Victory Junction Gang Camp: August 12 – 16, 2009

The Transverse Myelitis Family Camp will be held from Wednesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 16, 2009.  The family camp is for children with TM, ADEM and NMO, brothers and sisters and their parents.  In an attempt to get as many families into camp as possible, please limit your attendance to your immediate family.  Camp can accommodate 32 families.  If we are willing to double up families in cabins, we might be able to accommodate more, but we will need your cooperation to make this happen, and there is a limit due to the number of people who can be accommodated in the Pit Stop (cafeteria and dance hall).

The following criteria will be used to determine acceptance into VJGC:

• Children with TM, ADEM or NMO must be between the ages of 6 and 16.
• All children must be socially competent, not exhibiting unwanted behaviors which warrant removal from a group activity or setting.
• All children must be able to communicate their needs, whether via speech, sign language, or a communication device.
• Children must have a cognitive level of 6 years or above and be able to function within a group (not require 1:1 behavioral attention).

All applications are subject to medical and behavioral review.  Victory Junction also reserves the right to make selections/decisions based on other factors deemed appropriate. 

The camp facilities and the recreation program are totally accessible.  The directors, staff and volunteers at camp are among the most caring, loving, kind people you will encounter in your lives.  If you have never been to camp, you will be transformed.  If you are returning to camp, you will be transformed … again!  The camp experience is free – your meals, lodging, recreation … free.  The only cost is your travel expenses.  If you are not able to afford the travel expense, please get in touch with Sandy Siegel as quickly as possible; we don’t want the cost to be the reason that you are unable to attend camp.

Dr. Peter Sim is the Medical Director of Victory Junction Gang Camp.  The camp has an exceptional medical facility and there are full time and volunteer nurses working with Dr. Sim.  Any specific medical issues or concerns that you have should be directed to Dr. Sim.  Your children will be very well taken care of at camp; you will not find a safer or more nurturing environment.  Dr. Sim is a wonderful doctor and an exceptional human being.  You can reach Dr. Sim at (336)495-2015 or psim@victoryjunction.org.

In addition to the awesome facilities and activities, members of our medical advisory board will be attending camp with their families.  They will present an educational program, and you will have access to the doctors during the entire week to ask questions and to discuss any issues you might have about your children.  Dr. Douglas Kerr, Dr. Adam Kaplin, and Dr. Benjamin Greenberg will definitely be attending the camp. 

The camp will begin accepting applications for TM Family Camp on December 15th 2008.  The deadline for applications is March 15th 2009.  Please have your application completed in its entirety and sent to camp as close after December 15th as possible.  Please do not procrastinate; we don’t want you to lose out on this incredible experience, and we are likely to reach our limit. 

It is important that you understand the role of the TMA in the TM Family Camp.  We will work hard to recruit families for the camp and to get as many people to camp as we can.  We will serve as volunteers at VJGC for our week.  We will be wildly waving our pom poms around at every opportunity.   Victory Junction Gang Camp manages the entire application process, the camp facilities and program, the travel logistics, and everything else involved in this incredible camp experience.  If you have specific questions, please get in touch with VJGC.  Our camp recruiting coordinator is Chris Foster.  Chris can be reached at: (336)495-2019 or chris.foster@victoryjunction.org.  

If you are going to be flying into camp, please do not make your plane reservations until you have been formally accepted to camp.  If you are traveling from outside of the country, please begin the process to obtain your travel VISAs immediately.  Please get in touch with Chris Foster if you need a letter from VJGC in the VISA application process.

Victory Junction Gang Camp is near Greensboro, North Carolina.  The closest airport to fly into is Greensboro Piedmont Triad Airport (GSO).

2009 Summer Application Instructions

Important Dates to remember:

December 15, 2008 – Begin Accepting Summer Applications
March 15, 2009 – Summer Application Deadline
April 15, 2009 – Begin Sending Summer Acceptance Notification in order of our sessions

Step 1: Getting the Application
Apply online at www.victoryjunction.org. Click on the “How to Apply” tab  for the link;
Download paper application from the website: www.victoryjunction.org

http://www.victoryjunction.org/aa_apply/Complete_Summer_Application.pdf

Request a paper application by email, phone or mail

Step 2: Completing the Application
SUMMER APPLICATION
Camper Application (to be completed by the parent/guardian)
Camper Medical Form (to be completed by healthcare provider)
Immunization Records

FAMILY WEEKEND APPLICATION
Family Weekend Application (to be completed by the parent/guardian)
Family Medical Information (one form for each family member coming to camp)
Immunization Records (for anyone under 18 coming to camp)

Applications will NOT be reviewed by our Medical Team until all of these items have been received.

Step 3: Sending It
Via fax: 336-495-2045 or 336-495-2050
Via mail: Camper Admissions, Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317
Via e-mail to chris.foster@victoryjunction.org

Step 4: Processing
You will receive a postcard informing you that your complete application has been received or if any further documentation is required.  If your child is not eligible based on our criteria, you will receive a letter from a member of our Selection Criteria Team

Step 5: Acceptance
Acceptance notifications to be sent out starting on April 15th

APPLICATION DEADLINE
All summer applications, medical forms and immunization records must be completed and postmarked by March 15, 2009.

For additional information or questions, please contact a camper recruiter at info@victoryjunction.org or 877.VJG.CAMP (877.854.2267) ext 2002/2017/2019.