'Tis the Season, No Degree Necessary

Feeling unsafe, uncomfortable and unwanted, especially in your own home, is a terrible feeling. Secretly, many kids have been planning to run away all winter long. As the weather gets better there’s always a spike in runaways, regardless of where you live…’tis the season.


You don’t need some stamped certificate or a fancy degree to help someone, all you need is a heart. Sometimes, youth shelters, soup kitchens, and drop-in centers are overwhelmed and any little support from you would be greatly appreciated. We don’t have to save everyone at once. Doing simple things like dropping off toiletries or feminine hygiene products to your local teen drop-in center are a tremendous relief to any financially-strapped community organization in your area.


During the upcoming summer months, all across the nation, more pimps, hustlers and drug dealers all come out to prey on these new ‘fresh strawberries’ on our city streets, at busy truck stops and seedy motels. Let’s all pinch in and do whatever little we can to help out. Let’s try to reach these vulnerable kids before the fast-tongue pimps, hustlers and drug dealers do because…’tis the season, no degree necessary. – Randolph Randy Camp


Learn more at https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness/

Dani: Lighting Sparks

I have a strong belief that everyone has a special gift and was born for a specific reason. On April 27, 1987 Randie Danielle ‘Dani’ Camp was born. Through the years she has experienced her fair share of setbacks, hardships and dark moments. But her unbelievable driving spirit didn’t let those dark periods deter her from achieving and accomplishing her goals.


Dani has a passion for reading and teaching. Today, Dani is inspiring and lighting sparks in so many kids (and adults), as she is the Family Literacy Coordinator and Educator for Raising Readers of Story County in Iowa (https://www.raising-readers.org)


For those of you who haven’t met Dani yet you should see her face just light up whenever she’s speaking about the powerful impact of bibliotherapy, especially on young kids who maybe going through a rough patch.


This coming Saturday is Dani’s birthday, and she’d set up a fundraiser page for Raising Readers (https://www.facebook.com/donate/2288539324501357/ ) if anyone would like to contribute in honor of her birthday.


As Dani’s father, I’m just blown away by her relentless spirit and passion for reading. I have no doubt about the reason why this beautiful young lady was born.


Happy early Birthday Randie ‘Dani’, and may God bless you as you continue to light sparks in so many others. – Randolph Randy Camp
*(photo taken at Gray’s Lake in Des Moines, Iowa)

Climbing: Having Human Agency

Just because you may have been born in a run-down trailer park or a desolate housing project doesn’t mean that you have to stay there forever. Navigating yourself towards betterment is certainly a challenge, especially when the odds are already stacked against you.


I’m slowly closing in on 60 years and I’d made plenty of stupid mistakes. But, in time and over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two. Making pro-active decisions and honing your networking and social skills will greatly increase your chances of climbing out of the well. Reading, having a curious mind, and not being afraid to ask questions are all great tools to help you up the ladder.


Some years ago I made a promise to myself that I would increase my vocabulary by making a serious effort to learn at least one new word or term every week or so. By far, this strategy has been one of my greatest instruments in my toolbox. On any given day I could be having a business conversation with an executive at some prestigious publishing house, and a few hours later I could be carrying on an engaging conversation with a homeless person in the city park. Being able to shift and navigate through different waters has greatly helped me, especially as a writer and a youth advocate.


Of all the words and interesting terms that’s become part of my ever-growing vocabulary over the years, the term ‘human agency’ is, hands down, the one that still fascinates me.


How well you shift and navigate yourself through various channels is your human agency, and increasing this ability to shift and navigate on your journey upward could be the key to your climb. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Prayers for Kaira

Making the transition from adolescence to adulthood isn't easy for anyone. I've seen Kaira in some of her darkest moments, and I've witnessed a few of her sunny days as well. No, just like all of us, Kaira's not perfect. Her life hasn't been easy, but what I love about this young lady is that underneath all of that hard, crusty stuff is a young, determined beautiful lady with a kind, giving heart.
On this Wednesday morning here in April, I'm saying my morning prayers for Kaira (who, by the way, calls me 'Grandpa') as she ventures forth into the next phase of her young life, and as she told me yesterday, "I'm pulling my stuff together so I can be a mature adult." As I pray this morning, please join me to send Kaira positive vibes and encouragement her way as she continues her journey towards independence and further growth.
May God bless and watch over Kaira and all of you. - Randolph Randy Camp