A Disability Valentine’s Day Video Card for You
Of all the videos I’ve seen with a disability theme over the past few years, this one is maybe the best. It is sweet and tells a great story.
…animation creator Lindsay Thompson calls this video The Look of Love and it is great…
A woman tries to capture the attention of a man in a diner, but she can’t seem to get him to notice her. But things are not always as they seem.
Enjoy! It is a sweet, fun animation from aniBoom, entitled “The Look of Love”, by Lindsay Thompson, Character Animator.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Summer 2008 Camper & Staff Applications Are Here!
Many have asked for them, and now we have them all in one place. Look above for the links, or just use the ones below.
…We want to see you this summer! Campers and counselors alike, fill out the applications and send them in!
Download your application …
Summer 2008 Camp Application! Sign up now!
Complete Camper Application (2.2mb/PDF)
Complete Counselor / Staff Application (633K/PDF)
Fill them out and send them in! We look forward to seeing you at Camp ASCCA this summer!
You may need to get Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the files. They are in PDF format. Visit this link to download the free/safe reader from Adobe software.
Splash Pad Construction Underway
Water is important to everyone at ASCCA each summer. If nothing else, it helps cool us off during the hot summer days.
…workers are busy installing the new Splash Pad and getting us ready for spring & summer…
We went out to watch the workers install the various elements on the splash pad today.
Please watch our video and you’ll see the new palm tree showers being assembled, along with the new water cannons that we are certain everyone will want to play with this summer.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=8qT8IMdS5JI[/youtube]
Camp Director Matt Rickman Shares ASCCA News
Hey Everybody! Just wanted to let everyone know what is going on this week at camp.
…Camp is really shaping up with new activities and new staff for 2008…
Well, the weather this week has been very warm, so it has been a good time to get out and work on some of the program areas. Our “Splash Pad†is underway; they began construction on it this week. It is pretty cool for me, because I can see it right out of my office window.
I have been working hard on staff and camper recruitment. The camper applications went out late last week, so you should receive one in the mail. If not, you can download your summer application (part 1 and part 2) directly from the Home Page of the website. Please return them ASAP.
I am also trying to recruit a new group for this April. Unfortunately, our traditional Kidney Camp that we host is unable to come this year. They are hoping to return in 2009. So I am trying to recruit an organization or group that would like to come to camp for the weekend of April 25-27, 2008.
Anyway, look for more blogs from me and the rest of the staff each week. We will also be posting some video blogs.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Your Camp Director
Matt Rickman
Family Deer Hunt Weekend Video Slideshow
This year’s hunting weekends saw the campers bag a total of four deer, three bucks and a doe (all in season).
Among the memorable experiences, deer chili, steaks and the fun of a big group of hunters and their families coming together for a weekend of hunting and hunter education. Geni Payne put together the following slideshow of the photos from both weekends.
“We have camp weekends like this, because there are aspiring hunters that don’t get the chance to go out into the woods and hunt deer. Camp ASCCA is able to adapt the environment and make it possible for wheelchairs to enter the deer plots. Along with the help of our state game wardens, we’ve been able to create a very accessible and successful hunting environment for people with disabilities,” said Geni Payne, ASCCA Director of Environmental Education.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Camp ASCCA :: Cold and Wind, Pine Trees Dropping Like Flies
Falling trees are always a fact of life when you live out in the woods. Allison Wetherbee encountered a fallen tree this morning after a very windy night. Check out the latest Utterz podcast we did from my cellphone at the scene of the incident.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
ASCCA Snow Video Slideshow
For a follow up to Allison’s post, here is a video slideshow of photos taken by Geni Lynn Payne during our recent Family Deer Hunt weekend. We had some fun snow!
Check out the small version below, or right-click and download this larger version.
The photos are in our Facebook area, too. So, check out Camp ASCCA in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Camp ASCCA Starts using Utterz to Podcast
For a new way to communicate with all of you, we’ve started doing some mini-podcasts via Utterz. Please check it out! Say hello to Allison!
There is an audio interview with Allison and Dana Rickman, too!
Link to audio interview and video with Allison Wetherbee | Link to audio interview with Dana Rickman and Allison Wetherbee
Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Winter Newsletter :: Camp ASCCA
For a look at the recent activities - and new programs coming up - here is the Winter 2007/2008 Camp ASCCA newsletter.
Among other things, you’ll learn about the new water splash pad we have coming up for Spring/Summer 2008. Click the image to your right for the PDF file of the newsletter.
