Celebrating Dedication
By Abby Emmons
June 25, 2024
Mark Curran’s Inspiring Journey at Victory Junction
The magic of Camp is made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many different individuals. We are thankful for the hard work and commitment that counselors, volunteers, interns, and year-round staff put into making this place so special. One individual who has witnessed and contributed to this magical experience at Victory Junction is Mark Curran. Before becoming a Victory Junction board member in 2016, Mark was the CEO of Lion’s Share Credit Union. We had the opportunity to talk to Mark and learn more about his experience with VJ and why he is so passionate about Camp.
As Mark was employed as the CEO at Lion’s Share Credit Union, he first heard about Camp through his involvement with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation in 2001. He had supported Camp through advocacy and donations but wanted to experience what Camp was like for campers when he decided to begin volunteering during the summer of 2006. Since embarking on his volunteering journey at VJ, Mark transitioned into retirement and has now volunteered for 90 different Camp sessions. He has spent most of his time at Camp as a Cabin Counselor but has also been able to volunteer in the Barn or in the Fuel Stop from time to time.
Mark shows a great amount of dedication to Victory Junction as he continues to commit his time to Camp. Mark said that he continues to feel led to volunteer at Camp because each session has been a rewarding experience. “The people I’ve met at Victory Junction over the years are among the best you’ll ever want to know – from Campers, to Summer Staff, fellow Volunteers and the full-time Staff!” Since 2016, Mark has served as a VJ board member, and now as Chair of the Board, he meets with Victory Junction’s president and CEO a couple times each month to stay up to date with any issues that may face Camp. He mentions that serving on the board is truly rewarding as he witnesses how their work impacts the most important people of Camp – the campers. He said, “Their smiles and laughter make time spent in meetings and planning worthwhile.”
The last question that we asked Mark to learn more about his Camp journey was, “How would you explain how your professional life has contributed to what you bring to VJ?” With a heartwarming response, Mark replied, “I would turn that around and say that my experiences at Victory Junction made me a better employee and a better CEO. I learned to be more empathetic with people, as you never know what they’re dealing with.” He also mentioned that he has learned the importance of doing things that are outside of your comfort zone from time to time.
As we reflect on Mark’s inspiring journey contributing to Camp’s magic, we are reminded of how thankful we are for how all our volunteers commit their work and time to Victory Junction. We are also inspired to see the impact that Camp has on our volunteers. It is because of their hard work that makes Camp truly magical for everyone.
