Springing Forward: New Leadership at Camp Victory
With the Spring comes renewal and growth. During this season of rebirth, we celebrate not only the remarkable legacy of Jamie Huntley, our wonderful Executive Director, but also warmly welcome the future under the visionary leadership of Kate Stepnick, starting as the New Executive Director April 1, 2024.
For over two decades, Jamie Huntley has been the cornerstone of Camp Victory. Under her leadership, the camp has seen tremendous growth. Jamie's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have built an environment where joy, growth, and healing blossom. Campers come to Camp Victory and experience a life-changing, memorable experience.
Jamie’s legacy continues throughout Camp Victory. Her impact, as said by Dennis Wolff, President of the Nicholas Wolff Foundation Board of Directors, is profound: "Jamie’s contributions to Camp Victory have made an indelible impact on so many campers and their families: her imprint on Camp Victory is permanent."
Kate stands ready to guide Camp Victory into its next chapter. Kate's journey with Camp Victory is one of passion, dedication, and a close understanding of the camp's mission. Her journey from a camper at Camp JRA to becoming Camp Victory's Camp Director is evidence of her commitment to Camp Victory. As we celebrate many years of transforming lives, we invite you to join us in this new chapter, as we continue to enrich lives, foster joy, and ensure that this special place thrives for generations to come.
Welcome Message from Kate:
If you have had the chance to attend one of my presentations or ever heard me speak at Camp Victory, you may recall my detailing my memories from college talking about how my dream job was to work at Camp Victory. These past six years as Camp Director have allowed me to make my dreams come true by providing support to our staff, donors, volunteers, and partner camps. Stepping into the position of Executive Director, I eagerly anticipate the continuation of collaborating with our dedicated staff, loyal supporters, and partner camps. I am enthusiastic about engaging with the community to showcase our exceptional camp facility, attract new campers, and encourage volunteerism within this remarkable organization. I am happiest talking about camp and the amazing work that is done here so feel free to contact me to speak about Camp Victory at any community, club, or organizational gathering. You can contact me via email at campvictorykate@gmail.com or by phone at 570-458-6530. It is my hope to uphold the remarkable legacy established by Jamie Huntley and lead Camp Victory into the next 30 years, empowering both volunteers and staff to transform lives.
Jamie’s Farewell Message:
It has truly been a privilege and an honor to lead and represent Camp Victory over my 25 years as executive director of this amazing “special camp for special kids”! I’ve thoroughly loved coming to “work” at Camp Victory every day! Helping to make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of campers over the years has been so heartwarming and rewarding!
There are so many people who I would like to thank for working with me to make Camp Victory’s success possible over the years. I’ll start by thanking our wonderful staff, both year round and seasonal who make such a difference in the lives of our campers. And then thanks to our financial supporters who trust their giving will provide a wonderful camping experience for our campers, our amazing volunteers that help with the care and maintenance of the beautiful Camp Victory facility and our board members who volunteer their time and talent. And, a huge “thank you” to our dedicated Partner Camps…..Camp Victory would not exist without the wonderful partnership with these non-profits who bring hundreds of volunteers and hundreds of campers to Camp Victory every year! Our partnership with them is essential to our existence! I have enormous pride and gratitude for what we have all accomplished together!
I also want to thank my family who has shared me with Camp Victory over these many years! My 4 children – Jim, Jill, Jason, and Jessica and their spouses – Robert, Justin and Andrea, my 5 grandchildren – Rachel, Tate, Robi, Brooks and Beckett and my 1 great grand child - Della who have all been part of my Camp Victory experience over the years. And my wonderful husband, Jim, who was always at my side, ready to help out in so many ways! The joy of leading Camp Vctory was so much greater because of their love and support!
When I became the first “site director” of Camp Victory back in 1994, there were only 5 partner camps that first year……and now Camp Victory has grown to 29 partner camps and has seen a total of 32,065 campers and 22,374 counselors come through our gates and experience many life changing, magical memories at Camp Victory over the years! Working with everyone at Camp Victory over the years to provide this amazing camp experience for campers with special needs has truly been an amazing journey!
