An ‘Utter’ with a Seale Harris CIT
Last week, the counselors in training (CIT’s) at Camp Seale Harris prepared
themselves for working with campers. They developed leadership skills, discussed various camper scenarios, and learned about diabetes.
This week, CIT’s are mixed in with cabins. They assist the counseling staff with any needs they may have. They also help the campers count carbohydrates and with their insulin.
In an ‘Utter’ a CIT shares the importance of the CIT program, what it is like to work with campers with diabetes, and the value of attending a camp like Camp Seale Harris.
Check out her ‘Utter’ here:
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Seale Harris junior campers at the zipline
Seale Harris Junior Camp has begun! Junior camp is a camp for children with diabetes. Campers have the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreational activities such as canoeing, tennis, swimming, and tubing. 
The zipline is a very popular activity during camp. This activity challenges kids to hoist themselves to the top of a platform and then fly down a cable. The zipline is a “challenge by choice” activity; this means that campers are not forced to participate in the activity. However, the program staff tries to get every camper into a harness, and quite often, the campers who are scared want to participate after seeing their friends having fun.
Some campers may be a little frightened once they get to the top of the platform. With the encouragement of the program staff, 
the campers gain the confidence to push off the platform. As soon as they launch, they are smiling the whole way down.
In an interview, one Seale Harris camper shares why he enjoys the zipline. This year is his first year at junior camp; he previously attended family camp. He also shares his reasons for coming to camp and why other kids should come.
Check out his interview here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA Friends
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What you may not know about Kelli Hood
Kelli Hood is one of Camp ASCCA’s public relations interns. Kelli is from Hartselle Ala., and this is her first public relations internship.
Kelli is a senior at Auburn University majoring in public relations with a minor in business management. When she graduates in December, Kelli hopes to move to Nashville. Her dream job would be to work in entertainment public relations as a record label promoter.
Kelli decided to apply to Camp ASCCA after viewing an ad on Facebook. She said that disabilities have been a big part of her life, and she wants an opportunity to make a difference. This summer, Kelli will be interviewing campers and staff, videotaping program activties, maintaining Camp ASCCA’s website and social network, and writing feature articles for local newspapers.
Kelli believes that this internship will benefit her greatly in the future. It helps us to feel comfortable speaking with and interviewing people. She hopes that future employers will notice the work that she has done with Camp ASCCA and realize that she has done something worthwhile.
Keep an eye out for Kelli’s work on our website and on ASCCA Friends!
Find more videos like this on ASCCA FriendsCamp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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 Seale Harris :: Meet Alex
It was a hot one today! Seale Harris campers took a chance to cool off at the pool this morning. The pool has been very popular among the Senior Camp teens, and one can see them splashing and swimming there during most of the day.
I had an opportunity to meet Alex, a camper at Camp Seale Harris Senior Camp, during his activity at the pool. Alex has been attending camp for four years. He enjoys seeing his friends each year and catching up with returning staff. Alex has participated in a variety of activities this week such as swimming, sports and games, the splash pad and tubing.
A sponsorship from the Haleyville Lions Club allows Alex to attend camp each summer. He is thankful for the opportunity, and has learned a great deal from the diabetes education at Camp Seale Harris. During his first year of camp, he began to give himself insulin, and he is now measuring out his own insulin. Alex said being with other campers who have the same issues as him has given him more confidence in coping with his diabetes.
Check out Alex’s interview at the pool here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA Friends
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Gettin’ cool in the pool
Seale Harris Senior Campers took a dip in the pool this morning. Camp Seale Harris Senior camp, a summer camp for teens with diabetes, gives campers a chance to meet new friends with similar conditions, participate in a variety of activities, and learn about diabetes.
I had the chance to meet up with Jacob, a camper from Florence, Ala. Each year, Jacob is sponsored by the Florence Downtown Lions Club. His generous sponsorship allows him to continually enjoy Camp Seale Harris. Jacob has been coming to camp for seven years and plans on applying to be a CIT (Counselor in Training) next summer.
Check out Jacob’s ‘Utter’ here:
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Meet our new program staff member :: Melissa Wyman
Melissa Wyman is beginning her first summer at Camp ASCCA. Melissa will be the sports and games director on program staff.
Wyman has previously worked at summer camps and was looking for something new to do this summer. She found Camp ASCCA on Google and here she is!! Wyman and her roommate, Emily Clark, came all the way from
Baltimore Maryland. As a student at Frostburg University, Melissa is studying therapeutic recreation.
