NASCARnival Magic
By Elizabeth McCurry & Bailey Deaver
October 24, 2023
At Victory Junction, one event stands out as an absolute favorite among most campers – NASCARnival. This electrifying evening extravaganza during the summer is designed to give our campers a carnival-like experience filled with games, music, snacks, and the opportunity to connect with everyone at Camp.
Describing the atmosphere at NASCARnival is a little challenging, but two words that come to mind are “exciting” and “buzzing”. The event features carnival-style games, such as bowling, cornhole, and more. Campers can even dunk their counselors in the dunk tank or pie them in the face! Another cool thing is that campers can get their faces painted with anything they want. While all this is happening, there is lively and catchy music played over the speakers.
In keeping with the racing spirit of VJ, NASCARnival proudly boasts a strong NASCAR influence. NASCARnival often brings racecar drivers and pit crews to Victory Circle.
Over the years, we have had the privilege to host many drivers, like Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, Kevin Harvick, Aric Amirola, and many others! Of course we can’t forget our most cherished racing legends – Richard AND Kyle Petty! It is ALWAYS a treat when either (or both) of these Camp founders and NASCAR legends visit on NASCARnival night to join in on the Camp fun. Sometimes, the pit crews, drivers, and Richard and Kyle Petty participate in dance parties after dinner. Prior to the event, a driver revs the VJ racecar around Victory Circle, and the pit crew demonstrates what “NASCAR Speed” looks like as they do a pit stop right before the campers’ eyes! After that, pit crew often hangs around and help campers do their own pit stop, play games, and sometimes they even volunteer to get a pie in the face!
Now, we HAVE to talk about the snacks, because no NASCARnival is complete without them! Whether it’s ice cream, cotton, candy, popcorn, or Krispy Kreme doughnuts, every camper gets a NASCARnival sweet treat. Most of these goodies are in the “Pit Stop” building, a place brimming with snacks and smiles! We often have volunteers who work hard to make sure that each camper gets the snack they want! Another cool snack option is the doughnuts. Campers can dip their own glazed doughnut into chocolate and sprinkles, making the sweet treat even sweeter! A fun tradition is the “challenge” that campers, counselors, and volunteers partake in by eating a doughnut without using their hands!
One feature that makes VJ’s NASCARnival especially cool is the opportunity take a hot air balloon ride (weather permitting, of course!). It gives campers a chance to experience something that a lot of people don’t usually have the chance to do. Regardless of their abilities, campers can step into the basket of a tethered hot air balloon and soar to impressive heights. From the highest point, any rider in the hot air balloons can take in the one-of-a-kind view of VJ and some of the Randleman beauty!
In essence, “NASCARnival” encapsulates the enchanting magic of Camp, offering campers a chance to rise above their challenges and have a blast with fellow kids and counselors.
NASCARnival is a testament to the fun, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that define Victory Junction. And as fun as it sounds in this story, we think you have to experience it for yourself!
