Demopolis senior earns Camp ASCCA Camper of the Year award

Nigel 1With a look of puzzlement and then one of disbelief, Nigel Davis received the Camper of the Year Award Friday night from Camp ASCCA at a dinner in his honor at the Tally Ho Restaurant in Selma.

The Demopolis High School senior attended the Alabama Special Camp for Children and Adults this summer for the first time. His can-do attitude and positive outlook made him a standout from the first, said the camp’s program director Matt Rickman.

“It’s humbling” to be recognized, said Nigel.

Chosen Camper of the Week while he was there, Nigel was invited to come back for a second session during Sports Camp week.

As Rickman handed Nigel his plaque, he said the young man is invited back for Camp ASCCA’s Christmas Weekend next month.

“I’m excited,” Nigel exclaimed.

Nigel’s campership was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Demopolis. Members of the club, camp counselors, staff and their families attended the dinner.

Nigel, who has cerebral palsy, “stood out by leaps and bounds” from the moment he arrived at camp, said Rickman. “He always had a smile on his face,” and was never negative.

Adventure staff counselor Callie Miller said Nigel “is one of those people you never forget.” He tackled events at the sports camp that he had never tried, including wheelchair basketball.

“His drive to do anything” impressed counselor Josh Anderson. He was always trying and learning.

Camp ASCCA is located in Jackson’s Gap on Lake Martin.