FAQS

What is required for a complete summer camp application?
A complete summer application consists of:
·Summer Application completed by parent/guardian
·Camper Medical Form completed and signed your by child’s health care provider
·Up-to-date immunization records
·**Applications will NOT be reviewed by our Medical Team until all of these items have been received.**

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How much will it cost for my child to attend Victory Junction?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, your child attends camp at no cost to you.

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How do I get my child to camp?
Victory Junction will take care of all expenses for your child once on camp, however, transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver. Contact us if your child is unable to attend camp due to lack of transportation. We will attempt to arrange transportation for those with greatest need.

What is a "sibling session"?
Any sibling of a current summer camper is eligible to apply for our sibling session. Please contact a camper recruiter for more information. Only siblings are eligible for this session. The application dates also apply to this session

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What if my child’s diagnosis is not listed?
Contact a Camper Recruiter at 877.VJG.CAMP (877.854.2267) ext 2002/2017/2019.

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How many times may my child attend camp?
With the number of applications for our sessions at Victory Junction increasing significantly each year, we now routinely have waiting lists for each session. Please understand that to be fair, if all else is equal, the child with fewer summer experiences at Victory Junction will receive preference. All applications will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis by our medical and behavioral staff. We encourage you to send in your application as soon as possible

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How will I know if my child has been accepted?
An acceptance packet with details about the session (when to arrive, what to bring, directions, etc.) will be mailed to you approximately four weeks prior to the session.

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What does it mean if my child is on a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Victory Junction is unable to accommodate all campers who apply to camp. If you are notified that you have been placed on a waitlist it means the session you applied for is full. There is still a possibility that your child will be accepted to attend the session if another camper is unable to attend. You will be notified if and when a spot becomes available.

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Is there medical staff available to care for my child?
Our medical staff includes our year-round Medical Director, a physician with over 28 years of emergency medical experience, our year-round Nursing Director, and four summer unit nurses. Each session, we strive to have four to eight volunteer nurses and one to three volunteer physicians or practitioners, who are trained in the illness/condition being served

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Who will help my child with his/her personal care needs?
The medical staff and counselors are trained to assist your child with any personal care needs they may have (examples: bowel and bladder care, bathing, transferring and other activities of daily living). Specific personal care needs can be addressed at check in.

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Can my child bring a personal assistant/nurse/guide dog with him/her?
Campers who require extra assistance beyond that which is offered at camp are referred to our family weekends and are assessed on a case by case basis.

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When is bedtime at camp?
Generally, bedtimes are between 8:45 pm and 10 pm, depending on the age of the campers.

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Do I need to send my child’s medications/nutritional supplements or are they provided?
We do not supply campers with their prescribed medications or nutritional supplements. Please pack enough for your child for the week in their original containers. The Body Shop stocks and will provide common over the counter medications that your child might take in case of headache, stomach ache, etc (such as Motrin, Tylenol, and Tums). We also have a small supply of some specialty medications for the different conditions we serve should there be a problem with your child’s medications. We are able to fill prescriptions at our local pharmacy as needed.

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How will my child receive his/her medication?
The nursing staff and nursing volunteers on camp will review with you at camper check-in all medication and treatments required while at camp. Medications are routinely distributed at meal times (8:30, 12:30, and 6 pm) and bedtime (8:30-9:30 pm). Any off time meds will be discussed at or prior to check in and given at an agreed upon time.

What if my child needs labs drawn while at camp?
Our medical team is able to draw your child’s labs. We send all lab work to Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, NC for stat processing. Results are faxed to us, and we can fax them to you and/or your child’s physician.

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What hospital will my child go to in case of emergency?
Victory Junction has an agreement with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Their children’s hospital, Brenner, is a state-of-the-art tertiary care facility. We will contact you and your child’s physician if your child is in need of a hospital transport.

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My child is a picky eater. What types of foods are served?
Our meals are healthy, varied and child-friendly. Please contact a Camper Recruiter for concerns.