Camp ASCCA has recognized the need to expand the already great list of activities available. By the summer of 2008 Camp
ASCCA looks to construct a 2,800 square foot, fullyaccessible water playground. The water playground would be the first of it kind at Camp ASCCA and the first of its kind at any Easter Seals camp nationally. Click the thumbnail to your left for a larger image.
Other great news? Allison Wetherbee is back. Read the newsletter for a story from Allison about why she chose to change careers and come back to help Camp ASCCA.
Hello everyone! I’m back! John Stephenson and the folks at Camp ASCCA have graciously accepted me back as part of the ASCCA team. I am working as a Public Relations Representative, and will be living at camp in a newly built accessible home by December! For those of you who aren’t familiar with me, I began my lifelong journey with ASCCA as a camper at the tender age of seven. That was in 1978. You do the math!
Check it out. Some great news from camp thanks to Dana Rickman, the publisher/developer of the newsletter.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Stampin’ Escape Scrapbooking and Stamping Spring 2008 Retreat
Amy Nabors has announced the latest edition of Stampin’ Escape Scrapbooking and Stamping Spring 2008 Retreat to be held at Camp ASCCA.
Happy New Year! Ready to start off the year scrapping and stamping? Right now the weather is cool and all I want to do is stay inside and scrap. Winter is nice, but thankfully Spring will be right around the corner.
We have the perfect opportunity for you to start your Spring off right with stampin’ and scrappin’ excitement! The next Stampin’ Escape will be March 28-30, 2008. Once again the gorgeous lakeside Lions Lodge at Camp ASCCA in Jacksons Gap, Alabama (between Alexander City and Auburn and only 65 miles from Montgomery and 80 miles from Birmingham) will be the perfect location for all of the stampin’ fun. The Lions Lodge is a location spacious enough for scrapbookers, beautiful enough for a weekend getaway and central enough for all stampin’ friends to join the fun. Consider yourself a special guest as we shower you with goodie bag, door prizes, classes, games and plenty of space to scrap and stamp to your hearts content
.
Please visit Amy’s blog, Ordinarily Extraordinary, to learn more about Stampin’ Escape Scrapbooking and Stamping Spring 2008 Retreat at ASCCA.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Wishing You All a Joyous and Merry Christmas Holiday Season!
Finishing out our year, Camp ASCCA celebrated the holidays in great spirit. Our annual holiday weekend was a terrific success.
…get ready for an amazing 2008 with new programs and new staff serving you with a smile…
Campers and counselors got back together for a terrific meal on friday night. Then, they took off to the mall on saturday morning, followed by a trip to Callaway Gardens and their Festival of Lights.
Geni Payne put together this fun slide and video show from the weekend. Please accept it as your video greeting card celebrating you and all the fun you bring to Camp ASCCA. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
2008 Camp ASCCA Summer Schedule Released
Get excited … summer, believe it or not, is just around the corner! Who knew. 
…pick your camp session and get ready for the new application - it will be up soon - so you can get ready for another great experience at ASCCA this year…
Matt Rickman, ASCCA Camp Director, today released the 2008 Summer Camp ASCCA Schedule.
Here is the schedule … (more…)
Fully Accessible Water Splash Pad for ASCCA in 2008!
Camp ASCCA recognizes the need to expand the already great list of activities available. We try to add something new every year … so, here is the newest attraction at ASCCA for 2008!
By the summer of 2008 Camp ASCCA will construct a 2,800 square foot, fully accessible water playground.
This water splash pad will be the first of its kind at Camp ASCCA, to be sure … but, it is also the first of its kind at any Easter Seals Camp nationally!
Award Presented to Judy Williams
On October 2nd, John Stephenson and I traveled up to Talladega Superspeedway. No, we weren’t preparing for the big race weekend, but visiting with Judy Williams. Judy is a long-time supporter of Camp ASCCA and is employed in the security office at Talladega Superspeedway.
We were able to present Judy with a James D. Orr, Jr. Award for her valuable service and donations to Camp ASCCA. This award annually honors volunteers who demonstrate dedicated volunteer service over a significant period of time.
Judy was one of the first counselors to work here the summer camp opened back in 1976. Since then, she has worked and volunteered on-and-off in many different capacities. She is always a “cheerleader” for our staff, making sure that they are happy and that the campers they work with are having the best time ever!
Thank you, Judy! And for you race fans, yes, we did tour the Speedway facility. It was my first time to visit and I was impressed!
