All Fun. NO SUN.
A heroic year 2
In 2025, we built upon our inaugural success by increasing our total number of camp families, adding an extra day, hosting a lawn party at sunset, and celebrating the photosensitive hero within us all.
We welcomed 34 primary campers from 32 families on Thursday evening for check-in. Our dedicated volunteers waited outside their assigned cabins along cabin row, proudly wearing official camp t-shirts. However, these were not just any Sun Escape shirts; they featured custom designs illustrating each primary camper as their very own photosensitive hero. This was part of our weekend theme, “Be Heroic.”
As the first theme in our history, it aimed to highlight the superhero like measures our campers take by donning protective clothing or “suiting up” to face the sun. Each camper also received their own superhero origin story, along with a custom comic book cover displayed on the Victory Junction Lawn.
In addition to introducing our first theme, we also unveiled our inaugural camp saying, “All Fun, No Sun.” This phrase served as a reminder of the precautions taken by Shadow Jumpers, the United Porphyrias Association, and Victory Junction to ensure the safety of campers, many of whom can only be exposed to UV rays or intense light for a few minutes.
Alongside our usual protective coverings and UPF umbrellas, we enhanced our shuttle bus by covering one side of the windows with blackout curtains, allowing our campers to travel with peace of mind even on short trips around the park’s program areas.
We were thrilled to host all our meals in the traditional cafeteria, known as “The Fuel Stop,” this year. Last year, dining was limited to the Rec Center due to covering constraints at the Fuel Stop. The proper cafeteria setting significantly boosted camp morale and made it easier for families to connect and socialize compared to 2024.
Throughout the weekend, our 32 families enjoyed various traditional activities such as horseback riding, archery, the superdome, fishing, and more. As the sun set on Saturday night, we launched the NASCARnival on the Victory Junction Lawn, treating campers to inflatable boardwalk games, a dunk tank, tasty Krispy Kreme donuts, a live DJ, pies in the face, and more. Portable lights were brought in to keep the festivities alive even after dark. Unfortunately, thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday evenings significantly impacted both our carnival and outdoor activities.
Two highlights of the camp occurred in the latter half of the weekend. Our talent show, nicknamed “Stage Night,” featured a record 18 acts, showcasing our campers and volunteers singing, dancing, performing magic, and even doing impersonations. We concluded the weekend on Sunday morning with the “Superhero Academy Group Activity” led by Victory Junction in the superdome, where campers created unique capes and inspiring masks.
As we bid farewell to our families on Sunday, we felt confident that we had solidified Sun Escape as a memorable weekend experience filled with connections, safety, and fun — an event that is here to stay.
Shadow Jumpers and the United Porphyrias Association are already hard at work brainstorming ideas for 2026!
