Camp ASCCA isn’t just a place; it’s the people who make it feel like home. In this series, we’re shining a spotlight on the staff, past and present, who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to creating unforgettable experiences for our campers. From heartfelt stories to behind-the-scenes moments, get to know the faces, positions, and journeys that make ASCCA truly special.
Some people find Camp ASCCA later in life. Others have been part of this place for years before ever joining the staff. Chris Pendergrass definitely falls into the second group.
Chris first came to Camp in 2001 as a camper with Camp Seale Harris. Since then, Camp has been a constant in his life. He has only missed three summers since that first visit. Although he planned to start working at Camp in 2020, the pandemic delayed things a bit. His first summer on staff was in 2021 as a counselor. In 2022, he returned as a unit leader and seasonal staff member, and in April 2024, he officially joined the full-time team.
Today, Chris serves as the Outdoor Education Program Specialist. In that role, he oversees the demo farm, nature programs, fishing, and shooting sports. Still, like many roles at Camp ASCCA, his job goes far beyond the title.
“I help run the farm and outdoor programs, but during the summer I’m also the snake wrangler, program staff, and a floater,” Chris says. “If someone needs help somewhere, I’m usually around.”
Chris says he originally came to work at Camp because someone told him he would love it. Turns out they were right.
“Caroline Kelly told me I should work here, and within two weeks it had become my favorite place,” he says.
Part of what keeps Chris excited each year is getting to expand the outdoor programs and introduce campers to the natural world. Whether it’s working in the garden, harvesting vegetables, or cooking something campers helped grow themselves, he loves seeing them experience those moments.
Of course, like most staff members at ASCCA, Chris says the campers are the best part of the job.
“The campers. No question,” he says. “They bring so much joy and energy and always keep me in high spirits.”
When Chris talks about Camp, he talks about people. Listening to Boyz II Men with Wendell. Watching Tubbs on the drums, basketball with Fred, dancing with Daniel Modawell. Sneaking extra chocolate milk to Harrison. Grandpa Ron’s famous Oreo parties. Moments that might seem small to others are the ones that stick with him the most.
One memory that stands out happened during Teen Week in 2022, when Cheaha won Honor Cabin. The celebration in the cabin after dinner turned into one of those unforgettable Camp moments. Everyone was cheering and celebrating together when a counselor pulled a camper aside to tell him how much he had changed his life. The emotional moment quickly turned into laughter when the camper grabbed the cabin paddle and started chasing him around the room.
“It was just such a combination of emotion that really can only happen at Camp,” Chris says.
For Chris, Camp ASCCA is a place that teaches patience and compassion in ways that are hard to find anywhere else.
“My philosophy is that if everyone had to work in a restaurant and at Camp, 90% of the world’s problems would be solved,” he says. “Camp teaches compassion and patience more than anything.”
Working at Camp has also changed the way Chris sees people. Being here has shown him that everyone has something unique and meaningful to offer. Sometimes it’s obvious, and other times it takes a little more effort to see, but he believes it is always there.
“Everyone has something secret and special about them,” Chris says. “If you take the time to find it, you will be rewarded with a lot of joy.”
When asked to describe Camp ASCCA in one word, Chris chose “special.”
“People are different here,” he says. “There’s this energy of everyone working together. So many things happen here that it would be impossible without the community of people we have.”
During the summer, Chris enjoys the quiet moments just as much as the big ones. Early morning farm chores help him start the day, and evening cabin walkthroughs often turn into some of his favorite times with campers.
“I love stopping in to help with showers or get someone settled in for the night,” he says. “It’s always the best time in the cabin.”
Looking back over the years, Chris says one of his proudest moments is watching the summer staff grow throughout the season. At the beginning of the summer they are often strangers. By the end, they have formed close bonds with each other and with their campers.
“It’s like watching a metamorphosis,” he says. “The staff at the end of the summer are fundamentally changed by their experience, and I just get to sit back and watch it happen.”
When it comes to advice, Chris keeps it simple.
“You can do it,” he says. “For campers, you can come for a week, and it will be the best time. For parents, let us hang out with your child for a week. They’ll love it and so will we. For staff, you can do it. You have the rest of your life to work whatever job you want. You need to be here. There’s not much time in your life where this is a feasible thing to do, so take advantage of it.”
For Chris, Camp ASCCA is more than a job. It’s a place that has shaped his perspective, his relationships, and his life. If you spend even a few minutes talking with him, it’s clear he would not have it any other way.