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Wild Apricot’s Mission: To Return Your Sanity :: Nonprofit Blog Exchange Virtual Event
We nonprofit organizations have to be, well - you know - organized.
Thanks to the Nonprofit Blog Exchange Virtual Event , we have now met the good people at Wild Apricot, the developers of Wild Apricot software. They supply “Web-based Membership Database Software with Event Registration, Web Site Management and Much More!”
…Wild Apricot is all about web technology and social media tools for nonprofits…
Into the social media thing, like Camp ASCCA, Wild Apricot has a blog, too. It is written by 
Soha El-Borno (ya’ gotta love that name). Pretty photo, too. Sorry, Soha. I stole, um, borrowed it.
Soha is the primary writer for Wild Apricot’s blog. She is also a part of Bonasource’s Wild Apricot marketing team. Bonasource “specialize(s) in custom web applications that achieve measurable business results” and is the parent company of New Apricot.
Their blog “is about web technology and social media tools for associations, clubs, charities, and other non-profit and member-based organizations. We focus on the issues and trends relevant to volunteers, administrators, webmasters, and managers seeking to get their sanity back by taming the modern web technologies and using them effectively.”
They also do something pretty cool. Wild Apricot asks their readers to “contribute non-profit technology tips and ideas by email or by commenting on blog entries.” You know, ask you to get involved in the conversation. I like that. Wild Apricot gets the whole “community” idea of social media … or blogs. Kudos to Wild Apricot!
Well, that’s kinda like us. You know, we always want to hear from you. So, please contact us with your ideas for our site - or, for more information about Camp ASCCA. Hey, you can also leave a comment on any of our posts. We need to get you folks more into that process.
Well, Wild Apricot’s software certainly interests Camp ASCCA. We’re always looking for new ideas and tools to keep the workflow going for you. So, I’ve signed up for a test account and we’ll see how it goes. Please visit the Wild Apricot Blog and check them out.
We are always happy when the Nonprofit Blog Exchange Virtual Event rolls around. Many thanks to Emily of the Nonprofit Blog Exchange and Emily’s World, an excellent blog, too.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
ASCCA Fall 2007 Newletter Now Available for Download
Fall is upon us and that means news from camps gone by … and news of more camp sessions. This weekend, for instance, we have Partlow coming to ASCCA. Also, we’ll enjoy a visit from the Auburn University Singers for their Fall retreat.
…We know from talking with the parents of our campers that the Camp ASCCA experience increases confidence, independence and social skills…
Dana Rickman has put together a newsletter for you with news from summer and more. Please download and read the Fall 2007 Camp ASCCA Newsletter (pdf). You may need to get Adobe Acrobat Reader to read it. Use the link or click the icon to the left and you’ll be taken to the page to download the free software from Adobe.
In this issue, you’ll hear from John Stephenson, Administrator of ASCCA, and about many other camp programs, staff, volunteers, donors … it is a fun fact-filled newsletter.
You’ll also hear some terrific special news about Allison Wetherbee. I’ll tease it here:
“Camp ASCCA’s a huge part of my childhood. In a lot of ways, I feel like camp is where I “grew up.†I learned more about myself, others and life in general there as opposed to anywhere else!
Camp and the people I met there shaped who and what I would become. I seriously can’t imagine what my life would be like now if it weren’t for the experiences I had there.†- from the ASCCA Alumni Forum
The newsletter is filled with news and info about upcoming camp sessions, too. Please check it out. Fall 2007 Camp ASCCA Newsletter (pdf).
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
USA Today Story on Lakeshore Rehabilitation’s Rise and Conquer Weekend at Camp ASCCA
Lakeshore Foundation 
brought 32 veterans, severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, to Camp ASCCA this weekend. This is the second such event held by Lakeshore at ASCCA. There area plans for two per year.
USA Today reporter Larry Copeland and photographer Dave Martin came along to watch the action.
Their story appears now on USAToday.com. Check it out! Camp helps wounded Iraq war veterans get back on feet.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
UAB’s Delta Sigma Phi Goes Coaster Crazy for Camp ASCCA
Delta Sigma Phi at UAB rolled to success this weekend as they launched their “Coaster Crazy for Camp ASCCA” fundraiser in Birmingham. 
Check out the video from the wonderful event in B’ham on WBRC’s Web site.
