Over the weekend, Camp ASCCA had the privilege of hosting Pi Kappa Phi members from Auburn University as part of the Ability Experience. The Ability Experience is the philanthropic initiative of Pi Kappa Phi, dedicated to providing shared experiences that support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. Their core values are built on ability, teamwork, empathy, and integrity.
This organization first visited Camp ASCCA in the early 90s and has returned almost every year since. Their dedication never goes unnoticed. They are responsible for various projects around Camp ASCCA, including building the fishing dock, the Ziptower, the game room, the zipline platform, and much more.
Camp Director Matt Rickman says, “I can stand at the center of Camp ASCCA and point in any direction, and chances are something was built by Pi Kappa Phi members.”
This year, we were joined by 25 young men, and they participated in various projects around Camp. The projects included replacing the porch deck at Davis Lodge, replacing the deck at the waterslide, building raised flowerbeds at horseback, and completing various other small projects.
Not only did the members of Pi Kappa Phi show up ready to work, but they also generously donated $10,000 toward these projects. Their group leader, Alex Dumais, is not only a brother of Pi Kappa Phi, but also a former Camp ASCCA full-time staff member.
We’re incredibly grateful to these men for their ongoing support of Camp ASCCA. Their belief in our mission and selflessness in giving not only their time, but their skills, is something we do not take lightly.
“We hope that through this weekend, we teach these guys how to go from young college kids to young professionals who give back to their community through volunteerism,” says Matt Rickman.
