'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/

Drop A Coat, Warm Your Heart

Somewhere near us, at this very moment, regardless of our location, there is someone on the street without a home and without a coat. In this sometimes cruel, coldhearted world we can all do a little something to warm our hearts. As we approach the winter season, some businesses and non-profit organizations will conduct winter coat drives for the homeless and those in need. It warms my heart when I go through my closet and pick out an old heavy coat or two, in which I no longer wear, and drop it off at a local homeless shelter.


Most places that are willing to accept used coats will have it heat-treated first before they actually hand it out. Please double-check in your local area for the clothing donation policy at the city mission, teen drop-in center, homeless shelter, or the thrift stores that supports the local soup kitchens. Whether I’m at St. Vincent DePaul’s Soup Kitchen near Main and Utica in Buffalo, at the Bethel Mission near 6th and University in Des Moines, or down on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, it absolutely breaks my heart to see the rising number of homeless, especially the homeless teens sleeping on the sidewalks and under bridges. When I was living in Los Angeles I witnessed a particular transit bus being used during the wee hours of the night, whereby the homeless could ride and sleep in peace just as long they don’t bother the other passengers.

 We can all do a little something. Drop a coat and warm your own heart. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Today's Amazing Teens

Sometimes, I don’t think that our young people get enough credit for their good deeds and positive vibes in which they put out every day. Similar to the adult world, the criminal and negative activity conducted by a small percentage of our young people will get publicized but it’s very rare that the countless good deeds of the majority will get any attention at all.


Whenever I’m in the company of young people not only do I love hearing about what they are currently doing, but I also love to listen to their thoughts, ideas, and dreams about their future. It’s easy to get the wrong impression about some of today’s youth, especially when you enter a fast-food restaurant and the teen behind the counter greets you as if you’d just interrupted his or her break and everything mentioned about providing good customer service during their orientation went straight out the window after their first week on the job. And of course, not all teenagers act this way. Personally, I try to look pass these few young individuals who, unfortunately, give teenagers a bad reputation.


The open discussions I have during and after a classroom book talk session with students are some of the most engaging and intriguing discussions I’ve ever heard. The questions, comments, and opinions of some of these young people just blows my mind, and any reservations or doubts I might have had about our youth running the country in the future quickly dissipates after listening to the students intelligently articulate and express themselves on a wide range of subjects, including sex, politics, fashion trends, gun control, and race relations. What I enjoy most during my school book talks is how the students typically would freely say things that most people would only feel comfortable saying at the kitchen table or privately among their close friends or family members. In my personal opinion, I think that we need more of these open discussions in America so that we can improve our race relations and the basic way we treat each other here in America (and around the world.)


When I’m surrounded by these bright kids I wish that others could hear their thoughts and opinions about what’s going on in the world today. In my most recent high school visit, the students and I covered a wide range of interesting topics, including the removal of Confederate statues, the NFL national anthem – kneeling debate, the delayed Puerto Rico disaster FEMA relief, gun control, human trafficking, teen homelessness, bullying, immigration and DACA. I’ll never forget this most recent school visit because I was asked a question by one of the students in which I’d never been asked before. She asked, “Mr. Camp, if there was one person right now, in the whole world, who you would love to meet and ask him or her a few questions, who would it be?” You should’ve seen the looks on the kids’ faces as I quickly answered, “Malala Yousafzai”.  And, interesting enough, my response to that question actually led us into another engaging and lively discussion.


Yes indeed, I have tremendous faith in our amazing youth, and I truly believe that we have a very bright future ahead. – Randolph Randy Camp


*(photo: Me standing amid high school students after a meet-the-author/book talk discussion.)
More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Our Vulnerable Youth

Unfortunately, human trafficking has become a rising social issue in America. And sadly, after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Houston area, there’s a predictable spike in human trafficking due to the high number of displaced and extremely vulnerable people, especially people who were already living in poverty.
The number of homeless youth in America is already on the rise, and natural disasters will certainly attract those shady individuals, including pimps and hustlers, who prey upon these desperate, vulnerable young people.
Supporting and getting involved with helping agencies in any capacity is always appreciated. Becoming more aware and spreading the word about Youth Homelessness and Human Trafficking are helpful as well. Thank you. – Randolph Randy Camp

Wet Matches: One Shot

Thank you to all of my readers, followers and everyone else who’ve been so supportive of me and my work. This ol’ country boy from the backwoods of Spotsylvania County, Virginia is honored and forever grateful to you all. I’m truly blessed and I take nothing for granted. Here’s an update on the film adaptation of ‘Wet Matches: A Novel’


We’re still in the early stages of pre-production. It’s a long process going from script to screen. Because this independent movie project won’t have the financial backing of a big name Hollywood studio, securing the funds for production will be a challenge for the producer. Crowd funding, such as Kickstarter, have been discussed and is still a viable option.