Thanks to Dan Laan and all of the brothers and sisters associated with Delta Sigma Phi.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WBRC-TV MyFoxAL.com) — Fraternity members of UAB’s Delta Sigma Phi rode rollercoasters non-stop to raise money for Camp ASCCA…
They promoted the event via their Facebook group: Coaster Crazy for Camp ASCCA and elsewhere. The coaster is at Alabama Adventure in Bessemer.
That coaster looks fun. Don’t guess we can build one at camp, huh? Well, we always have the zipline and more…
Thank you, Dan and all of Delta Sigma Phi. The thousands you raised will make many campers smile as they get to visit Camp ASCCA.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Camp ASCCA Web Site Upgrade
Hello, I’m just letting you know that there are many changes going on with the entire Camp ASCCA Web site.
Right now, you may encounter some errors along the way, so please don’t panic on us. I ask for your patience as we upgrade and improve the load times to the site.
As you can likely see, the categories are a bit goofy right now. Videos are back up and running, but - you need to play them in PopUp for now. So, look at the end of each post and you will see a link for “Play in Popup” and it will play. Also, videos and other multimedia will take a day or so to get back up and running. But, we will post several new ones when that happens, so there’s a reason for smiles. And I will start putting these up on Saturday, but now … well, I need to sleep. So, take care.
The latest change is an upgrade to our publishing platform, WordPress.
Feel free to write to me if you encounter any problems. I will get to them as quickly as possible.
Thank you!
Robert
Kivi Leroux Miller’s Nonprofit Communications Blog
Kivi Leroux Miller’s Nonprofit Communications blog drew the Camp ASCCA assignment for this session of the Nonprofit Blog Exchange Virtual Event. Luckily, we got the assignment for Kivi’s blog, too.
Emily at the Nonprofit Blog Exchange assigned the Camp ASCCA Journal to Kivi as part of the event.
Kivi was excited because she already knew about us. About a year ago, Kivi contacted us seeking to included Camp ASCCA’s site as a good example of how nonprofits can use blogs. She did so in her Blogging for Nonprofits course in December 2006 through Duke University’s certificate program in nonprofit management. We are grateful to Kivi for including us.
You can read Kivi’s insights about our blog efforts in her post - Why I Like the Camp ASCCA Blog. She has some wonderful ideas for how we might improve the site, too. What do you think about her ideas?
Now, here is what I like so much about Kivi’s sites. Yep, that’s right - sites. She has many of them. (more…)
ASCCA’s YouTube Videos
Previously, Camp ASCCA has hosted all of our videos on our own servers. Now that we have a T1 connection at ASCCA, look for our videos to start showing up much more on YouTube and other social media video sharing sites.
Why will we put our videos on YouTube? We’ve found that this helps us reach many more people. You’ll still see the videos here in the Journal. But, millions of other people search within YouTube. They would likely never find us unless we populate our channel with many videos. So, we’re doing this to further spread the word of Camp ASCCA.
Here is what our video player will look like. (more…)
Pam Williams :: ASCCA Nurse Says Thanks for the Fun Summer
Hi Campers!
Well, I now have 2 summers under my belt, and I’m feeling pretty darn good. My main priority is that each of you have a safe camp experience, and I feel that was accomplished with the help of many.
So, I wish to extend props to my bosses, John & Matt; my nursing staff-Barb/Peggy/Carolyn; head counselors/unit leaders; counselors; program and dining hall staff, because each year I realized that this is definitely a team effort.
I want to thank you, the new and returning campers who attended this season, and I hope that you are looking forward to returning in 2008.
The video below if Pam’s welcome message from the beginning of this summer.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Google Maps Now Offers You A Map Of The Two ASCCAs
For your driving pleasure, or just for the fun of it, we have the new Google map of Camp ASCCA Jackson’s Gap and Dadeville.
The map may be accessed directly by following this link to Google maps, or you may use the embedded map below.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
Photo Captures Camp ASCCA
Aphoto that I feel just captures Camp ASCCA in a unique way.
…Kara Graves shared this photo on Facebook - Thanks, Kara!
This summer, we’ve shared thousands of photos on our Camp ASCCA Flickr pages and in Facebook, too. They’ve come, primarily, from our great interns - Cathy Cochran, Whitney Shiflett and Alicia Smith. We’ve also received and found photos from our counselors and program staff, too.
This photo is one of those unique images that requires little else to tell the story of what we do and the experiences … the people … that make ASCCA special.
Did you know that Camp ASCCA is in Facebook? If you are too, please go on over and “Friend” Camp ASCCA and join the Camp ASCCA Facebook group, too.
