Vic's Journal
Victory Junction Medical Team with Richard Petty

From Camp to Careers

October 31, 2024

Dr. Sarah Reel shares her inspiring family connection to Victory Junction and the profound impact Camp has had on her life.

Emma Kate holding a young girl on her shoulders and cheering.

Running With a Reason

September 6, 2024

For Emma Kate Harrelson, Victory Junction’s Run to Victory is a heartfelt journey, where every step honors her brother’s memory and supports children with serious illnesses.

Partner Spotlight: American Diabetes Association

Partner Spotlight: American Diabetes Association

August 30, 2024

In partnership with the American Diabetes Association, Victory Junction held its first diabetes-focused summer camp session since 2019.

Isaiah with camper at dance party

Isaiah’s Journey From Camper to Counselor

July 24, 2024

Discover how Isaiah’s inspiring journey at Victory Junction is making dreams take flight this summer!

Mark enjoying the Victory Junction's water park with a camper.

Celebrating Dedication: Mark Curran

June 25, 2024

Mark has been supporting Victory Junction in many ways since 2006, and his dedication is a testament to the magic that happens when one person’s passion to help others sparks a legacy of joy and resilience at Camp.

Campers toast marshmallows at VJ s'mores station.

Sun Escape Weekend

May 27, 2024

Victory Junction recently partnered with the United Porphyrias Association and Shadow Jumpers, to deliver Camp’s first-ever Sun Escape Weekend, a specially designed retreat for families living with sun sensitivities.

For the Kids Gala logo

A Night to Remember

April 26, 2024

Victory Junction’s 20th anniversary gala was a heartfelt tribute to two decades of enriching children’s lives, honoring Adam Petty’s dream, and celebrating the enduring spirit of community and hope.

Bailey Mokler, REACH Manager

Outside Camp’s Gates – Meet Bailey

March 29, 2024

Bailey shares about her Camp experiences as a summer counselor, volunteer, and year-round staff as a REACH manager why Victory Junction means so much to her.

Counselor, camper, and volunteer smile at NASCARnival.

Adventure Awaits. Join Our Summer Team!

February 23, 2024

You can be part of the driving force that provides amazing summer camp experiences at Victory Junction.

Inheritance of Hope staff and volunteers

Partner Spotlight: Inheritance of Hope

January 26, 2024

Inheritance of Hope provides resources and support to families of a parent facing life-threatening illness.

Chad Coltrane

Conversations with Chad

December 15, 2023

Victory Junction CEO Chad Coltrane shares his thoughts on Camp’s 20th anniversary and his vision for its future.

A camper enjoys a tethered hot air balloon ride at NASCARnival.

NASCARnival Magic

October 24, 2023

NASCARnival is an electrifying evening during summer camp weeks designed to give campers a fun experience filled with games, music, snacks, and the opportunity to connect with everyone at Camp.

Lara Lockwood celebrates as she crosses the finish line at Run to Victory.

Running the Path to Victory

August 29, 2023

Meet Lara, a Run to Victory participant who has been volunteering at Camp since 2008!

Bailey Black

Staff Spotlight: Meet Bailey

July 14, 2023

Meet Bailey Black, VJ’s Director of Facility Rentals & Community Partnerships.

Camper on adventure tower smiling with arms stretched out.

What is “Camp Life, Best Life”?

June 23, 2023

Discover how camp life at Victory Junction helps give campers the tools they need to live their best life.

Chris after an evening of Silly-O at Victory Junction

Volunteer Spotlight: Chris

April 27, 2023

Chris has been volunteering at Victory Junction for many years. Find out how Camp has changed his life and why he keeps coming back.

Family in wearing life vests poses in front of the lake

Partnership Programs FAQ

March 29, 2023

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Victory Junction’s Partnerships Programs.

John McKissick

The McKissick Family: A VJ Story

February 24, 2023

Victory Junction will always hold a special place in the hearts of the McKissick family.

Volunteers and VJ families on a family camp weekend.

Together We Are Camp

December 19, 2022

2022 was a year for Victory Junction that truly exemplified how together, we are Camp.

Partnership Spotlight: Fabry

Partnership Spotlight: Fabry

October 27, 2022

The National Fabry Disease Foundation returned to Victory Junction in 2022 for their 11th annual Fabry family weekend.

Haleigh's Run to Victory Team in 2017

Running Back Home

September 9, 2022

Haleigh, one of Victory Junction’s very first campers, shares why she participates in Run to Victory.

Victory Junction counselors Sarah and Claire

Campers to Counselors

August 9, 2022

Sarah and Claire first met at VJ in 2018 as campers. They reunited at Camp in 2022 as summer counselors and quickly became good friends.

Camper and counselor enjoying the waterpark.

