Camp ASCCA Journal - Therapeutic Recreation

Hey, everyone! My name is Maggie England, and I am the new intern here at Camp ASCCA. Home to me is a small city in the Mississippi Delta named Greenville. I decided I wanted to work at Camp after hearing Callie Turman and Abbey Mitchell talk about their experiences. I graduated from high school in May of 2003, and less than ten days later, my parents helped me pack-up and head to Jackson’s Gap, Alabama. I did not realize at that point how much my life was about to change.

That summer, I served as a member of the aquatics staff. I will never forget the joy I experienced from being a lifeguard. The greatest part of tube rides was seeing the campers’ smiles as they let out screams of laughter. I could not stay away from Camp ASCCA, working several weekends in the fall and spring. The next role I took on was that of a counselor. I can honestly say that no one has ever made such an impact on me as all of the amazing campers here at Camp ASCCA!

I will never forget one of my campers, Toni, who kept me laughing every day from the time she woke up in the morning until she went to bed at night. Sometimes she would have a hard time eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner because we were joking throughout the entirety of the meal. We would always sing to Motown music, but Toni informed me that it was only because she forgot her favorite Donny Osmond cd. We developed such a great friendship during that week. Toni is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She spent over an hour at arts and crafts in order to make a pink and purple magnet for my refrigerator and to write a letter telling me how much she appreciated everything I had done for her as her counselor. Toni was a teacher for me, showing me the importance of kind words and thoughtfulness toward others.

I am back at Camp ASCCA to serve as an intern, and in March, Jackson’s Gap will officially be my new home. Yes, Nathan Waters and I are getting married March 10 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Upon the completion of my internship in May, I will earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you; I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here!

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