ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — The Robertsdale Rotary Club Foundation is looking to send local residents to Camp ASCCA this summer.

“We received a grant that will allow us to send 15 campers to Camp ASCAA this summer,” said Robertsdale Rotary Foundation Board President Doug Byrd. “This is a great camp for those with mental and physical challenges and we are excited about the opportunity to give these campers and their families some freedom that they would not otherwise get.”

ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults) began hosting summer camps in 1976 through Easter Seals Alabama and has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation, according to its website ascca.org.

Located in Jackson’s Gap on Lake Martin off of Highway 280 between Dadeville and Alexander City, ASCAA provides camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities year-round. According to its website, Camp ASCCA offers 230 wooded cares and serves an average of 7,000 people annually.

The week-long Easter Seals Camp ASCCA summer camps offer eight opportunities throughout the summer, beginning in July. Camps are separated based on age, physical and mental ability.

The needs of campers with disabilities are cared for by trained staff, and there are many different camping opportunities for all individuals.

The activities offered at Camp ASCCA include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, accessible waterslide, zip-line, water tubing, archery and rifle range, mini-golf course, paved nature trails, splash pad, and more.

“Our goal is to serve those who can derive maximum benefit from the resident camp experience and provide a healthier, happier, longer and more productive life for children and adults of all abilities,” according to the website.

Camp ASCCA seeks to serve all qualified individuals with disabilities who meet the essential eligibility requirements.

An eligible applicant must meet the following criteria:

* Be of appropriate age for session requested.

* Have a physical or intellectual (mental) disability.

* Have the ability to effectively communicate needs to a camp counselor.

* Have the ability to adapt to the group living routine of camp within 24 hours from time of check-in without disruption to the group living environment.

* Is not abusive toward him/herself or others.

* Does not pose a direct threat to himself/herself or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced below the level of a direct threat with or without reasonable accommodation.

* Does not have a medical condition or impairment that requires specialized medical treatment.

* Does not have a medical condition or impairment that has a substantial risk or likelihood for complication or injury.

* Is in acceptable health as indicated by: Not having a temperature greater than 100.4 orally; not having blood pressure greater than 160/90; not having a heart rate greater than 120 bpm.

* Has ability to eat or drink amounts adequate for nutritional support.

* Agrees to and takes personal prescription medication.

The Robertsdale Rotary Foundation will pay 100 percent of the cost for eligible campers (a $725 value), plus a $100 gas card for transportation to and from the camp, Byrd said.

“Slots fill up pretty fast and they want people who are interested to apply as soon as possible,” Byrd said.

To receive an application, contact Byrd at 251-978-4456 or email dbyrd@baldwinemc.com. For more information on the camps, visit campascca.org.