Platinum Seal of Transparency

July 29, 2022

Victory Junction recently achieved GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, its highest rated level of transparency and accountability for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

A Day Packed with Summer Camp Fun

A Day Packed with Summer Camp Fun

July 8, 2022

Summer day camp sessions condense the activities of a summer camp week into a short session that still delivers a lot of fun and excitement!

DJ with a camper at NASCARnival during summer 2017.

From Camper to Camp Staff

June 23, 2022

Meet DJ, a former VJ camper and counselor, who is now part of the year-round staff as the Program Area Manager.

Casey visiting a pediatric patient.

Camp Beyond Our Gates

May 26, 2022

Victory Junction’s REACH program takes Camp magic to children at hospitals and clinics, as well as their families at Ronald McDonald Houses across the Carolinas.

Volunteer with camper in the waterpark

Volunteers Make Our Heart Race!

April 15, 2022

Victory Junction volunteers use their time, talent, and energy in many ways to make the magic of Camp possible for the children and families we serve.

Erik and Julie

Home Away From Home

March 16, 2022

People who know Julie Silva might say she is a great listener and has a side hug that can warm any heart. But if you ask Julie, she says that she wouldn’t have those qualities without VJ.

Amber and Trey White

Love Is In The Air

February 11, 2022

People make friendships and connections through Camp. For Amber and Trey White those connections led to love!

Summer staff and volunteers make a difference in the lives of VJ campers.

More Than a Job, More Than a Camp

January 19, 2022

Working as summer staff or volunteering at Victory Junction is a great way to make a difference in the lives of campers.

Chad and camper

A Chat With Our CEO

December 16, 2021

Victory Junction president and CEO Chad Coltrane shares his thoughts on Camp’s success in 2021 and a look at what’s ahead for the new year.

Camper family posing in front of the Adventure Tower

A Season For Thankfulness

November 18, 2021

November is a season for gratitude, and in that spirit we would like to share some what we are thankful for at Victory Junction.

Girl sitting in inner tube smiling.

Partnership Spotlight: Horizons Residential Care

October 21, 2021

Victory Junction’s partnership with Horizons Residential Care gives long-term care residents opportunities to have some camp fun.

Boy and barn director riding horseback with counselor providing extra support

Adaptability at VJ

October 4, 2021

Special adaptations and accessibility features make Victory Junction a barrier-free experience for every child who comes to Camp.

Lia snuggling with her Camp bears.

A “Beary” Happy Story

August 30, 2021

Kids who come to Victory Junction love the bears and blankets they get to take home, but they’re much more than mementos of Camp. They can bring comfort, and sometimes, even purpose to our campers.

Camper giving counselor a high five at the zipline.

Partner Spotlight: Trillium

July 8, 2021

Since 2019, Trillium Health Resources has been partnering with Victory Junction to serve families from eastern North Carolina through Spring, Fall, and most recently Summer family retreat programs.

Meet Lauren

Camp Has a Way of Teaching

June 28, 2021

Lauren is a camper-turned-counselor, who calls Victory Junction her favorite place in the world. She now uses lessons she learned at Camp to help teach a new generation of kids.

Torri posing for photo in front of Adam's Race Shop

Torri’s Camp Journey

May 25, 2021

Torri Derks has experienced Victory Junction from a lot of different perspectives: camper, summer counselor, volunteer, intern, and now as a full time staff member! Read on to learn more about Torri and her incredible Camp journey.

Gabi holding coffee mug on her bicep.

A Hug in a Mug

May 17, 2021

Former Victory Junction camper Gabi opened her own coffee shop whose mission is to empower the special abilities community, find their place in the world, and enjoy fulfillment in everything they do.

Roasting marshmallows over campfire

Partner Spotlight: NOTA

April 7, 2021

Victory Junction has been partnering with the Network of Tyrosinemia Advocates (NOTA) since 2018,  allowing families living with Tyrosinemia to meet at Camp to have some fun and to build and maintain a support network for this rare disease.

Family at fishing dock wearing face masks

Success In a Year Full of Challenges

March 11, 2021

Victory Junction president & CEO Chad Coltrane explains how Camp navigated the challenges of 2020 to serve campers and their families in new ways and emerge from the pandemic as an even stronger organization.

Jessica Pastuf in kitchen at Victory Junction

Fueling the Future

March 9, 2021

Former VJ Nutrition Team member Jessica Pastuf talks about her journey from Camp to the Super Bowl!

Eric and Caroline Hooks at camp in 2013

Campy Ever After

February 12, 2021

Love is always in the air at Victory Junction, especially for those who met their soulmates at camp!

