General Questions
What is the mission of the Victory Junction Gang Camp?
The Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound.
What is your mailing address and other contact information?
Our mailing address is: Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC, 27317. Our phone number is (336) 498-9055 and fax number is (336) 498-9090.
What is your relationship to NASCAR and the Petty Family?
Victory Junction is an independent not-for-profit organization. Each camp in the Hole in the Wall Gang Association has its own board of directors and founders. Actor Paul Newman and Kyle and Pattie Petty are the founders of Victory Junction, but we have board members with diverse backgrounds. We are not a part of Petty Enterprises and we cannot make decisions that may impact the business dealings of Kyle or Richard Petty or their schedules. In July 2002, NASCAR named Victory Junction as a Proud Charity of NASCAR and pledged their support through a comprehensive media campaign. In addition, many of the teams, owners, drivers and track owners support the camp with individual contributions.
What disease groups do you serve?
We serve children ages 7-15 with the following diseases and conditions: arthritis, asthma, burn survivors, cancer, epilepsy, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, hemophilia, immunology deficiencies/HIV, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disease, sickle cell disease, skin disease, and spina bifida.
Was any research done to determine the need for Victory Junction?
Yes. Prior to beginning the fundraising progress, The Hole in the Wall Gang Association commissioned a study to determine the need for a new camp in the North Carolina region. This study found that there were over 230,000 chronically ill children within a five-hour radius of the proposed Victory Junction site. The study also found that there were very few opportunities for children with medical needs to attend a camp and that there was no facility similar to a Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in the region.
Where do the children come from? How are they selected?
Victory Junction primarily serves children from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Due to our close relationship with NASCAR, Victory Junction will accept a limited number of campers on a national basis. Final selection for camper admissions will be determined by the Victory Junction Medical Advisory Board.
Is Victory Junction only open during the summer?
No. Although our hallmark program takes place during the summer, the camp will operate year-round. We will provide ten week-long, disease-specific camp sessions (e.g. asthma, cancer, sickle cell, etc.). The remainder of the year will include family retreat weekends, specialized programs for smaller disease groups, sibling weekends and camper reunions. It is our intention to maximize the use of the camp and to reach the largest number of children and families possible.
When did Victory Junction open?
Victory Junction's first campers arrived on June 20, 2004. The second summer of fun is already underway!
How much do the children and families pay to attend?
The Victory Junction Gang Camp is free of any charge to the children or families. We will rely upon the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to meet our operating needs.