Celebrating 78 Years of Camp Aldersgate
The Founding of Camp Aldersgate
Camp Aldersgate is proud to celebrate 78 years of serving our community. What began in 1947 as a vision from a group of Methodist women has grown into a thriving, inclusive camp rooted in compassion and community. Our name being inspired by Methodist leader John Wesley’s transformative moment on Aldersgate Street, the camp was founded as a welcoming space for all, regardless of race, during a time when that was both rare and bold. Using a $25,000 grant from the Woman’s Division of the General Board of Missions, the Little Rock Methodist Council was able to purchase the then abandoned turkey farm.
Where Inclusion Took Root
“At the time the grant was made, one early worker recalled, ‘there was no place in the state where interracial groups could have overnight accommodations for meetings’” (Britton, 1997). In the years following the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the camp became a vital meeting place for peaceful discussions around school integration in Arkansas, particularly during the Little Rock Central High School Crisis. During this time the camp received threatening phone calls, fires were set, and the lake was dynamited in response to our role in race relations meetings and interracial initiatives. This violence did not stop the leadership from accomplishing their mission.
From 12 Campers to Hundreds:
In 1971, Dr. Kelsy Caplinger launched Med Camps, giving 12 children with asthma the chance to attend a traditional summer camp with medical supervision. By 1979, hundreds of children with a variety of medical conditions attended each summer. In the 1980s, weekend camps were added, allowing campers to return year-round while providing respite for caregivers. In 2000, Kota Camps were added to the program roster in partnership with the Junior League of Little Rock. This program allows siblings or friends to attend together. This way, children with disabilities can bring someone familiar, and a sibling or friend without a disability can connect with even more peers. KOTA Camps are now one of Camp Aldersgate’s most attended camps of the year.
In 2022, demand for young adult services increased, and so did our offerings add on a weekend camp. As this weekend camp flourished, we began to offer a weeklong summer camp and two weekend camps starting in 2024.
Today, Camp Aldersgate serves children with a wide range of medical conditions, physical disabilities, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. We continue to assess the needs of our community and adapt to provide the best programs possible.
Spaces that Inspire
The first major addition to the land was a ten-acre lake that remains today. Thanks to major support from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and other generous donors, the camp has expanded into an accessible, thoughtfully designed space. Air-conditioned cabins with unique stained-glass windows and colorful mailboxes provide a comfortable and creative environment. The Commons building, built in 2005, serves as the camp’s LEED-certified hub for meals and gatherings. A non-clinical healthcare center, run by nursing professionals, ensures every camper’s medical needs are met with warmth and dignity.
Campers also enjoy two pools, including a beach-entry option and a therapeutic warming pool with a lift for easy access. A highlight for many is the 1947 Allan Herschell Co. carousel, donated in 2009, which features 30 hand-carved horses and two wheelchair-accessible chariots, offering a joyful, inclusive ride for everyone. Outdoor adventures thrive with an accessible lake and fishing dock, a 22-foot treehouse, a zipline with adaptive seating, and an archery pavilion. The Activity Center, built in 2016, hosts art, sports, and the ever-popular talent show with plenty of fresh air and natural light. While many buildings have been added over the years, several of the original structures built in the early years still stand. The Director’s Cottage, constructed in 1949, now serves as the administrative office and workspace for full-time staff.
Fueling the Mission
As a 501c3 non-profit, fundraisers have been an integral part of sustaining the mission of Camp Aldersgate. In 1983, the first annual Fish Fry was held. Since then the tradition has continued bringing in over 1,000 people to enjoy freshly fried fish and community on Aldersgate’s grounds
Another staple fundraiser, Aldersgate After Dark was started in 2008. While the event holds a different theme every year and has evolved, some things remain the same. It has always been a unique opportunity for attendees to experience a taste of what it’s like to be a kid at camp. At the first After Dark, guests made s’mores, got henna tattoos and played games – all activities that are camper favorites.
A New Look
In 2022, as Camp Aldersgate celebrated its 75th anniversary, we launched a full rebrand that honored our rich history while embracing our future. More than just a new logo or color scheme, the rebrand was a reflection of how far we’ve come, and where we’re going. Our new visual identity, featuring vibrant, nature-inspired colors and inclusive design elements, symbolizes the joy, connection, and growth that define the camp experience. Alongside this, we launched a mobile-friendly website to better serve families and supporters. The rebrand also brought a fresh voice to our messaging—one that emphasizes empowerment over limitations and celebrates the strength of every camper.
The Legacy Continues
Seventy-eight years later, Camp Aldersgate continues to be a place where children of all abilities can laugh, play, connect, and thrive. What started as a dream under an old oak tree has become a model for inclusion and accessibility; and we’re just getting started.