Boy and girl wearing cat ears and sunglasses

Camp Wherever You Are

January 29, 2021

Whether onsite or through the internet, Victory Junction’s partnership with UNC Health brings camp magic to pediatric patients and their families wherever they are.

Campers and counselors waving from top of adventure tower

Planning for the Future

June 9, 2020

When it comes to planning for your future, many individuals feel uncertain of where to begin. Planning is important, and a few simple steps can provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Father and son smiling

The CARES Act + Victory Junction

April 3, 2020

The CARES Act includes three incentives to encourage charitable giving.

Counselor laughing with boy camper in pool

A Gift That Keeps Giving

February 11, 2020

Planned gifts to Victory Junction make a lasting impact for the children we serve.

Adam on Adventure swing

Meet Adam

January 9, 2020

Adam, a camper with a big heart and big dreams, reveals why Victory Junction is such a special place.

Boys with counselor in swimming pool

IRAs + DAFs + Stock = BFFs!

October 10, 2019

Thanks to friends like you, every year Victory Junction is changing the world…one friend at a time. October is a great time to think about the different ways you can make a difference for camp.

Hartley and parents

Where Are They Now: Hartley

September 18, 2019

Former camper Hartley Plyler and her parents describe how Victory Junction has helped her to thrive.

Person Running

Run to Victory: Team Dixon

September 5, 2019

Participating in the Run to Victory 5K, 10K or fun run is a great way to support Victory Junction while having some fun, but the Dixon family also finds motivation from their personal connections to this magical place. 

Jordan Washburn

45 Club Member Spotlight

August 13, 2019

Meet Jordan Washburn, a long-time Victory Junction supporter and a 45 Club member.  

Time to Fuel Up

August 9, 2019

Campers come to Victory Junction with their dietary restrictions already in the minds of the staff. No allergy will keep a child from having the most memorable week ever at Victory Junction.  

Doctor in the House

August 2, 2019

Many volunteers have been coming to camp since the beginning, bringing their own talents and specialties to help in any way they can. 

Giving Back

July 24, 2019

Children growing up with a chronic medical condition or serious illness face many challenges in their development. Victory Junction helps these kids to build self-confidence, inspire courage, and give them hope. 

Forever Friends

July 19, 2019

Getting the chance to be with your best friend in a cabin during an awesome week of camp sounds too good to be true. However, campers Brett and Brandon got their wishes when they were assigned to the same cabin for their week at Victory Junction and made memories that will last a lifetime. 

Reaching New Heights

July 12, 2019

Each program area at Victory Junction provides challenges for campers to overcome to help build their self-confidence. 

Family Matters

July 5, 2019

Victory Junction not only brings joy to children living with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, but it also gives the families of these children comfort in knowing that their child is in a safe and supportive community. 

Who’s Mr.Crew?

June 28, 2019

Being a volunteer at Victory Junction is more than just a behind the scenes job. Getting the chance to hang out with awesome campers makes for an amazing week, and keeps volunteers coming back year after year. 

Horsin’ Around at Victory Junction

June 21, 2019

For kids living with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions, Victory Junction is a place to overcome fears, discover new abilities, and have fun! The program activities available here at camp encourage them to just be themselves and leave their worries at the gate. 

victory junction smiling heart camp stories

Smiling Hearts

June 17, 2019

Rachel Dempster attended camp at Victory Junction this summer for the very first time! Her passion for the activities she encountered brought smiles to everyone around her throughout the entire week of camp.

Cake for Breakfast

November 19, 2018

Victory Junction is filled with many traditions that make camp an unforgettable experience. One such tradition is the Cake for Breakfast Club,

Victory Junction Camp Stories Can Do Attitude

Can-Do Attitude

October 3, 2018

Daily life can be challenging for families living with Tyrosinemia. Victory Junction gives these families a place where their children can meet kids like them and play together in a safe environment.

Victory Junction Camp Stories Family Getaway Graves Family

Family Getaway

September 20, 2018

Weekend camps gives children with serious illnesses the chance to relax and have fun; providing their families a much-needed respite from their daily routines and struggles.

Victory Junction Camp Stories A look into our year round staff

A Look Into Our Year-Round Staff

August 8, 2018

Some year-round camp staff talk about their Victory Junction journeys and share their favorite camp memories.

victory junction camp stories Janice and ralph the people behind camp's heartbeat

The People Behind Camp’s Heartbeat

August 4, 2018

Volunteers like Ralph and Janice keep the heartbeat of Victory Junction strong! Together they volunteer at least five per year for summer camps and family weekends.

Victory Junction Camp Stories Grace's Final Lap

Grace’s Final Lap

July 27, 2018

Having the opportunity to attend Victory Junction for multiple years is a true gift for campers, but their last year can be hard. Leaving a place that provides a sense of acceptance makes for an emotional departure.