Camp ASCCA: The Podcast

In this episode of the Camp ASCCA Podcast, we sit down with Camp Director Matt Rickman and his wife, Dana Rickman, Director of Development, to reflect on their 28 years at Camp ASCCA. They share what Camp has meant to them over the years, their favorite Camp ASCCA memories, and what it's like to work alongside your spouse. They also talk about raising their children at Camp and how this speci...

Phil Martin, a former Camp ASCCA staff member and aquatics professional, reflects on his time at ASCCA and the unforgettable summers he spent there. Over the years, Phil has carried with him countless memories and experiences that were life-changing, not only for him but for the many people whose lives he touched along the way. Today, he runs The Sailing Center in Macon, Georgia, where his passion...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Davis, a Camp ASCCA camper of 10 years. Over the past decade, Jason has watched Camp ASCCA grow and evolve, but one thing has remained the same: it's a place where he is seen and heard for who he is, not defined by his disability. We talk about Jason's favorite camp memories, what Camp ASCCA means to him, the relationships he's built over the...

Before Camp ASCCA became the place so many know and love today, there were people who believed in its mission from the very beginning. In this episode, we sit down with Jerry and Cheryl Bynum to reflect on the early days of Camp ASCCA, the challenges and triumphs of building a camp unlike any other, and the memories that have stayed with them over the last 50 years.

Lynne Stokley, CEO of Easterseals Alabama , joins our latest episode to share more about Easterseals and its incredible affiliates. As Easterseals Alabama celebrates its 100th anniversary, we reflect on the lasting legacy they've built over the past century and the impact they will continue to make for generations to come. Through its affiliates, Easterseals Alabama serves individuals and fam...

Tom Collier and Judy Williams, two members of the very first Camp ASCCA staff back in 1976, take us on a trip down memory lane. A lot has changed over the past 50 years, but at its heart, Camp is still the same, built on people, connection, socialization, and a true sense of belonging. Whether you spend a single day at Camp ASCCA or a lifetime, everyone leaves with a piece of it that stays with th...

April Buchannon Turner is a Camp ASCCA staff alumna and the current State Head Injury Coordinator at ADRS . April has dedicated her entire career to serving individuals with TBIs and has accomplished incredible things. ADRS is the state's lead agency for coordinating services for Alabamians with TBIs.  In this episode, April shares more about her pivotal summer at Camp ASCCA and the importanc...

Jacob Van Laan, a former Camp ASCCA staff member, spent many summers at Camp during some of the most formative years of his life. Now a software developer, devoted husband, and father, Jacob never imagined that his days as a counselor would one day lead him back to ASCCA as a camper parent. Today, he credits Camp ASCCA with saving his son's life. This is the impact of a lifetime.

Danielle Peters—Occupational Therapist and owner of BlueBird Pediatric Therapy Services —joins us this episode to share her journey from Camp ASCCA summer staff member to Occupational Therapist. What began as a simple summer job quickly opened the door to the world of disability care and sparked a lifelong calling. BlueBird Pediatric Therapy Services offers occupational therapy, physical therapy,...

In our latest episode, we welcome back Trish Robinson, Regional Program Manager with Down Syndrome Alabama and Administrative Assistant with Magical Travel Destinations. She shares with our listeners the services she offers to families who want to travel but may face challenges when traveling with a child who has a disability. Trish explores the world of accessible travel and what it truly means t...

Welcome to our newest segment of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast – The Nanny Edition! In this special series, we take a deep dive into what it means to care for children with disabilities. What does that care really look like? How can you get involved? And what lessons can be learned along the way? In Part One, we welcome Tyree McIntosh, a former ASCCA staff member, as she shares her journey of becoming a...

In this episode, we learn more about the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, from Marianne Gauldin, the Outreach Specialist. The episode explores all things related to the outdoors, accessibility, and how you can begin to embrace the natural beauty that surrounds us every day. To learn more, visit: https://www.outdooralabama.com/

In our latest episode of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast , we're joined by Kelly Edens, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and the Therapeutic Recreation Manager at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. With 25 years of experience, Kelly shares insights into her career journey and highlights the incredible programs and services The Shepherd Center offers for individuals with spinal cord...

In this episode of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast , we're joined by Debbie Lynn, Director of Easterseals Central Alabama. Debbie leads a team of 40 dedicated professionals providing vital services to individuals with disabilities across the region. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama and a master's from Auburn University at Montgomery. Learn more about the impactfu...

In our latest episode, we have the opportunity to talk with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage , a specialized financial services firm for families with special needs. Michael has firsthand experience navigating the unknown—his son was diagnosed with autism during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He now shares his expertise in financial planning and support for families with special...

Zach Woolley, former camper and current fellow at NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability) , shares his incredible journey with Camp ASCCA and all he has achieved while living with a disability. Zach attended Camp ASCCA from 1998 to 2012 and proudly credits his time there as a major influence on the meaningful work he’s doing today. Tune in to hear Zach’s inspiring sto...

Nathan Waters, Assistant Director of the Office of Accessibility at Auburn University , is a Camp ASCCA summer and full-time staff alumni! He started at ASCCA while a student at Auburn University and credits Camp with his successful career path. Nathan was the Outdoor Adventure Director and gained valuable experience that has led him to be a great man, supervisor, husband, and father. We are proud...

In the latest episode of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast, we sit down with John Latimer, Camp & Community Program Director at Camp Seale Harris . CSH's mission is to educate, encourage, and empower children with diabetes and their families to live well. Listen today to learn more about CSH, the individuals they serve, and the lives impacted by this organization.

In this episdoe of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast , we had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Elizabeth Stewart. Elizabeth is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Alabama. She is also heavily involved with United Ability and Alabama's Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APT AT). Elizabeth worked as a counselor at Camp ASCCA in 2002 an...

Lindsey Piazza is an assistant clincial professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences as well as an instructor for the EAGLES program at Auburn University. This episode dives into what speech pathology is, the EAGLES program, and augmentative and alternative communication devices. To learn more about Lindsey visit: https://cla.auburn.edu/directory/lindsey-piazza/

Camp ASCCA's Director, Matt Rickaman, sits down with long-time camper Carmine Vara to discuss what ASCCA means to him. Having attended Camp for over 20 years, Carmine holds a special place in the hearts of everyone on our staff. To know him is to love him. 

In this episode, we welcome Allison Ashurst, the mother of first-time camper Scarlett. This summer marked Scarlett's first experience at Camp, and we'll explore how Allison navigated the challenge of letting go and placing her trust in Camp ASCCA.

In our latest episode, we are joined by Suzy Montgomery, a Senior Instructor, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, and Recreational Therapy Internship Coordinator at the Univesity of South Alabama. Suzy has known Camp Director, Matt Rickman for over 25 years. In this episode we dive into what recreational therapy is and its importance of it. 

In our latest episode, Josie and her mom, Catherine, join us and share their personal experience with Camp ASCCA. They describe what it was like to attend, Josie as a camper and Catherine as a summer nurse. The relationships built, memories that linger, and reaching maximum independence are what Camp ASCCA is all about. Listen today to learn more!

Join us as we get to know Camp ASCCA's Outdoor Education Program Specialist! Chris Pendergrass joined our full-time staff in April, but has a long history with Camp ASCCA. Listen today to learn more!