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.
In 2019, Elise Quinn arrived at Camp ASCCA as the PR Intern. What was meant to be a single summer experience quickly turned into something much more. In 2020, she stepped into a part-time role as the Social Media Specialist, serving in that position for two years before joining the full-time staff as the Social Media & Marketing Specialist.
What keeps Elise here is simple. It’s the environment. The people and the knowledge that no two days are ever the same.
“There’s something special about waking up every day knowing it won’t look like the day before,” she says. Summers are spent outside. Old friendships are nurtured. New ones are created. And living on site means community is never far away.
“My friends are here. People I love are here,” she says. “If I ever needed anything, there’s a dozen people I could call.”
That sense of belonging is what sets Camp apart from any other job. The flexibility. The creativity. The newness of each day. It doesn’t feel like work.
One moment that has stayed with Elise happened during check-in, when she was in the t-shirt room. From there, she can see campers making their way up from the parking lot toward the gym. A few summers ago, she spotted her friend Mary Martin walking up. The two have been close since Elise’s first summer in 2019. Elise ran out and wrapped her in a hug.
“It was just pure girlhood,” she says. “Two friends reconnecting and endless giggling.”
It was a simple, genuine moment that has stuck with her ever since.
For many campers, Elise believes Camp ASCCA is a safe haven. From the moment they pass under the gates, they know the next few days are about celebrating who they are. Their uniqueness, creativity, and ability. At Camp, they belong. They’re free to be unapologetically themselves.
When Elise first arrived at 21 years old, she never imagined she would build a career here. However, Camp has shaped her in every way. It has taught her how to connect with people from all walks of life and reminded her that, at the core, everyone wants the same thing.
“At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood and feel like they belong,” she says. “We’re all just walking each other home.”
If she had to describe Camp ASCCA in one word, it would be abundant. Abundant joy, love, and support. Everything here feels like it is overflowing in the best way.
Sundays in the summer are her favorite. The excitement is contagious as campers arrive eager to find out their cabin assignments, meet their counselors, and share what they’re looking forward to. That energy is contagious and irreplaceable.
One of Elise’s proudest moments comes at the end of each session, when parents and family members talk about the photos, videos, and stories shared throughout the week. Hearing that those small glimpses helped them feel connected and comforted while their camper was away means everything.
“Being able to bridge the gap between the magic happening at Camp and what families see at home is something I don’t take lightly,” she says. Capturing small moments that turn into big memories is one of her greatest honors.
Her advice for campers, staff, and families is simple. “Just do what you love.”
