Every child deserves the chance to play and have fun. Unfortunately, for children with chronic medical conditions, this isn’t always possible. And that’s why Victory Junction was founded: To give every child that chance to be a kid, no matter what their circumstances may be. This non-profit provides camp experiences to seriously ill children at no cost to their families. Victory Junction is a part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a worldwide network of camps for children with serious medical conditions that was founded by Paul Newman in 1988.

Victory Junction was founded in memory of Adam Petty, a fourth-generation NASCAR driver who lost his life at 19 years old. Adam had visited a SeriousFun camp in Florida with his dad, Kyle Petty, and the experience moved him so much that he dreamed of opening a camp in his home of North Carolina. Adam began to develop plans for the camp and save money towards his goal, but tragically, passed away only one year later. The Petty family decided to honor Adam’s life and legacy by making his dream a reality, opening Victory Junction in 2004.

Based in Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction is a NASCAR-themed camp situated on 84 acres and offers a plethora of fun activities in a safe and medically-sound environment. Campers aged 6 to 16 can make new friends and enjoy things like a water park, horseback riding, arts and crafts, mini golf, zip lining, and so much more.

I was diagnosed a few months ago and this was the first time I was able to forget about my illness.” -Emma, 16

Victory Junction provides a huge morale boost for children facing serious medical conditions. Some of the illness served include neurological disorders, cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Sickle Cell Disease, gastrointestinal disorders, physical disabilities, lung disease, and Diabetes. Children dealing with chronic illnesses find themselves facing very serious, adult situations on a day-to-day basis, so Victory Junction gives them the opportunity to not only get a break, but also to experience new things that boost their confidence. The Yale Child Study Center has partnered with the SeriousFun Children’s Network over the last 5 years to study the long term impact of the camp experience, and the findings showed that 74% of campers reported an increase in independence, with 64% reporting an increased sense of belonging, not to mention 77% reporting increased self-esteem. These children not only get to have the fun they so deserve while they’re at Victory Junction, but also improve their quality of life afterwards.

Since opening its doors, Victory Junction has served more than 22,000 campers. This wonderful 501(c)(3) not for profit charity is supported by donations in order to bring this experience to children with no cost to them or their families. To learn more, please visit VictoryJunction.org/About and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.