Winter/Spring 2026
New Year Brings New Life To The Camper Experience
By Kate Stepnick, Executive Director
As we begin our 33rd camping season this year, we are proud to reflect back on the progress that Camp Victory has made over the last year. I have had the privilege of watching Camp Victory grow and adapt to meet the needs of children, adults, and families facing a variety of medical and life challenges.
If you came to Camp Victory in 2025, you saw updated cabins, a new path to the fire pit and new lighting around camp. These projects represent our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all campers.
That commitment continues in 2026 as we are updating the remaining cabins, working on renovations to the Dr. Gwyneth Anne Royer Med Shed (SEE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT THE MED SHED), and working with our Partner Camps to complete other renovations to ensure our campers have the best experience possible.
To support our campers and these facility improvements, Camp Victory will host several fundraising events throughout the year. We held another successful Bingo in March; upcoming is our June 4 Golf Tournament, and a new event, a gala, August 20. We also will host Dr. O’s Victory Ride in September. We are working to ensure our donors have a great time while supporting our operations. If you are interested in supporting any of our efforts, please reach out to us by email (fun@campvictory.org) or phone (570-458-6530) for more information.
Did You Know … The Med Shed
The Dr. Gwyneth Anne Royer Med Shed provides basic, primary care services for our campers. Partner Camps recruit nurses and/or doctors and other health care providers, based on the individual needs of their campers.
The Med Shed was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Gwyneth Anne Royer, a former Camp Dost counselor. She was the daughter of Tom and Jane Royer—long-standing friends and supporters of Camp Victory. The dedication occurred in April 2017.
Opened in the mid 1990s, The Med Shed is used for tasks such as daily medication distribution and primary care. We are now in the planning stages of Med Shed upgrades, working with Partner Camps and our trustee-lead Medical Committee to identify primary and secondary needs.
Annual Appeal Goal Exceeded!
We are pleased to share news that our 2025 Annual Appeal was highly successful, beating our projected goal by more than 25%! We received over 270 donations, ranging from $10 to $25,000, with $100.00 being the most frequent donation. These unrestricted funds allow us to allocate dollars to a number of areas, including facility repairs, maintenance, equipment and supplies, etc.
We wish to thank the Leighow family—Sarah, and her parents Tina and Ryan—for being our highlighted story during this year’s campaign.
Camp Victory staff and Board of Trustees wish to thank everyone who supported us in 2025. We do all that we do together.
2025 Finances Snapshot …
Coming Next Issue … Uncle Walter’s Treehouse Revisited!
We look back at the history of Uncle Walter’s Treehouse, as Former Executive Director Jamie Huntley revisits the early planning stages from 2006, and the support given to Camp Victory by West Pharmaceutical Services.
Anticipation for What’s To Come
By Gail Truax, Camp Director
Snow still covers the ground where the winter sun cannot reach. The pathways are a challenge as the frozen crystals crunch under my boots. Winter has been long and cold and the deer and the squirrels leave their prints as they explore under the frosty surface for their buried treasures. Is this the same Camp Victory we know and love?
As I pause outside the dining hall, I imagine the sounds that should be here: crazy cheers echoing off the walls, “announcements, announcements, announcements,” secret confessions being shared from last night’s pranks! This is our special camp, where kids facing life’s challenges demonstrate more courage than many of us will ever experience. We’ve missed our brave campers.
The ropes course stands patiently, waiting for small victories that look big to us—ringing the bell, climbing a few holds higher than last year, that adorable grin that says, “I did it”! The arts and crafts room smells of paint and glue, as if it is holding together extraordinary memories. Our pond is quiet now, but I can almost hear the squeals as a 15-inch bass dangles from a 10-year old’s fishing line.
Soon, the powerful sun will conquer the winter cold! Soon, there will be green grass carpeting the pathways and the bitter air will become warm and the anticipation of Spring will appear. Soon, the campers will arrive one by one, some nervous, some bursting with excitement, and all of them right where they belong.
As the campers arrive, Camp Victory begins to breathe again. There are greeting hugs from beloved counselors. Friendships will bloom into forever bonds. The challenges may still be there, but support, patience and love make those challenges fade like melting snow.
Camp Victory looks forward to those warm, sunny days! Days where confidence grows where doubt once lived. Days to witness small miracles that make us proud. Days that vanish shivering fears and confidence emerges like blistering bonfires. As our campers return, we are reminded, it only takes a spark to get a fire going!
Upcoming Events
As we’re well into 2026, we have an exciting number of public events that we’d like to share. Most of the events you’ll recognize from past years, and we’re considering additional events as the year unfolds.
Golf for Victory—June 4, 2026 • 11am
Now’s the time to put those foursomes together! We’ll be at the beautiful Frosty Valley this year. Keep following us on social media and check our web site as more information becomes available. We’ll be sending out registration information soon!
