8/13/2016
After seven weeks of working on the PR staff at Camp ASCCA, my time at camp has come to an end. I remember coming in for orientation anxious about what was in store, not knowing anyone, never having gone to summer camp and ready to begin my first PR job. I couldn’t have imagined the relationships I made with other staff, the interactions I had with our amazing campers and the ability to catch the magic of camp in my writing and the pictures I took.
My high of this summer was being “the camera lady” – being able to go to each program, interact with many counselors and campers each week, and capturing those little moments to be remembered forever. Before this summer, I did not have any camera experience and taking pictures was easily the best part of my job. It’s amazing to look back through the thousands of photos Sara, Clayton, April and I took this summer and seeing the personality of each of the campers shine through each image.
It’s hard to put into words the things I’ve learned from this experience, because if I really wanted to I could probably write a book (maybe one day). After asking many other staff members what they have learned, I can agree- always stay positive, don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t take for granted the things you have. My favorite thing about Camp ASCCA is the connections formed-in an hour, in a day, in a week- and the impact those people can have on your heart. Wednesday night when I couldn’t sleep and I was thinking about the end of camp I found a perfect quote; “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around”- Leo Buscaglia.
Thank you to each and every person in the Camp ASCCA family, I will cherish this camp, our special bonds, and the beautiful memories of summer 2016 forever. In seven weeks I have not only grown professionally, but as a person as well. I strongly suggest the summer experience to anyone interested, it really will change your life.
2/9/2016
The second annual Alabama Oyster Social was held January 29 at the Alabama Farmers Pavilion at Auburn University. The social is a nonprofit event held to promote the importance of Mariculture in Alabama as well as raise money for the Auburn University Department of Fisheries and Aquatics.
The Auburn Shellfish Laboratory in Dauphin Island focuses on the research, education, and training for farming quality oysters in a sustainable way and is led by Dr. Bill Walton. In 2011, Auburn University found an opportunity to lease 60 acres of oyster rights from a family. There would be a research area for Auburn and area for Alabama oyster farmers for five years. “The intent of it was to help jumpstart the industry to provide a zone that was permitted for this where you have your neighbors to cooperate with and keep an eye on things,” said Walton. By 2013 the park had been filled with about 17 farmers who had gone through the Auburn training and were using the waters. Because of the growth, Auburn began talking about extending the lease contract for 10 years and after contacting the family everything seemed to be moving forward.
The first Alabama Oyster Social was held in January 2015 and raised $8,000 to give to the university. “In a town where there’s usually something going on there is not a whole lot to do in January. So it’s a good time to get people together and party for a purpose,” said Chef David Bancroft, host of the event. With the success of the first social, they were eager to plan for the next year. Then around May of 2015, Auburn learned that the lease was denied renewal and that no one would get the oyster rights. It was upsetting but they would be able to find water and get the permits for a new farm. “The first thing we’re trying to solve here is what do we do with all these farmers that have businesses that depend on their oysters in the water and their gear in the water, they need another area,” said Walton. The contract ends this summer and everything must be out. Auburn has sighted two areas and are in the permitting process for both, they hope to come out stronger and arrange two farms with longer lease contracts. The current farmers will have an opportunity to move to either of the parks, but it will be an expensive and time-consuming move to get their equipment out of the water and relocated to the new park. Auburn hopes to help offset costs for these farmers.
Bancroft contacted an all-star team of 16 chefs from around the South that are supporters and users of local seafood to come and partake in the second social. After talking with Walton and learning about the denied renewal, the chefs came up with an ambitious goal of $100,000 to raise through ticket sales and donations. Ten days before the social, general admission and VIP tickets had sold out. At the social on Friday night a crowd of about 300 people sampled oysters and other specialty dishes, listened to live music, and socialized. Towards the end of the evening, Bancroft presented Walton with a check for $25,000 for the AU Shellfish Lab. Bancroft said he intends to reach the $100,000 goal by the end of 2016.
To learn more about the Auburn University program please visit http://sfaas.auburn.edu/ and if you would like to make a donation to the Alabama Oyster Social you may do so at http://www.alabamaoystersocial.com.