Wyman brings a fun attitude and new perspective to our program staff. She can always be seen mingling with campers and having a good time. Wyman is planning on doing activities such as golf, tennis, basketball, water polo and dodgeball, as well as introducing new games. She is sure to bring some great new ideas to her position, and the campers will love her.
Check out Melissa’s interview here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA Friends
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
An ‘Utter’ with Camp ASCCA’s horseback director
This week, Ashley Dickerson, Camp ASCCA’s horseback director, has had the opportunity to train in her program area. She has also been trained in
another program area, adventure!
Ashley enjoyed working at both the zip tower and high ropes course during Camp Seale Harris. Although it is not her program area, she said it was exciting to be able to help at other program areas.
Check out her ‘Utter’ here:
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Who wants to be a CIT?
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program is a very popular program at Camp
Seale Harris. The program gives previous campers the opportunity to develop leadership skills necessary to become a counselor.
In order to become a CIT, campers must apply into the program. 
CIT’s can be seen helping the counseling staff, leading songs at meal times, and participating in activities such as canoeing and hiking. During the week, they learn basics about diabetes, counselor duties, how to handle campers and discipline. The CIT’s also help behind the scenes by planning and decorating for the dance. After completing the program, many of the CIT’s go on to become counselors.
This morning, I had the opportunity to catch up with the CIT’s during their canoe trip to Camp ASCCA’s island. The CIT’s has the opportunity to canoe, swim at the island, eat a snack, and mingle with each other.
Shakirra and Taylor are two veteran campers at Camp Seale Harris. Shakirra has been coming to camp for eight years, and taylor has been coming for 12. Both are now participating in the CIT program. They enjoy the opportunity to bond with the campers and other CIT’s, as well making an impact on campers’ lives. They both hope to become counselors and role models for campers.
Check out their interview at the island here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA FriendsCamp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Seale Harris campers aim high in archery
Arrows flew through the air yesterday as campers demonstrated their skills in archery. After watching a group of teenagers, it was clear that these girls were no novices at the sport. Many hit the target on their first try, and some bullseyes were hit as well.
Michelle, a camper at Camp Seale Harris Senior Camp, is a seasoned professional. She has been to Camp Seale Harris, a summer camp for diabetes that is hosted at Camp ASCCA, for six summers. She enjoys coming to Camp Seale Harris because she learns new things about diabetes each summer and loves to see her friends. She and her friends even request to be in the same cabin every year.
Many campers are sponsored in order to come to camp each summer. Michelle is sponsored by the Hueytown Lions Club. Her sponsorship allows her to return to camp each summer and to enjoy activities such as archery, riflery, swimming, and the zip tower.
Find more videos like this on ASCCA Friends
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
An ‘Utter’ with a happy camper
Two thumbs way up! Seal Harris senior camper, Hugh, was seen this morning giving thumbs up after his first successful tubing experience. This is Hugh’s second year at Camp Seale Harris, a diabetes camp that is held at Camp ASCCA.
At first, Hugh was a little nervous to go out on the tube, but after some convincing by his counselor, Daniel, he decided to give it a try. As expected, Hugh loved it!
Check out Hugh’s ‘Utter’ here:
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Seale Harris teens fly high with the adventure staff
Teens at Camp Seale Harris’ Senior Camp took a challenge at the zip tower yesterday afternoon. The zip tower allows campers to climb a rock wall and fly down the zipline when finished. Campers have a choice
between the easy wall, a rock wall at an angle; or the medium wall, a rock wall that is straight up and down.
Adventure staff member, Josh Smith says that the zip tower is a “challenge by choice.” This means that campers can assess the wall, and then they can determine the way they would like to climb to the top according to their ability levels. Once the campers reach the top of the zip tower, they are rewarded with a ride down the zipline.
At times, some campers may not want to try the zip tower. However, the adventure staff asks all campers to at least try on a harness. They then explain answers to any questions a camper may have. The staff will present a safe and reasonable way to address any fear. One camper was nervous to try the medium side of the zip tower. After listening to the adventure staff’s advice, she was able to successfully climb to the top and ride the zipline.
Shouts of joy could be heard from the mouths of the teens as they flew down the zipline. Although many were nervous at first, they all said the the ride is a rush. Some even thought climbing the zip tower was easier than they expected.
Check out some of the Seale Harris campers’ experiences on the zip tower and zipline here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA FriendsCamp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Unit leader returns to Camp ASCCA for seventh year
FJosh Smith returned to Camp ASCCA this week during Camp Seale Harris. Josh first started out at Camp ASCCA when he was two; he actually lived at Camp because his mom was the camp nurse.
