Victory Junction offers a year-round camp experience for children with serious and chronic illnesses. It is located on 84 acres in Level Cross, near Randleman, NC, about a one-hour drive from Moore County.
The camp was the dream of Adam Petty, a fourth generation race car driver from the famous Petty racing family. Between races, Adam often visited children in pediatric hospitals. After his tragic death in a racing accident, his family and friends came together to realize his dream.
Victory Junction opened its gates in 2004. The camp serves children from all over the United States through its summer programming and also Family Weekends — at no cost to families.
Victory Junction is part of the Serious Fun Network, formerly known as the Hole in the Wall Gang camps, founded by the actor Paul Newman. It was Newman’s idea to create a free camp where kids could escape the fear and isolation of their medical conditions and, in his words, “raise a little hell.” Today there are over 30 of these medically-safe camps and programs around the world.
About Lindsay Douglass
Lindsay Douglass is a junior at Pinecrest High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity cheerleader, and a member of the Pinecrest Speech & Debate team.
Lindsay is also a former camper at Victory Junction and was appointed to be a volunteer ambassador as the Victory Junction Princess of North Carolina. The Princess of North Carolina is a statewide program sponsoring more than a dozen preliminary pageants. Its state queens support and promote Victory Junction, and to-date have raised over $300,000 for the camp.
Lindsay is the organization’s 3rd Victory Junction Princess. She is spending her year attending special events, visiting children’s hospitals, speaking to groups, and fundraising for Victory Junction.
About Kathie and Mark Parson
Kathie Parson and her husband, Mark, of Southern Pines-based Mark Wesley Parson Design, first met the Petty family through the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. It was also during one of these annual fundraising motorcycle rides that the couple discovered and fell in love with Pinehurst and Southern Pines.
Kathie served five years as marketing manager of Petty Enterprises, at their office near the Charlotte Motor Speedway. She came to regard the Petty’s as part of her extended family and was with them when Adam Petty was killed in New Hampshire during a practice run.
It was Kathie who secured the first telephone number for Victory Junction.
Mark Parson has also been actively involved with the Petty family, most recently designing the Lynda Petty Memorial Garden in Level Cross.
About Julianne and Brian Clodfelter
Julianne Clodfelter and her husband, Brian, of West End-based Rhetson Companies and Par 5 Development, believe that it is important to give back not only as a company, but as individuals. From the very beginning, they were inspired by the work of Victory Junction — even before they ever stepped foot on the grounds — and have given generously to support the camp’s programs.
Earlier this year, the Clodfelters brought their professional team to camp, serving as the general contractor for a new 6,000 square foot indoor archery range — funded through a $500,000 gift from the Smithfield Foundation — that allows campers year-round “weather proof” fun.