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VICTORY JUNCTION GANG CAMP TRIP
a HOT Triumph of Caring!

After months of fundraising and preparation, the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir finally made it to North Carolina to perform for children with cancer at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on June 24th. Sponsored by the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc., the Choir performed as part of the NASCAR Carnival held at the camp during Cancer Week. At the camp were two hot air balloons tethered for rides, stock NASCAR race cars, and NASCAR drivers there for the campers to meet. The R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir Children's Choir provided the only musical entertainment. The Choir once again discovered that music is a universal language, especially when it is about kids with cancer. When the Choir was singing, they all spoke the same language and shared the same hopes.

Arriving at the Victory Junction Gang Camp, was something out of a Hollywood movie. Nestled in the hills of Randleman, North Carolina, the camp is a hospital disguised as a dream camp for kids. This cleverly refashioned hospital allows the children to be kids and to continue treatment without missing a step. We all were awestruck with the unique caring and unbelievable amount of love that radiates from everyone involved in the camp.

Every building was oversized and painted in vibrant colors. Larger-than-life characters and heroes were visible everywhere, but the real heroes and stars were those campers who stayed the week. This was cancer week for children of all ages. Their motto at the camp is "bring your meds and leave your illness at home." The R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir had traveled over 500 miles from Youngstown, Ohio to perform for two hours, yet the Choir’s journey was nothing, in comparison to the obstacles faced by the campers. The ages of the campers mirrored the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir (4 through 17 year olds). The Choir and supporting crew all remembered treatment, the lack of hair and energy, but what was most memorable were the smiles beaming love and gratitude from all.

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Despite the 100 degrees temperature, the Choir sang undaunted by the distractions and to the enjoyment of everyone that was lucky enough to be there. The patients were in five different groups. Each group contained patients, volunteers and staff numbering approximately 30 people. The other guests including doctors and other professionals added another 60 or so. The R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir was the only music provided on this evening. Due to the heat, the Choir sang in sets of 2 songs per set, comprising a fast song and a slow sentimental one. The Rap song received the greatest response with every capable person clapping along with the song and cheering when it ended. The “Parking Lot Song” (‘Token Song’) soon became a fan favorite because it was something everyone could relate to. Between songs the Choir would drink a lot of water, wipe off the sweat, and sing again.

The Choir’s performance lasted almost 2 hours in the heat, but the memories will last forever, proving again "There's Hope in What We Do". The camp staff were really amazed the Choir had driven 500 plus miles to share two hours with them. No one other than professionals has done that. The adults visiting the camp requested several CDs to learn more about the choir. Due to the risk of passing germs we did not pass out anything to the patients as instructed by the camp staff.

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Carol Mears (mom of Casey Mears) from Hendrick Motor Sports drove up to meet the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir in person, bringing along her granddaughter from California and other friends. The evening was special from the moment the doors opened and the campers entered the area. The gratitude on each child's face made the journey and heat worth it. The emotion at times would overwhelm members of the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir, and with all the fun they were having, it was a moving reminder why they do what they do.

The enthusiasm of the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir was so high they seemed to buy out the travel store, or at least made a big dent in the merchandise. The Choir had collected coins in a 5 gallon water jug during their fund raising activities and concerts, but they forgot to take the money to the camp on concert day. Therefore, on the next day (Wednesday) the coins were poured into the collection tire at nearby Petty Enterprises. Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by the Pettys.

Bonny Davis, Entertainment Coordinator, Victory Junction Gang Camp said, “It was an honor to have the R.O.C.c.K. Children’s Choir here. Thanks for being a part of something so special! Please pass our many thanks along to your group and parents!”

 
All Victory Junction Gang Camp photos courtesy of Karen Reffner

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R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir June 2008 Performances

American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Austintown, Ohio
Victory Junction Gang Camp, North Carolina

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