Beginning our 50th summer at ASCCA, we have officially wrapped up training for our summer staff! Meeting this group of hard working people has been such a pleasure.

Over the last four days, our staff has learned all the skills necessary to give our future campers the best experience possible! They started the week acclimating to the camp environment where they moved into Marc Roberts Lodge. After a series of introduction exchanges, the staff was taught about ASCCA’s long and meaningful history. They learned about the policies, procedures, and basic rules of camp life and ended the night getting to know each other more.

Digging deeper into camp policy, the staff gained hands on learning experience in harnessing, transferring, and Wheelchair 101. They also learned how to personally care for campers and their specific needs. Later that afternoon, the staff got the opportunity to learn about different disabilities and how they affect the campers that attend ASCCA. Something special the staff got to experience was having dinner at the OutPost every night where they got to listen to music and spend quality time getting to know each other!

On Thursday, they started the morning with learning the tradition of flag raising and the Good Morning Song. They took a tour on the many program rotations, including zip lining, waterslide, tubing, archery, nature center, and much more! The staff then learned transferring at some stations where it is necessary. They ended the night having dinner at the BcK4T while learning about concerts and dances the Camp will hold at each session.

On the last day, staff wrapped up training with check-in training and answering last minute questions.

The staff is so excited to start the summer! Click here to see more photos of their training experience.

Authors: Brantly Ebelhar and Mandy Scarbrough

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Hey ASCCA family! My name is Mandy Scarbrough, and I am super excited to be a public relations intern at Camp for the summer!

I call Camden, Ala. home, but am currently attending Auburn University in the pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in business. I am involved within my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and within Public Relations Student Society of America as our chapter’s vice president.

I first learned about ASCCA from my employer at Burn Nutrition, Abbey Murray. Spending many years at Camp in all kinds of roles, she advocated for the unique opportunity that this experience would offer. My mother was a Special Education teacher, encouraging me to find the joys of life in everyone, no matter their ability. After long discussions and lots of prayers, I was welcomed into this summer’s staff with open arms. I love listening to music with my friends, singing along and soaking up every moment. You may hear me singing off tune but with so much heart!

I am looking forward to capturing the memories of both campers and staff this summer, and can’t wait to share the magic of ASCCA!

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Hey ASCCA Family! My name is Brantly Ebelhar and I am super excited to serve as a PR Intern this summer at Camp ASCCA!

I am from Fairhope, Alabama and currently attend The University of Alabama! I am majoring in Advertising and PR and am going into my junior year! I found out about Camp from one of my Mom’s coworkers who used to work at ASCCA as the Aquatics Program Specialist. This is my first summer here and I cannot wait to meet new people and make so many memories here at Camp!

I chose to work at Camp ASCCA because working with those who have disabilities has always been something I have enjoyed and held close to my heart. When I applied I originally intended on being a counselor but when I found out there was a PR Intern position I was over the moon. Taking pictures, creating outreach on social media, and connecting people with these things has something I have grown to love.

This summer I am looking forward to having the ability to be creative with the projects I get to work on! I am also looking forward to meeting so many new people from different backgrounds and creating bonds that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to seize this opportunity!

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Hey everyone!

The counselors arrived on June 9 for orientation, while the program staff was running programs here for Camp Seale Harris, which takes place before the ASCCA summer season.

Fifty years ago, Camp ASCCA held a dedication ceremony before the first session of the summer began. Mr. Bert Emmons served as the first Camp Director, and Mrs. Kris Emmons was the first Health Services Director.

Mr. Tom Collier later became the second Camp Director, and Mr. Jerry Bryum served as the Camp Administrator. Together, they helped establish programs such as Camp Sertoma, Camp Mobile Rotary, Camp Montgomery Kiwanis, Pioneer Camp, Camp Civitan, and others. Campers and staff wore sponsor T-shirts on Wednesdays to represent these groups.

Today, counselors are trained in skills such as two-person transfers, feeding, brushing teeth, bathing, and other daily care tasks. During Mobile Rotary Week, campers would prepare for departure on Friday by placing their luggage outside the Dining Hall in designated areas marked for Bus #1, Bus #2, and Bus #3.

Today’s counselors also learn important camp expectations from Matt and Amber. This includes no cell phone use during camper time. Counselors are expected to walk together, stay on the sidewalks, sing camp chants, and follow the daily schedule.

Check-in takes place on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Anyone checking in a camper must remain with them throughout the entire process. Check-out is on Friday at 9:15 a.m. The person picking up the camper must have a photo ID ready and sign the camper out.

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Summer 2026 is almost here, and before the fun officially begins, we’re excited to introduce our incredible program staff!

This team has spent time training, learning, and preparing for an unforgettable summer. They are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to create meaningful experiences, lasting memories, and plenty of fun for every camper who comes through our gates. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join us as we give a big Camp ASCCA welcome to Emma Johnson! Emma is joining us for her first summer at ASCCA as a member of our Outdoor Education program staff and will be running the Demo Farm.

Emma is from Somerville, Alabama, and is a rising sophomore at Calhoun Community College. She is currently working as a paraprofessional.

Emma originally heard about Camp ASCCA from her cousin, who worked here years ago and ran the Demo Farm. You could say ASCCA runs in the family!

