A Chat with Jeremiah
Victory Junction camp counselors wear many hats. They are leaders, role models, motivators and teachers. They encourage our campers to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. They plan and facilitate fun —yet safe— activities and also provide support as kids navigate through their camp experience.
During his time at Victory Junction, he has learned a lot about what it means to be a camp counselor.
How would you describe your camp experience so far?
It has been way more than I thought it would be. I am a special education major, so I came in thinking that I would know how to do a lot of this stuff. However, the kids are so independent; they teach you a lot about your areas of weakness and ways to improve yourself. They do a great job of showing you how to be yourself. Every day may not be a perfect day, but just take it with a grain of salt, and keep going.
What has been your favorite moment at camp?
During diabetes week, a lot of the campers were unable to produce any insulin. I was like: ‘How do they make it? They have to wake up every two hours and check their blood sugar, are they going to be able to do it? This is insane.’ But to see them do it—and it be so routine—was impressive. They don’t let it slow them down at all; they never stop. They run, they play, they talk, they eat—just as much as everybody else. [Diabetes] is a very serious illness, but they take it and go with it.
What aspect of camp do you think is the most powerful?
Meal time. Campers are all together at one table, and they pick their own seats, so they really get a chance to have that interaction with the other children at the table. They can talk about as much of their illness as they want. It is really cool to see kids realize that there are other kids facing similar challenges. That is when they really shine and show their true colors.
What have you learned?
Being grateful. To be grateful for how easy it is for me to wake up, to sleep, to use the bathroom, to eat, run – or anything. I learned to be grateful of what I already have because not everyone is as fortunate. And, sure, they may be able to do those things, but not as quickly or as freely as they would like.
What is your favorite place at camp?
The cabins. That is where I get the chance to reflect at the end of the day. I can also relax there, too. We work long hours, and there is nothing like being able to unwind or reflect. Just to sit, and breathe.
Why should parents consider sending their child to VJ?
It is a life-changing experience. [Campers] can do anything that they want here. They can be whoever they want, eat whatever they want, and run as fast as their little heart’s desire. There are so many accommodations and fine details at this camp that are nowhere else in the world. I have been a lot of places—like I said, I’m a special education major—and I get to see a lot of accommodations made for children. While in a classroom setting, there are accommodations, but there are limitations what can be done; it can only go so far. However, at Victory Junction, you can do whatever at all times, every single day. There is nothing like it.
What about camp make you eager to work each week?
This place is what you are willing to put into it. As much of yourself you put into it, the more you are going to get out of it. Coming into this, I thought it was going to be a lot of me teaching the kids how to do things, but they come in knowing that they can do anything because every day, they face so many challenges that other people may not think about.
Describe Victory Junction in one word.
Empowering.
Jeremiah is a student at East Carolina University, pursuing a degree in Special Education.