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My child has a food allergy. Do I need to send special foods along?
As long as you have indicated any allergies on your child’s application, we are able to accommodate his/her dietary needs. Our medical team may call you for more specific information or meal ideas. Due to the ever-increasing number of campers with a significant peanut allergy, Victory Junction became a peanut-free facility in 2007. We are also a Latex free facility.

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Can I send snacks along with my child?
Please help us by not sending snack foods with your child! If frequent or special snacks are a medical requirement, please contact us and we will accommodate the need. Many children attending Victory Junction have significant food allergies and any snacks from home not screened by our staff may put another camper in danger. We are a peanut-free facility. Snacks sent from home without prior arrangement may be taken away.

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What is your cell phone policy?
Personal cell phones are not allowed on camp. Please do not send a cell phone along with your child. We have a no-phone contact policy (see below).

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How will I know if my child is doing ok? What if he/she is homesick?
If you would like to find out how your child is doing, feel free to call us at: 336-495-2000. You will likely have to leave a message so either your child’s nurse or a counselor working with your child can call you back. We have a no-phone contact policy on camp for campers and their families in order to discourage homesickness; therefore you will be unable to speak with your child directly. Letters are welcome. **If your child is sick, has a fever, or sustains an injury, a member of our medical team will contact you.**

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Can I visit my child while he/she is at camp?
Visitors are not allowed at camp while camp is in session.

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Can my child arrive to camp late/leave early?
We do allow children to arrive late; however, we need to be notified prior to arrival day. The bonding that takes place in the first 24 hours is crucial to the functioning of the cabin group. Also, we must be notified ahead of time if you need to pick up your child early. Please be aware that your child will be unable to return.

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What are the criteria to attend a Victory Junction Family Weekend?
·Children must have a diagnosis fitting one of our camper sessions (see schedule). In certain cases, we can accept children with unique medical needs. Please contact us with questions.
·Primary camper must be between the ages of 6 and 16.
·The child's illness or condition must interfere with their ability to attend other camps. If your child no longer requires medical care, supervision and monitoring and is healthy enough to attend a typical camp, please do not submit an application.
·Children must be within four years of active treatment or actively experiencing the challenges of a chronic childhood condition.
·Children must be socially competent, not exhibiting unwanted behaviors which warrant removal from a group activity or setting.

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What is required for a complete Family Weekend Application?
·Camper Medical Form completed and signed by your child’s health care provider
·Up-to-date immunization records for everyone under the age of 18
·Family Weekend Application completed by parent/guardian
·Family Medical Information Page completed and signed for each individual attending
·**Application will NOT be reviewed by our Medical Team until all of these items have been received.**

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Who is eligible to come to a Family Weekend?
All immediate family members and/or those living in the camper’s household may attend.

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Can my child bring a personal assistant/nurse/guide dog with him/her?
Campers who require extra assistance beyond what is offered at camp are assessed on a case by case basis.

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How much will it cost for my family to attend Victory Junction?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, your family attends camp at no cost to you.

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What is the housing for a Family Weekend?
Each family lives on one side of a cabin. This consists of eight single beds and a private bathroom with three toilets and two handicap accessible showers. There will be another family on the other side of the cabin in a separate living area. The two families will share a common seating area.

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How many times may my family attend camp?
The number of applications for our sessions at Victory Junction increases significantly each year, and we now routinely have waiting lists for each session. Please understand that to be fair, if all else is equal, the family with fewer experiences at Victory Junction will receive preference. All applications will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis by our medical and behavioral staff. We encourage you to send in your application as soon as possible.

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How does a family know if they have been accepted?
An acceptance packet with details about the session (when to arrive, what to pack, directions, etc.) will be mailed to the family approximately 2-4 weeks prior to the session.