She originally applied to work as a counselor, but upon learning about the farm position, she knew it would be the perfect fit. Having grown up on a farm and operated a petting zoo, Emma was excited for the opportunity to combine her experience and passion.

Emma is most looking forward to meeting all of our incredible campers.

A fun fact about Emma is that she knows how to make a pig sit!

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Summer 2026 is almost here, and before the fun officially begins, we’re excited to introduce our incredible program staff!

This team has spent time training, learning, and preparing for an unforgettable summer. They are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to create meaningful experiences, lasting memories, and plenty of fun for every camper who comes through our gates. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join us as we give a big Camp ASCCA welcome to Randi Skipper! Randi is joining us for her first summer at ASCCA as a member of our Arts & Crafts program staff.

Randi is from Prattville, Alabama, and is a recent graduate of Auburn University, where she earned a degree in psychology. She is currently on the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor.

Randi heard about Camp ASCCA from Anna Varnon, a current summer staff member. Choosing to spend her summer at ASCCA was an easy decision. Knowing this would be one of her last summers before entering the professional world, Randi wanted to spend it doing something meaningful, close to her heart, and rewarding.

She believes Camp ASCCA is truly unique and special to so many people, and she’s excited to become part of that impact.

This summer, Randi is most looking forward to learning every camper’s name and spending time getting to know the counselors and fellow staff members.

A fun fact about Randi is that she can moonwalk really well!

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Summer 2026 is almost here, and before the fun officially begins, we’re excited to introduce our incredible program staff!

This team has spent time training, learning, and preparing for an unforgettable summer. They are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to create meaningful experiences, lasting memories, and plenty of fun for every camper who comes through our gates. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join us as we give a big Camp ASCCA welcome to Carlee Looney! Carlee is joining us for her first summer at ASCCA as a member of our Aquatics program staff.

Carlee is from Hartselle, Alabama, and is a junior at Auburn University pursuing a degree in nursing.

She first learned about Camp ASCCA through a friend who previously worked here and spoke highly of the camp’s mission. Inspired by what she heard, Carlee knew she wanted to be part of the ASCCA family for a summer.

Carlee is most looking forward to helping every camper have the best experience possible. She is passionate about making sure everyone feels included and valued, especially in a world that is not always as inclusive as it should be.

A fun fact about Carlee is that she is ambidextrous and can use both her left and right hand equally well!

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Summer 2026 is almost here, and before the fun officially begins, we’re excited to introduce our incredible program staff!

This team has spent time training, learning, and preparing for an unforgettable summer. They are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to create meaningful experiences, lasting memories, and plenty of fun for every camper who comes through our gates. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join us as we give a big Camp ASCCA welcome to Lily Douglass! Lily is joining us for her first summer at ASCCA as a member of our Aquatics program staff.

Lily is from Hartselle, Alabama, and is a junior at Auburn University, where she is pursuing a degree in nursing.

Lily first heard about Camp ASCCA from a friend who previously worked here and immediately knew it would be the perfect fit for her. While this is her first summer at ASCCA, she brings four years of lifeguarding experience with her, and we’re excited to see her skills in action this summer.

Lily is especially looking forward to Teen Week after hearing so many great things about it.

A fun fact about Lily is that she can crush a soda can between her shoulder blades!

The post Meet the Program Staff 2026: Lily Douglass appeared first on Camp ASCCA.

Summer 2026 is almost here, and before the fun officially begins, we’re excited to introduce our incredible program staff!

This team has spent time training, learning, and preparing for an unforgettable summer. They are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to create meaningful experiences, lasting memories, and plenty of fun for every camper who comes through our gates. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join us as we give a big Camp ASCCA welcome to Saralynn Pelt! Saralynn is joining us for her first summer at ASCCA as a member of our Adventure program staff.

Saralynn is from LaGrange, Georgia, and is a rising junior at the University of West Georgia, where she is pursuing a degree in special education.

She first heard about Camp ASCCA from a former staff member and knew it was the place for her. Saralynn loves working with individuals with disabilities and has always loved camp, so ASCCA felt like the perfect fit.

Although she has never served in a role like this before, she is excited to take on a new challenge while helping create the best possible experience for our campers.

Saralynn is most looking forward to meeting all of our campers and getting to know each and every one of them. We’re so excited to have her on our team this summer!

A fun fact about Saralynn is that she loves being horizontal during rest period. In other words, she’s always happy to take the opportunity to lie down and relax!

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Camp ASCCA’s Director of Development, Dana, and Social Media & Marketing Specialist, Elise, recently attended the Alabama Elks Association’s 104th Annual Convention, held on June 6th in Decatur, AL.

During the event, the Alabama Elks Trust officers, presented Camp ASCCA with a generous 2026 gift of $50,000 to support capital projects.

The Alabama Elks Association has supported Camp ASCCA for countless years. No matter the need, the Elks are always among the first to show up and lend a helping hand. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support. It’s because of dedicated organizations like the Elks that Camp ASCCA has had the privilege of serving individuals with disabilities for 50 years.

Elise shared exciting updates about Camp ASCCA with the attendees and encouraged everyone to join us for Elks Day at Camp ASCCA on July 18th and for our 50th anniversary celebration on August 1st.

We are incredibly grateful to the entire Alabama Elks Association for their continued support and long-standing dedication.

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