Instilling self confidence while continually developing one’s self esteem is a part of Camp Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults (ASCCA).

Established in 1976 Camp ASCCA sits on 230 wooded acres in nearby Tallapoosa County and is home to approximately 7,000 guests throughout the year.

 Recently Camp ASCCA’s Public Relations Director Allison Wetherbee came to Pell City to share her story of overcoming adversity. Born with no arms or legs, Wetherbee first came to Camp ASCCA when she was seven and continued attending until she was 17.

“Camp ASCCA was a huge part of my childhood,” said Wetherbee.

Camp ASCCA is for people young, old and in between with physical and/or mental disabilities. They have had guests from age six to 97.

“Adults need to have fun just like kids do,” Wetherbee said.

Offering activities such as swimming, canoeing, zip-lining and water tubing to name a few, Wetherbee says being able to participate in these kinds of activities are the foundation of what Camp ASCCA is all about.

“Challenging our campers to do things they don’t feel they can do, then they leave feeling self confident with a sense of accomplishment. It’s a huge thrill to do something like that—Camp ASCCA is high adventure.”

Throughout her years at Camp ASCCA Wetherbee has developed a sense of confidence that there’s nothing she can’t do.

“It’s a huge empowering thing,” said Wetherbee.

Representing each county and having the opportunity to serve international campers, Wetherbee says she is privileged to be able to do what they do.

Bringing in a water slide for the first time to Camp she is privileged to be able to do what they do.

Bringing in a water slide for the first time to Camp Winnataska, Wetherbee went down the slide for her inaugural water slide ride last year at age 39.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and I want to do it again.”

The self worth Wetherbee discovered within her over the years she spent at Camp ASCCA led to her write her 2009 book I Was Born This Way.

Sharing inspiring stories, along with her most defining moments in life such as earning her master’s degree, Wetherbee relays her triumphs to readers.

Describing all that she’s done and the strength Camp ASCCA has given her, Wetherbee said, “It literally changes lives.”