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What does it mean if my family is on a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Victory Junction is unable to accommodate all families who apply to camp. If you are notified that you have been placed on a waitlist it means that currently the session is full. There is still a possibility that your family will be accepted to attend the session if another family is unable to attend. You will be notified if and when a spot becomes available.

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My child is a picky eater. What types of food do you serve?
Our meals are healthy, varied and child-friendly. Please contact a Camper Recruiter for concerns.

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My family has food allergies. Do we need to bring special foods along?
As long as you have indicated any allergies on your family’s application, we are able to accommodate your dietary needs. Our medical team may call you to for more specific information or menu ideas. Due to the ever-increasing number of campers with a significant peanut allergy, Victory Junction became a peanut-free facility in 2007. We are also a Latex free facility.

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Can we bring snacks?
Please help us by not bringing snack foods! If frequent or special snacks are a medical requirement, please contact us and we will accommodate the need. Many families attending Victory Junction have significant food allergies, and any snacks from home not screened by our staff may put others in danger. Remember, we are a peanut-free facility. Snacks will be available throughout the weekend in the Fuel Stop.

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What hospital will my family go to in case of emergency?
Victory Junction has an agreement with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Their children’s hospital, Brenner, is a state-of-the-art tertiary care facility.

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How may I help?
Victory Junction welcomes energy and passion in all areas of operation! Whether it is a Cabin Counselor, Family Host, Program, Kitchen or Stable Staff, Victory Junction thrives on the participation of volunteers. For a detailed listing of the volunteer program, please see volunteer opportunities.

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Is there a cost to volunteering?
There is no charge to be a volunteer. Victory Junction is not responsible for transportation to and from the facility, though pickups from the Greensboro airport, bus and train stations are offered.

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What are the living arrangements for volunteers?
Volunteers who assist in the cabins, kitchen and horse stable and work the entire session will have onsite accommodations. Sleeping arrangements vary but include a cabin in a room adjacent to the campers or in program housing sharing a room with other staff members. Couples will not be housed together. Meals are provided at the camp and a vegetarian option is available.

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Are there any restrictions and/or requirements that apply to volunteers?
·Must be 19 years of age or older
·Complete and submit the Volunteer Application
·Submit 3 non-family/non-friend references with contact information
·Participate in a telephone interview

Pass the Criminal Background Check Complete a staff medical form to include a record of the following immunizations (see medical packet):

·2 MMR
·Varicella (Chicken Pox)
·2 Hepatitis A (recommended if serving in the kitchen)
·3 Hepatitis B
·Tetanus within last 10 years
·TB skin test in the last 12 months
·Seasonal flu shot for sessions from November-April
·H1N1 flu vaccine required for all sessions February-April 2010

Provide a copy of a physical in the last 2 years

·Sign and return a volunteer agreement ·Attend Orientation ·Commit to entire length of scheduled session

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I am under 19, how may I volunteer?
Volunteers under the age of 19 are encouraged to volunteer during one of the work group sessions during the spring or fall. Work group sessions offer a variety of projects which can include landscaping, organization of materials and general clean up.

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Do you accept disabled volunteers?
We do not exclude disabled staff or volunteers. A counselor’s role and responsibility is sometimes strenuous and ultimately the safety of all of the participants is of utmost importance. If you are disabled, Victory Junction expects that you will help the staff make a reasonable assessment of your ability to supervise and assist both able and disabled children. Victory Junction is accessible to the disabled.

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What are the specifics of being a "Volunteer Cabin Counselor/Crew Chief"?
Cabin Counselors commit to a full camp session (5-6 days) during the summer, living in a cabin with campers and are on duty 24 hours a day. Crew Chiefs are assigned to a family during a family weekend in the spring and fall, while staying in alternate housing with other volunteers. Due to the responsibility at hand, Victory Junction requests that volunteers do not leave the premise.

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How do I apply? Is there a deadline?
Interested applicants may download an application online, receive it by postal mail or fax. The application allows you to request placement in any of the sessions and program areas. Three (3) references are required as well as a background check in order to ensure the safety of our campers. There is not an official deadline for volunteer applications. Victory Junction accepts interested applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis with preference given to repeat volunteers. Upon receipt and review of your application, we will contact you regarding interview arrangements.

