Promise of ‘All Fun and No Sun’ Gives Photosensitive Children the Chance to Enjoy Camp Experiences
Victory Junction hosting children from across the U.S. for a specially adapted four-day camp giving children with sun and light sensitivity the chance to have fun day and night
RANDLEMAN, N.C. (Apr. 24, 2025) – Victory Junction, a year-round camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children with complex medical and physical conditions, will host the second annual Sun Escape Weekend in collaboration with Shadow Jumpers and The United Porphyrias Association May 1-4, 2025. Themed this year with the slogan, “Be Heroic,” this camp experience is tailored specifically for children and families who experience sun and light sensitivity and will empower participants to celebrate their resilience and bravery.
Sun Escape Weekend promises "All Fun and No Sun," offering a safe and supportive environment. The event’s activities will prioritize adaptability, ensuring that every child, regardless of medical or physical needs, can fully participate and enjoy enriching experiences.
Victory Junction is committed to creating joyful moments through programming carefully designed for diverse medical conditions. Shadow Jumpers strengthens community ties and creates meaningful experiences for those living with photosensitivity. The United Porphyrias Association champions the porphyria community by promoting awareness, advocating for critical research, and advancing therapeutic treatments. The partnership of all three organizations makes the weekend possible.
Activities during the weekend will include campfire gatherings, evening pool parties, night-time fishing, indoor archery, creative arts, and adaptive zip-lining. Campers will also receive special sun-safe accommodations, such as protective shuttling, UPF shirts, umbrellas with built-in misters, and blackout-covered facilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience throughout daylight hours.
"Camp is one of the most unforgettable experiences for children, offering an opportunity to enjoy fun activities and forge lasting friendships," says Craig Leppert, Founder of Shadow Jumpers. "However, for some, participating in a traditional outdoor camp filled with sunshine can be nearly impossible and even quite distressing. Shadow Jumpers, the United Porphyrias Association, and Victory Junction have partnered together to create a special place with those rare photosensitive families in mind Sun Escape."
"Sun Escape isn’t just a weekend - it’s a lifeline," says Kristen Wheeden, President, United Porphyrias Association. "It’s one of the only places where our kids don’t have to explain, apologize, or sit out. Here, they are seen, protected, and free to just be kids. The emotional relief of being part of a community that understands - truly understands - is something that campers, families, and volunteers carry with us long after camp ends. After last year’s success, we were emboldened by an overwhelming response - 100% of attendees said we should return, and not just return, but grow even bigger and stay even longer. No more proof needed we have created something truly special."
"At Victory Junction, we believe every child deserves the joy and adventure of camp,” said Allie Hylton, Camper Admissions and OUTREACH Director, Victory Junction. "We are proud to partner with Shadow Jumpers and the United Porphyrias Association for the second Sun Escape Weekend. We absolutely love adapting our space to their needs and look forward to celebrating the heroic spirits of these extraordinary campers once again."
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About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camp facility for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a medically safe environment, always free of charge. Victory Junction relies on the generosity of the community and gifts of all sizes to ensure every experience provided is at no cost to families. In addition to traditional camp sessions, Victory Junction also takes camp experiences to children and their families at hospitals, clinics, and other community partner sites throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has delivered more than 136,000 camp experiences and has served children from all fifty states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of camps founded by Paul Newman and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org.
Media Contact:
Michael Cottingham
Chief Marketing Officer
Victory Junction
Office: 336.495.2070
Email: mcottingham@victoryjunction.org
About Shadow Jumpers
Shadow Jumpers offers meaningful experiences and a sense of community to individuals and families living with photosensitive conditions. To better connect with the communities it serves, everyone associated with the Shadow Jumpers team must either have a photosensitive condition themselves or be personally related to one. Since 2018, Shadow Jumpers has assisted families across North America with various services, including sun-proof vacations, home renovations, medical bill relief, acquiring protective clothing, transportation requests, and more. To learn more, visit shadowjumpers.org.
About United Porphyrias Association
The United Porphyrias Association (UPA) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all individuals affected by porphyria. With a relentless focus on advancing awareness, research, and therapies, UPA envisions a world where patients are free from the pain and challenges of porphyria. Through a comprehensive approach that includes research, education, advocacy, patient support, and public awareness, UPA works to make that vision a reality. To learn more visit porphyria.org.