Lifelong friendships and exceptional outdoor activities are just some of the things Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults has to offer. Camp ASCCA is a therapeutic recreation camp that caters to people of all ages with disabilities.

Kelli Hood is from Hartselle Ala. She is an Auburn University graduate who interned at Camp ASCCA in the summer of 2008. After seeing a listing on Facebook for a public relations internship, Kelli decided to apply, and her life has not been the same since.

“Camp definitely changed my life,” says Kelli. “I learned so much about myself that summer, and I walked away with so many valuable friendships. I consider myself lucky to have had this experience.”

As a PR intern, much of Kelli’s time was spent photographing the campers, doing video interviews and writing blogs. These responsibilities allowed her to float between all the camp programs from day to day.

“I loved that I had the opportunity to visit all different activities each day,” says Kelli. “It gave me a unique view of camp that many other counselors don’t get. I got to see how one kid would connect with horseback riding, and how another would overcome his fear of tubing to have the time of his life.”

Swimming, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, boating, fishing and horseback riding are just a few of the camp programs. Camp ASCCA is dedicated to providing a unique experience for every camper.

As Camp ASCCA’s website states, “The Easter Seals Camp ASCCA mission is to help eligible individuals with disabilities and/or health impairments achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence.”

Camp ASCCA even has specialty weeks devoted to serving more specific proposes. For example, there is a three-week period, Camp Seale Harris, that for diabetic campers—one week for families, one for juniors (children) and one for seniors (teens and up). Kelli lived at camp from the end of May through the beginning of August. She stayed in cabins with the campers who came and went each week.

“It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life and I would recommend it to mostly anyone. I say ‘mostly anyone’ because there are some hard times, but some of those times are what taught me so much.”

Kelli’s personal favorite camp experience was “team week.” This is a week that she describes as “homecoming and prom all rolled into one.” Local high schools donate their prom decorations used from the previous year, and Camp ASCCA hosts an authentic prom for their campers—formal dresses and all.

“I don’t think I have ever laughed or cried more in one week,” says Kelli talking about “team week.”

According to Kelli, the campers live for camp. They love being in a place where nobody looks at their disabilities; people just see them. Kelli said that it was a very unique experience because it was the first time she felt like she was not like everyone else. This feeling of being different is what many people with disabilities experience every day, and retreating to camp provides these campers with a valuable feeling of comfort.

For more information about Camp ASCCA visit the camp website. While you’re at it, stop by ASCCA Friends, the camp’s very own social network site.



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