This is what I recently posted to my own profile page after our last VJ camp this past weekend: Our daughter should have aged out of camp last year. Instead, a global pandemic shut everything down and we received notice that a year of grace would be added. Given the ongoing concerns this year, VJC turned summer camp into family weekends. Since our first experience with Victory Junction had been a family camp when Morgan was just shy of eight years old and B was turning two, it seemed not a little appropriate that we should be ending our camp journey in a family weekend with them now 17 and 11. This is what I really want to share though. We had been living with the understanding that Morgan had epilepsy for a year and a half at that first camp. The traumatic memory of hearing plate, fork, and spoon clattering to the floor from the kitchen table and turning to find my 6 year old daughter fallen and crumpled beside her chair unresponsive was still fresh. Play-by-play fantasies of doing chest compressions and imagining speed and depth for her tiny body should her heart not restart one of those times still rocked my dreams at times. It was terrifying to think of leaving her with anyone, let alone strangers when she would venture off to camp without us a few months later. Walking in to the Body Shop, aka camp med center, and having nurses make eye contact, listen carefully and make notes as we rattled off med lists and symptoms to watch for, seeing Dr. Chad in his tshirt and shorts whom we typically knew in his white jacket at Baptist genetic visits, and watching the love with which the counselors received and poured out upon each camper was balm and, over the years, healing to this mom’s and dad’s souls. We may help others understand behaviors or seizures or needs everywhere else when necessary, but at camp, Morgan has always gotten to be Morgan with no explanations or questions asked. And we got to be the celebrity’s parents, for as one counselor told us this past weekend, “Morgan is a bit of a celebrity around here!” There really aren’t enough words to say how amazing Victory Junction is. Since 2004, they have provided thousands of campers with the freedom to “do you, be you”, to climb the highest tower no matter their challenge, to sleep away from home safely without parents and guardians, and to have so much fun. They have filled parents with a sense of joy in being able to watch their kids flourish in confidence. Morgan’s favorite part of camp has never been any activity though - if you ask her, it’s always the counselors. Granted the attention is unparalleled ������ but they also find the best folks and have the best training. Thank you, Victory Junction, for the gifts you have given to our whole family these last nine years. We won’t say goodbye but take your lead in saying “see you later”. You hold a forever loved place in our hearts.
We have first-hand experience with Victory Junction for several years. My child with a serious chronic illness attended Victory Junction. He wasn't able to attend any other camp. Victory Junction provided him with an amazing experience in a safe setting and accommodated all he needed to keep him safe and happy.
I'm so grateful for this amazing organization.
And as they say, you are either at Victory Junction or wish to be there. It's really a special place.
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I am the mother of a child who attended Victory Junction. It is the most amazing place and filled with the most loving, caring people. It truly is a child's paradise - in the safest environment. My son had the absolute best time at camp and I was able to relax and know that he was safe and well-cared for. For the first time ever, I got a bit of a break from the medical needs of my child.
My son was born with a condition that affects his spine and legs, and is a walker/wheelchair user. I wasn’t sure if there would be an inclusive, accessible, yet quintessential summer camp for him until I learned about Victory Junction. This year-round camp is so incredibly impressive… the staff, activities, and care are TOP-NOTCH. I’m not lying when I say my 6 year old son had the absolute BEST week of his life- he made new friends, explored his curiosity, and tried new things. He mentions how much he misses VJ on a weekly basis, and according to him? It’s “better than everything- even Disney World.”
We have had the wonderful opportunity to attend VJ once before when Covid was in high force for say. My granddaughter had a blast and has asked to go back since the day of camp ending. We have tried to attend again a few times and we get rejected each time due to we do not have the vaccine, in which we did not have when we had attended prior when we attended,and had to wear a mask indoors as the same that you still do now even with the vaccination.
My granddaughter is devastated that she keeps getting rejected to go back to VJ even after I go through and do and submit ALL the now required paperwork that hadn't been required prior to attend. How do you explain to special needs disabled children that had previously attended during the height of covid, now at the tail of it that they cannot attend because they do not have a shot that has been proven to do absolutely nothing to stop what they are requiring it for and that goes against your religion or health reasons? This is very disheartening for our family and many others that I know whom are going through the exact same thing with their family and children. I am unsure if those whom made donations are aware that their donations for children to attend are not being used for children to attend. This is very sad. And MANY children are heartbroken because of this.
Review from Guidestar
VJGC is a magical place. My family has been lucky enough to attend multiple times. We have attended family weekends eight times and my son attended the summer weeklong camp once. We live in Las Vegas, Nevada and travel to North Carolina just for camp. My son asks to go back all the time! At Victory Junction kids with special needs are able to do everything that any kid gets to do. My son loves horseback riding, archery, fishing, the maze, dancing, and especially the zip line. It is a plus that it is a NASCAR themed camp, because we are huge NASCAR fans. There are no words that tell how wonderful all of the volunteers and permanent staff are who work there. We can’t thank the Petty family and all of its donors enough for building this wonderful place, so that every kid has a place to go and have fun.
My name is Carson and I have been somewhat involved with Camp since 2005. I have a rare genetic disorder that causes a lot of things in my daily life to be different. But when I was able to come to Victory Junction, I was at home. I was made to feel like I could do anything I wanted. The counselors are so hard working and are wonderful people. The actual camp is very accessible for many needs including mine. The medical staff was also very accommodating when I needed anything at all. This picture is from 2008 when I was much younger. I am very thankful for all the times and lessons that VJC has taught me. Camp helped me to believe in my dreams.
Victory junction has become the highlight of our spring! My daughter, Sarah was invited to autism family day in 2019 and autism family weekend in 2021. Both visits there were wonderful. Days filled with laughter, family time and Sarah feeling so special and loved. We cannot say enough wonderful things about VJ and the thoughtfulness they put in to preparing for families, the staff and volunteers attentiveness and the great facilities. I am so thankful for the opportunity to visit them each year. It is amazing the work they do for special needs children and their families.
This organization has an amazing program and makes a impact on every kid that comes to camp. I have been donating for 5 years now and get joy in seeing the happiness it bring to the kids and families. Keep up the great work Victory Junction!!
I could not express to you how much victory junction has meant to me in my life. VJ not only taught me that I wasn't alone but it taught me that there are things that I can do regardless of my ability.
VJC completely changed the trajectory of my life. I learned that I was not alone. I learned to be completely independent with my personal and medical care. I met others who shared my diagnosis. While at camp, never once did I feel weird or different because of my wheelchair or medical treatments, which is the norm in everyday life.
Wow--those are some hefty salaries! I have given to this charity before, but have not done so in a few years. I was going to give again, but thought I would take a quick look at Charity Navigator before donating. Don't think I will donate now--too many other good charities out there that devote more of their donors' contributions to helping people.
Review from CharityNavigator