A Full Circle Journey
VJ campers-to-year-round staff members Kristen Barnes, DJ Swittenberg, and Kayleigh Nelson
When Victory Junction opened in 2004, Kristen was one of the first campers through the gates. She remembers thinking it felt more like Disneyland than a camp. Kayleigh remembers feeling happy, excited, and free to be herself. And for DJ, a counselor who helped him write a rap for Stage Day created a memory he still carries with him today.
Years later, all three are back at Victory Junction as year-round staff.
For Kristen, the journey has taken her from experiencing Camp as a camper, to creating that experience as a counselor, to now supporting the counselors who are doing the same for today’s campers. As she describes it, it’s a “full circle moment.”
Watch their story come to life.
DJ sees pieces of his own Camp experience in the relationships being built around him. When he watches campers connect with their counselors, he’s reminded of the counselors who made such an impact on him. Kayleigh says returning to Camp has also given her opportunities to grow in ways she doesn’t think she could have anywhere else.
Now, they’re helping create those experiences for the next generation.
Kristen wants campers to leave knowing they’re loved, seen, and that they matter. Kayleigh hopes they discover they can go after whatever they truly want. And DJ hopes every camper realizes there are people in the world who want to see them shine and succeed.
You can help create the next generation of Camp stories.
Your support ensures children living with complex medical and physical needs can experience the life-changing impact of Camp, which is always free of charge for families. Help create more unforgettable moments, visit www.VictoryJunction.org/donate.
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