Camp Aldersgate serves as a respite for children and families in so many ways. This Halloween, alongside fried catfish with all the fixins, it will host a variety of treats during the 41st Annual Fish Fry. Chairmen Ashley and Jason Parker are proud of Camp Aldersgate and encourage friends to join the fun during the year’s spookiest day.
“We have been aware of Camp Aldersgate for many years, and really became aware of it because of the fish fry,” Ashley explains. “A family friend, Ed Staley, was very involved and introduced us, and we always made it a point to buy tickets and attend.” The couple’s niece is diabetic and has attended summer camp, which she absolutely loved. “This really opened our eyes to the mission Camp Aldersgate serves. Our younger son, Will, served as a camp counselor the summer before his first year in high school and had a fantastic experience, and we have continued to learn more about Camp Aldersgate and serve in different capacities.”
The Parkers met at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and consider Little Rock home. Both have bustling careers in real estate: Ashley is an agent with Signature Properties, and Jason is a commercial broker with Cushman & Wakefield Sage Partners. The family loves to travel, play golf and volunteer. They believe the more people learn about Camp Aldersgate, the more support our community can generate. “The Camp Aldersgate Fish Fry is such a great annual event, we hope we are able to educate more people about this amazing organization,” Parker said. “We hope this will help Camp Aldersgate continue to grow and flourish, and we want everyone to come out to the front porch of Camp Aldersgate and experience firsthand what a day at camp looks like.”
According to Camp Aldersgate Director of Communications Brooke Wilson, there’s more to the afternoon’s festivities than just catfish and hushpuppies. “The real fun will be on Camp Aldersgate’s campus. There will be a variety of games and activities for the entire family. These are meant to highlight a little taste of what Aldersgate offers its campers. One of the most popular activities is the fishing derby, which happens at the lake!” All proceeds support the mission of Camp Aldersgate: creating life-changing experiences for individuals with special needs. “The expressions on the campers’ faces when they reel in their first fish, swim with friends, or shoot a bow and arrow are truly priceless,” Ashley elaborates. “Camp Aldersgate is one of eight camps in Arkansas accredited by the American Camp Association, and it continues to be the only accredited camp in Arkansas designed for children with special needs. It’s been a treat helping make this year’s event all it can be.”
CAMP ALDERSGATE FISH FRY
Sunday, October 13
Camp Aldersgate
www.campaldersgate.net