I know that I am leaving Camp Victory in good hands with the incoming Executive Director, Kate Stepnick and the new Camp Director, Gail Truax…..folks that have a combined 51 years of experience and love of Camp Victory! I wish everyone who is part of Camp Victory best wishes for a very bright future ahead!
Goodbye to Lisa:
Lisa Sinegra was Camp Victory’s amazing business manager for 12 years before her moving to Virginia in 2014. For the past two years, Lisa stepped out of retirement to assist Camp Victory as our bookkeeper. Lisa did a tremendous job remotely from her home in Virginia. Before moving to Virginia, Lisa resided in Millville with her husband and three sons. Now that her three boys are grown and living in different areas of the US, Lisa is ready to fully retire and spend her days traveling with her husband, Joe. Lisa, Camp Victory is very grateful for your endless dedication, warm friendship and all your financial expertise. We wish you many healthy days, unforgettable moments and happy trails during your retirement! Thank You!
Welcome to Vicki:
Vicki is a Millville resident and brings a great background of experience in bookkeeping and accounting processes, as well as a great technical ability to manage financials. Vicki started as Camp Victory’s Bookkeeper in January of 2024. We look forward to all of the experience, leadership, and passion for Camp Victory that Vicki brings.
Welcome to Gail:
As we all know, with time comes change. Here at Camp Victory, 2024 will be a time of change. With more than 20 years of experience at Camp Victory, Gail Truax will take over as the new camp director this April.
Gail began working in the camp kitchen in 2000 while also working at Millville Elementary School in the special education department. Since 2000, Truax has served as the Food Service Director and the Assistant camp director. One of her favorite roles as Assistant director was leading the Greenwood Environmental Education Center; a field trip experience here at Camp Victory serving several nearby schools.
Jamie Huntley, Camp Victory’s Executive Director for many years believes Truax is a good fit to oversee Camp Victory’s activities and programs. “Gail embodies the spirit of Camp Victory. Her dedication, warmth and vision have not only enriched Camp Victory but have also touched the hearts of everyone in our community,” Huntley said. A Delaware County native, Truax has lived in Millville for 31 years and has three children and eight grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. Gail is excited to continue leading Camp Victory’s partner camps to fun and safe experiences.
Success Starts Here!
Check out this corner of our newsletter featuring past Nature Center Interns and their success stories!
Elise McAninch Truax
Elise was one of our Nature Center Interns during the summer of 2014. Elise was an Early Childhood/Special Education major at Bloomsburg University. She graduated college in December 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree. Currently, Elise is employed at Danville Area School District as a Special Education teacher. She is furthering her education through Gwynedd Mercy University where she will earn a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. She plans to graduate with her Master’s degree in 2025. After several years of teaching, she realized the importance of honoring and understating the mental health of students. Through the mental health counseling classes, it was apparent to her the importance of creating a safe, intentional and respectful school community to benefit everyone. In the summer of 2012 while being a camp counselor at Camp Victory’s diabetic Youth camp, Elise met Nick. Nick was a college student working in Camp Victory’s kitchen. They married in 2019 and currently have two children, Lincoln age 6 and Carmella age 4. Elise’s favorite free time activities involve spending time with her family baking, cooking, reading, taking walks and sipping good coffee. Camp Victory has meant a lot to Elise. She attended camp beginning in 2005 after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As a camper, Camp Victory was a safe place to be herself. She did not have to worry about anyone cringing as she gave herself a shot, pricked her finger or asked for juice at low times. Camp was a place of support and comfort every single year. It was a special place to meet special people. Now the best part about camp is sharing it with her children and watching the magic through their eyes as they fall in love with camp like Mommy and Daddy did!
Upcoming Events:
June 26th - Golf for Victory at Frosty Valley Country Club
August 25th – Dr. O’s Ride for Victory
October 6th – Camp Victory 5K