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What is the role of medical volunteers at camp?
Medical volunteers are essential to Victory Junction’s program. Volunteers bring spirit, fresh ideas and energy.
· Registered Nurses: Each session requires four to eight volunteer registered nurses to assist with camper and staff care. Volunteer nurses work side-by-side with Victory Junction staff nurses to provide primary care to campers with specific diagnoses. Care includes: following each camper's individual plan of care as detailed by his/her home physician or specialist, providing needed treatments, medications and lab draws, and assisting with camper personal care needs. Volunteer nurses also spend a portion of the session triaging and treating the unexpected camper or staff illness or injury.
· Health-Care Professionals: LPNS, RNs, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, EMTs, and other medical professionals and students are needed as cabin counselors. Volunteer cabin counselors are expected to be on duty 24 hours a day participating in the full range of camp activities and ensuring campers have fun. As a health-care professional, assistance with campers' ongoing health-care needs and personal care needs is expected. Please reference questions/answers pertaining to volunteer cabin counselors for further information.
· Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers: There are one to two volunteer physicians, physician assistants, and/or nurse practitioners each session including specialists and general practitioners. All work closely with nurses to provide routine and emergency care to campers. Resident physicians at the PGY-2 or greater level may assist in the Body Shop, with supervision by the Medical Director.

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What is the role of medical volunteers at camp?
· Nurses : Nursing volunteers must be RNs and have a current North Carolina nursing license. The North Carolina Board of Nursing is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, an interstate organization. The North Carolina Board of Nursing recognizes and honors nursing licenses issued by other "compact" states. For a full list of states, please refer to www.ncbon.org. If you do not have a nursing license in North Carolina or one of the compact states, one must be obtained to volunteer as a nurse. Information about obtaining a North Carolina nursing license is available online at www.ncbon.org. The fee is approximately $150. Victory Junction is unable to reimburse for this cost. Finally, all nursing volunteers most hold current CPR certification. For additional questions, please contact nursing director Betsy Coates (bcoates@victoryjunction.org).
· Physicians : The General Assembly of North Carolina passed a bill (1177) in May 2003 that allows physicians who are licensed in another state to "practice medicine or surgery at a camp that specializes in providing therapeutic recreation for individuals with chronic illnesses" for < 30 days/year. Physicians must carry their own medical malpractice insurance to volunteer at camp. Resident physicians should check with their insurance carrier to ensure coverage while at Victory Junction. For more information please contact Dr. Peter Sim (psim@victoryjunction.org).
· Advanced Practice Providers: All practitioners must be licensed in the state of North Carolina and will be required to add Dr. Peter Sim as a supervising physician. A DEA number is not required. For more information please contact Dr. Peter Sim (psim@victoryjunction.org).

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What is the time commitment for medical volunteers? Are partial sessions an option?
A six-day commitment is required of all volunteers during the summer season. For continuity of care, partial sessions are not allowed.

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Volunteer for the day!
Victory Junction is in need of several volunteer nurses or pharmacists to assist with camper medications from 1 - 6 p.m. ET every camper arrival day during the summer season.

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What are the living arrangements for medical volunteers?
Volunteer physicians and nurses do not live with the campers as do the volunteer cabin counselors. Expect to share a room and bathroom with one to two other volunteers. All housing options are air-conditioned with indoor bathrooms and showers. Meals are provided in the dining hall and are taken with the campers and staff. Housing for physician families is available on a limited basis. For more information, please contact Dr. Peter Sim.

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Is training offered for medical volunteers?
Every medical volunteer, new and old, is expected to arrive at camp the day before the session starts for camp orientation. Victory Junction provides an extensive orientation on medical care and behavioral modification techniques as well as the fun details like songs and cheers.

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