summer– I’m still in denial. So, I’m hoping to enjoy every single ounce of it! I know it’s the same answer everyone gives, but I’m excited to see all the veteran campers and meet the new ones. A big part of camp is the relationships you make, so that’s what I’m most looking forward to. That, and LOTS of tubing and watersliding and boat rides!! I’m also excited to see all the new staff fall in love with camp– I love watching them “get it.” It’s so awesome.