Why ASCCA: Caroline Discovers Passion, Purpose, and Lifelong Impact

Camp ASCCA has positively impacted individuals with disabilities, their families, and dedicated staff for almost 50 years. At ASCCA, people are valued and celebrated for who they are, not defined by their disabilities. We provide year-round, inclusive, and barrier-free camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities — a truly unique space where campers can embrace their individuality and independence in a supportive, supervised environment.

For years, our staff members have returned summer after summer, and we’re excited to share their stories! Through ‘Why ASCCA,’ we explore the big question—why?

Since 2018, Caroline has been on a journey with Camp ASCCA. After many years, she attributes ASCCA with changing her life for the better.

“I first heard about Camp ASCCA when I was a little girl. I would visit with my grandparents. My grandfather, Dr. Taylor D. Caffey, was the medical director for Camp Seale Harris, a user group that uses the ASCCA facilities each summer. I didn’t realize then that Camp ASCCA would be such an influential part of my life as a young adult.

At eighteen, and a recent high school graduate, I returned to work as a counselor for Camp Seale Harris. That summer, I made life-long friends that encouraged me to work at Camp ASCCA the next summer. As someone who had no prior experience with people with disabilities, I was hesitant to apply, but I took a leap of faith. In 2018, I began my journey at Camp ASCCA. I discovered a passion for being around and working with people with disabilities and that passion has only grown stronger over the past six years.

Over the years, I’ve worked almost every position –- counselor, unit leader, program staff on weekends, and med passer. Each position has provided its unique set of challenges and life-long lessons. It has made me a better person, friend, student, and now professional.

I love being a part of the week that most of our campers look forward to all year. Whether it’s encouraging independence, helping someone step outside of their comfort zone, or building a connection, Camp ASCCA is a special place that provides unique experiences for people with disabilities. I’ve also had the privilege of building connections with campers who don’t communicate in traditional ways. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life has been communicating and providing care to someone who couldn’t use their words to communicate with me.

The relationships I’ve built have shaped me both in school and professionally. I currently work at The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama at their Be Blessed location as a Teacher and Transition Coordinator. I work each day with adults with disabilities –- my passion becoming my career. I help them through teaching life, job, social, and leisure skills and accessing the community around them. I originally thought I wanted to pursue nursing, but after that first summer, I knew I specifically wanted to work with this population. The following year, I changed my major to Special Education.

I graduated from undergrad with a degree in K-12 Collaborative Special Education with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. I spent three years working the in the public school system with students who had severe disabilities. During that time, I completed my MA in Severe Disabilities Education with a focus in transition planning.

My experiences and relationships at Camp ASCCA over the last six years have shaped me into the person I am professionally. Camp ASCCA truly changed my life and has made me a better person in all areas.”

Interested in becoming a Camp ASCCA summer staff member? Click here to learn more and start your ‘Why ASCCA’ story this summer!