NEW! Campfire Gala—August 20, 2026 • 5 pm
In 2026, we will hold our first gala fundraiser. This will be a semi-formal event honoring a company and an individual who have supported Camp Victory throughout the years. We’ll hold this event outdoors, transforming the Fishing Pavilion and adjacent grounds into a festive cocktail party and seated event, overlooking our pond. Check back during the year for updates and ways to purchase individual seats, complete tables and sponsorship opportunities. SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Dr O’s Victory Ride—September 20, 2026 • 9 am
Our annual motorcycle ride culminates this September, complete with a dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Oscar Oberkircher, a long-time supporter of Camp Victory. It was the efforts of “Dr. O,” on behalf of Camp Kydnie (camp for children with kidney disease) and Camp Spifida (camp for children with Spina Bifida), that led to him being one Camp Victory’s founding supporters. Let your biker friends know and help spread the word. Non bikers are always welcome to support Camp Victory and enjoy lunch, after the Dr. Oberkircher memorial dedication. It’s “One Final Ride For Victory!” and we look forward to everyone coming out.
As the year unfolds, we’ll be looking at additional special event opportunities.
Camp Victory To Host Inaugural Gala
No need to break out your tuxedos and gowns. But in late August, you’ll want to dress up in your finest business attire and join us for our inaugural gala!
Held here at Camp Victory, our “Campfire Gala” will honor individuals from the corporate and private sectors who have made a lasting impact in support of our mission. Scheduled for Thursday, August 20, event details include:
•The event is from 5 – 8:30 pm, and includes a cocktail hour, a catered buffet-style dinner, and dessert
•We will transform our Fishing Pavilion (dinner & dessert) and adjacent grounds (cocktails) into a party space; in the event of inclement weather, we will utilize our two dining areas
•Tickets: Individual tickets will be sold, along with tables of 6; sponsorships are also available
"Having this gala is the next step in our continuing effort to create events showcasing our camp while raising funds that support our mission," said Board Secretary Jim Smith, who chairs Camp Victory's Marketing & Resource Development Committee. "We get to recognize long-standing supporters in a festive atmosphere."
Be sure to follow us on our social media channels and check our website during the year for more information and ticket opportunities.
… And We Say ‘Thank You!’ To Retiring Trustees
We want to acknowledge the many years of service that two retiring trustees have given to Camp Victory.
Dr. Paul Kettlewell
One of the original Camp Victory board members, Dr. Kettlewell has been involved with Camp Victory since its founding in 1987. A retired Geisinger pediatric psychologist and department leader, it was his involvement with Camp Dost that lead him to meet Camp Victory Founder Dennis Wolff. Over the years, Dr. Kettlewell has provided extensive leadership, including serving on the Board’s Executive Committee and chairing the Medical Committee. "We are so grateful for all that Dr. Kettlewell has done for Camp Victory throughout the years, always steadfast in his commitment to our campers and always available to give thoughtful advice,” said Camp Director Kate Stepnick. “We will deeply miss his presence on the board."
Steve Patterson
Steve has been a part of Camp Victory since it’s beginnings, first with his 20+ years of involvement as a volunteer counselor for Camp Dost. For the past three years, Steve has served on the Camp Victory Board, along with being a member of the Operating and Medical committees. As owner of the Sunbury-based Patterson Media Team, Inc. Steve has produced video contact for Camp Victory.
We thank Paul and Steve for their dedication and commitment to the Camp Victory mission, which is, “to create a fun, safe camping experience for children, families and individuals facing a variety of medical and life challenges.”
We Welcome New Board of Trustees Members …
Our Board of Trustees announces the appointment of two new trustees who came on board for 2026:
Eve Birmingham
Eve joins the Board after decades of service at Geisinger, where she was the first MSW to service the Department of Pediatrics on a full-time basis. She was significantly involved in the creation of the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, and their Camp Dost program. (Camp Dost was the first partner group to move their camp for children with cancer to Camp Victory, more than 30 years ago.)
“I’ve known Eve Birmingham since she came to Geisinger in the late 70’s, as our first full-time Pediatric MSW,” said Board Secretary Jim Smith. “Her career has been devoted to serving children and their families. Eve is a great addition to our Board and will add her special energy to enhancing our mission at Camp Victory.
Tonya Miller
Tonya, an international and national keynote speaker, author, and founder of TYM Coaching, is deeply committed to personal growth and developing strong leaders. With over 25 years of executive leadership experience and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, she blends real-world insight with academic expertise to inspire meaningful change. Tonya’s coaching and leadership programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations alike.
“Tonya has been involved here at Camp Victory for many years,” said Camp Director Gail Truax. “As director of PA Vent Camp, Tonya leads an extremely dedicated staff: her involvement with PA Vent Camp reflects her lifelong commitment to service and belonging.
