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.
For almost 30 years, Matt Rickman has been part of the Camp ASCCA family. From a summer internship to Camp Director, it’s clear that ASCCA leaves a lasting mark on everyone who passes under its gate.
If you know Matt, you know that Camp ASCCA is not just where he works; it’s home.
Matt started at Camp ASCCA during a spring internship in 1998. By January 1999, he was hired full-time. What began as an internship quickly grew into something much bigger. He served as Adventure Director before stepping into the role of Camp Director in 2004.
For Matt, camp is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle. “Some days truly feel like work, but most days I just feel lucky to be here,” he says.
When asked why he has dedicated so many years to Camp ASCCA, he answers simply: “The people. The campers and the staff, both summer and full-time.”
One of Matt’s defining moments happened at the zipline. A special education class was visiting, and a nonverbal boy with autism was preparing to go down. Matt remembers questioning whether the boy was ready or if they were pushing him into something he did not want to do.
“I heard a scream,” he says. “I looked at the teacher for reassurance, and she was crying.” But she wasn’t crying because something had gone wrong. The camper was laughing.
“She told me she had known him since kindergarten and had only heard him laugh twice,” Matt recalls.
“That was my ‘I get it’ moment. I realized there is more going on here than just having fun.”
When Matt talks about the impact of ASCCA, he emphasizes that we provide opportunities campers might not otherwise have. More importantly, we offer a safe space where they can be themselves, a place filled with socialization, kindness, and encouragement.
Camp has shaped Matt’s life in many ways. He often says he would be a different person had he chosen another career. Through Camp ASCCA, he has had the honor of working alongside his wife and watching his kids grow up here. He has seen them work at camp as well. The countless conversations with campers, staff, and parents over the years have left a lasting impression on him.
“Working at Camp has given me a deeper faith in humanity. Everyone is not as bad as the world makes it seem,” he shares. He also says his faith in God has grown stronger through his years at camp.
If he had to describe ASCCA in one word, it would be happiness. Everyone is genuinely happy to be here, and it’s easy to take that for granted until you stop and think about it.
“As I’ve gotten older, I would love to go back to a summer day running the zipline or a talent show or dance, nothing else to worry about,” Matt says. Those classic ASCCA summer moments are hard to beat, full of energy and joy.
His favorite part of the daily routine is often one of the quietest moments. Before breakfast, he enjoys his coffee during flag raising and has small conversations with campers just as the day begins. There is no rush, no distractions, only the here and now.
When it comes to pride, Matt does not reflect on personal accomplishments; he highlights the resiliency of the staff during the Dining Hall fire last summer.
“Everyone stepped up to make the process seamless,” he says. “Because of the staff, nothing changed for the campers. None of them seemed affected. No matter what curveball is thrown, we are able to adapt because of our staff.”
And if he could leave campers, staff, and parents with one piece of wisdom, he says, “Kill ’em with kindness.”