The veteran staff member from Montgomery, Ala. will be a unit leader for his second year. Unit leaders are a very important part of Camp ASCCA’s staff. Not only do they head and instruct the counselors in each cabin, they also help the counselors with day to day activities such as transfers and feedings campers.
This week, Smith is assisting the adventure staff for Camp Seale Harris’ senior camp, a camp for teenagers with diabetes. He will be running activities such as the zipline, zip tower, dangling duo, and high ropes course.
It’s easy to see that Smith cares deeply about Camp ASCCA, and we are glad he is back. Check out his interview here:
Find more videos like this on ASCCA FriendsCamp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
An interview with Seale Harris Senior Camper :: Tripp
Fore!! This morning, campers could be seen golfing near lake front. Golf at Camp ASCCA is no ordinary game. Campers actually get to drive their golf
balls into the lake. The balls, which are specially designed to float, are then collected by program staff members on a kayak using a net.
During the activity, Camp Seale Harris Senior Camp teens took a stab at the game. One camper, Tripp, was eager to try. Tripp has attended Camp Seale Harris, a camp for people with diabetes, for the past 10 years. He is now in the “LIT” program, a program that introduces campers to leadership.
Check out Tripp’s Utter here:
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
‘C is for Cookie’
T
he Cookie Monster was in town tonight at Camp Seale Harris. Tonight was Camp Seale Harris’ first Cookie Bake-Off!
During this cooking challenge, cabins were given a list of ingredients to use
for creating a cookie recipe. Ingredients such as sugar, flour, M & M’s, peanut butter, salt, and margarine were all used. After creating their recipe with no help from cook books, the cabins collected their ingredients and began mixing.
During the competition, it became clear that some cabins were not the greatest cooks. In fact, one cabin’s cookie dough was green! Some cookies even appeared cake-like. However, some cabins cookies did appear to be perfect.
While the cookies were baking, the cabins had to name their cookie, compose a commercial advertising their cookie, and calculate their cookie’s carbohydrate levels.
After the cookies finished baking, a panel of judges composed of Camp ASCCA program staff, Camp Seale Harris staff, and special guests Zach, Zoe, and Andie. As the cabins performed their skits, judges contemplated the presentation, carbohydrate levels, taste and the commercial of the cookie. Campers enjoyed seeing the judges’ reactions to the taste of the cookies; they could be seen with both delighted and confused looks after tasting them.
Although some judges may be a little queasy tonight, the Cookie Bake-Off turned out to be a success and fun was had by all!
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Seale Harris Staff Siblings :: Edward and Amanda Fieder
You might not know it, but Camp Seale Harris has a pair of siblings on its staff. Edward and Amanda Fieder have been attending Camp Seale Harris, a camp for people with diabetes, since they were children.
Amanda first attended camp at a young age. A few years later, Edward was diagnosed with diabetes. With the encouragement of his sister, Edward began attending Seale Harris. They have continued on ever since.
Despite their differences, both say they enjoy being on staff together. As counselors, they have developed a love for the camp and believe deeply in the message the camp sends its campers. Although they joked and argued with each other during the interviews, it is not hard to see that the two enjoy spending time together. The two can be seen all over camp having a great time with the campers.
Check out the siblings’ interview here!
Find more videos like this on ASCCA FriendsCamp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
An ‘Utter’ with a Seale Harris camper and counselor
Senior Week at Camp Seale Harris offers teens with diabetes an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, while bonding with other campers and counselors at the same time.
Campers can create crafts, swim in the pool, canoe to the island, fly across the zipline, play sports and ride horses. Campers also have the opportunity to join in on various nighttime activities such as a dance, a cookie bake-off, and a lip sync competition.
In an interview at the pool, a camper and counselor offer insight into this week’s activities, and what they are looking forward to most. Check out the utter here:
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
Meet public relations intern Danika Kmetz
My name is Danika Kmetz, and I am from a very small town in Illinois named Coal City. I am a senior at Illinois State University. I am majoring in public relations with minors in Spanish and business administration. This is my second PR internship; I was a Marketing and Communications intern with the YWCA McLean County this spring.
While this is my first time at Camp ASCCA, I am a camper and counselor at heart. I have worked and been a camper at a 4-H camp in Manteno, IL for many many years.
While I was looking for internships, I stumbled across the job description on the website. I was excited to find an internship that allows me to apply my major to my passion for camps. I chose Camp ASCCA because it gives me an opportunity to gain real-world experience in PR while doing something I love. I can’t wait to learn the ins and outs of social media and PR while interacting with campers at the same time.
Camp ASCCA has a new site! ASCCA Friends. It is our own personal social media network. Also, 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.
