Magical Camp Moments

JULY 2, 2019 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Photographer Captures Magical Camp Moments

Written by: Moria Crowley
Revised by: Tina Brason

McKEE, Ky. — Liz Anderson wakes up each morning in the Appalachian Mountains with a mission: to use her experience as a content creator to capture the summer camp experiences of young people that live in poverty in Eastern Kentucky.

“I think Camp AJ is a magical place where kids can have fun and have an ultimate summer camp experience,” said Anderson, also a social media correspondent at Christian Appalachian Project’s residential summer camp in Jackson County, Kentucky. “The campers enjoy a full week of fun, engaging activities. They are excited when they first arrive, happy throughout the week, and appreciative of the moments spent when they leave camp.” 

Camp AJ is a program of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), an ecumenical nonprofit serving children and families in need throughout Eastern Kentucky for over 50 years. According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, Kentucky has 54 Appalachian counties, of which 38 are considered distressed with an additional 14 at risk of being classified as distressed. Distressed counties have unemployment and poverty rates higher than the national average with income rates lower. Almost half of the children and families that participate in CAP programs live in substandard housing.

“The children we get to host at camp each year come from some very difficult economic situations,” said Liz Phelps, manager of Camp AJ. “Our goal is to provide a week of summer camp that allows them just to be kids, to be in an environment where we can continue to build healthy relationships with them that impacts them for years to come. We are excited to have Liz here this summer to help capture some of these experiences.”


Anderson is an AmeriCorps member stationed at Camp AJ for eight weeks during summer 2019. She uses her creative skills to capture video and photographs of children and staff participating in a variety of activities offered at camp each week. Additionally, she manages the Camp AJ social media accounts which gives parents and guardians a unique window into their children’s lives while they are away from home.


“I am grateful for this opportunity to use my skills in a way that can have an impact on the lives of children,” Anderson said. “For some campers, this is their first time away from home. I am glad the images I capture can help provide peace of mind to caregivers that their children are okay and having lots of fun each week.”


Camp AJ serves about 500 children every summer and is expecting to exceed that this year with record attendance. The children also get to know college students who come from across the country to volunteer as camp counselors.

CAP has also launched a Leaders in Training program that mentors former campers as they step into the role of junior counselors. 

“CAP’s commitment to deliver the greatest, research supported enrichment and care is constantly on display,” Anderson added. “I am constantly looking for that right moment to capture on camera. Sometimes, it’s just documenting the activities of the day, but sometimes, when I am in the right place, I can capture a truly magical moment of a child’s life being transformed by the staff and counselors who make the most of this week to make them feel special.” 

CAP’s summer camps are intended to build character, self-esteem, and positive life values. This year the focus is on love, as expressed through forgiveness, selflessness, and patience. While the camp does have some religious themes the focus is on the physical, emotional, and mental support of the youth they serve. Although camp serves children in CAP’s primary service counties, the organization provides some service in all 13 Appalachian states from New York to Georgia, plus Missouri and Arkansas.


For more information about Liz Anderson:
Website: www.lizanderson.work