Non Profit Spotplight: Victory Lane Camp

By: Aaron Olson

MEET CRYSTAL INGRAM & ALEX MILLS

When Crystal Ingram connected with the Victory Lane community in 2017, she didn’t realize it would be the beginning of lifelong friendships for her daughter Ruby. Even more, she didn’t realize she would begin building her own lifelong friendships. The unique approach of Victory Lane takes families of children with special needs and families of children without special needs and teaches them to grow together through a summer camp environment.

Ruby and Emmy

These connections develop all year long, and families support one another through the stresses and joys of life. Families of children with special needs are empowered and equipped, and families of neurotypical children discover useful ways to encourage their friends.

Skaar, Wendy and Tucker

From Camp Participant To Camp Coordinator Crystal described her first camp session as life-altering. “It’s emotional, and beautiful, and raw. This ministry is changing lives.” As she and Ruby navigated post-camp life, they discovered they now had a network of friends who wanted to be a part of their lives. “Whether it is dealing with my daily frustrations or worries as a mother of a child with special needs or any other struggle Ruby or I have, I know I can reach out to anyone I met through Victory Lane and I know they would be there to help,” Crystal expressed. Crystal believes so much in the mission of Victory Lane she now serves as the Camp Coordinator. She uses her own experiences to help welcome new Victory Families into the camp sessions and create an environment that nurtures meaningful connections. Crystal also works to recruit Partner Families and provides them the training they need to come alongside Victory Families in ways that are helpful and positive.

Truman and Tiffany

Alex’s New Friends One example that Crystal points out when sharing about the transformational experiences that happen at camp is Alex Mills. Jamie and Jennifer Mills, Alex’s parents, were determined to find a camp which would allow Alex to fully participate, even though he’s bound to a wheelchair.

“No matter what your disability is, they make every effort for each child to feel like a part of it. There was no standing off to the side just looking on,” explained Jennifer. “Alex enjoyed any activity that allowed him to be on a team with his peers. There was an entire day that we were in a training session that Alex got to spend with just his friends and other volunteers, and he almost didn’t want us to get done so he could stay with his new friends.”

The Mills family also appreciated the connections made with the “Partner Families” (families without special needs).

Luke

Jennifer shared, “The Partner Family that was assigned to us, Tiffani and Chad Pentecost, took to Alex as if he was a member of their family. One evening there was a tractor ride. Alex didn’t want us to go with him. He wanted Chad to go with him. They were there all the time offering help whenever we might have needed it. They would stay with Alex while we went to get our food. We actually got to eat hot dinners! Even the families that were assigned to other Victory Families would jump in and help if needed.”

Noah and Alex

Finding Partners For The Journey The Partner Families at Victory Lane find a depth in relationships

Trevor

where everyone can be themselves and let their guards down. The Pentecost family found a new richness in the friendships they’ve formed through Victory Lane.

Jadyn and Aaron

“Bringing Victory Families and Partner Families together is a way for us as Partner Families to understand that we are actually missing something in our lives, that Victory Families can give to us,” noted Chad Pentecost, Partner Family Dad. “When I first decided to become a Partner Family, I thought I was going to be the guy who helps out a Victory Family but when walking away from camp I realized that they helped me out more! Our daughter is now very interested in becoming an occupational therapist and Victory Lane has been a big part of her growth.”

Even teens get involved with the connections happening at camp and year-long activities. Kenley Brown’s family began attending camp as a Partner Family in 2014 and she cherishes the friendships she has made while attending camp sessions and other activities.

“Victory Lane brings families closer together. It’s an amazing opportunity to develop relationships, be with your family, and just have a great time,” Kenley said. “It truly is an awesome experience, and I definitely look forward to it every year.”

If you would like to learn more about Victory Lane please visit their webpage at www.victorylanecamp.org or by emailing camp director Crystal Ingram at crystal@victorylanecamp.org or calling 765-591-4191.

Do you run a non-profit? Would you like to be a part of the non-profit spotlight or nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

November 2021 • Special Needs Living 47