Also, there have been a couple of suggested titles for this film. Possible working titles so far includes ‘Wet Matches: The Journey’, and most recently, ‘Wet Matches: One Shot’. All titles fit the storyline of novel, but no final decision has been made yet.


As a writer, this whole process is already a dream come true. I hope that each one of you have something to shine about in your life, and may your goals and dreams are realized as well. – Randolph Randy Camp


*(photo: Indie Film Producer Rachel Rand with writer Randy Camp)
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

The Journey

While still in the early stages of development and pre-production, I’m learning from Executive Producer Rachel Rand that ‘The Journey’ will be the official title of the film adaption of ‘Wet Matches: A Novel’. Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves and slowly comes to life on the silver screen. And I thank you all for supporting me and my work through the years. – Randolph Randy Camp

(Photo: Indie Film Producer Rachel Rand with Screenwriter Randy Camp, 2017)

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

One by One: Helping Our Homeless Youth

I love getting feedback from my readers. The majority of the comments and questions I receive on a daily basis usually are about my writing technique or  my writing tips. Occasionally, I will get a response, as I did yesterday, asking me advice on ways to get involved with the  youth homelessness problem we currently have in America. After reading my book ‘Wet Matches’, Whitney from Nebraska, informed me that she didn’t realize that America had such a growing human trafficking and homeless problem, especially among our teen population.


Currently, there are approximately 1.4 million runaway and homeless youth in America. This information isn’t widely known and normally goes unreported. Unfortunately, these homeless kids are commonly taken advantage of and sexually exploited by pimps, street hustlers, and strangers. It’s shocking to find out what some of these homeless teens would do for a bag of fries when they’re truly desperate and starving. Surviving on the streets isn’t easy, and ‘survival sex’ is a subject I addressed in my 2011 debut novel ‘Wet Matches’. Life around cheap motels and truck stops seem to be perpetuating human trafficking and sexual exploitation of those stuck in vulnerable situations. Teen runaways and homeless youth, especially those young people within the LGBTQ community are the most vulnerable and are prime targets for hustlers and those looking for easy prey.


Whitney from Nebraska was so compelled to reach out and take action after reading ‘Wet Matches’ that she asked for my advice and guidance. As I suggested and replied back to Whitney, contacting and volunteering with your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen is a great start to reaching out and helping these vulnerable young people all across America. One by one, little by little, together, we can impact the lives of our runaway, homeless youth…one by one. – Randolph Randy Camp


Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Wet Matches: The Movie!!!

It’s a go, folks! ‘Wet Matches: The Movie’ is in pre-production with Independent Movie Producer Rachel Rand. Location scouting will begin soon with cast auditions and filming to begin sometime during this summer (2017). Winner of the Writers Network 14th Annual Screenplay & Fiction Quarter-Finals Prize, ‘Wet Matches’ tells the contemporary tale of five homeless teens (all HIV positive) getting a second chance at a better life when a young California couple takes them in. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

America Exposed: A Call For Help

Our young people need us more than ever right now. The recent election gave a true snapshot of the real America. All of our hidden, dark secrets and thoughts are now exposed to the world. Those who’ve harbored hatred and quietly belittled others at the dinner table or behind closed doors seemingly have been given the green light to carry these twisted, backward thoughts and ideas to another level.
So many people in America are feeling disenfranchised right now. It’s a terrible thing to feel uncomfortable in your own home, at your workplace, and it’s even worst when you feel uncomfortable and unwanted in your own country.
Already, we have a big problem in America dealing with the rising number of teen runaways and the issue of teen homelessness. It’s a growing issue that I feel passionate about but it hardly ever gets serious attention, especially at the national level. (See TEEN HOMELESSNESS by Justine Pedroza at https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness/) Personally, I’m very concerned now about the negative impact that this recent election will have on our young people in America who already feel uncomfortable where they are due to their race or possibly due to their sexual orientation.
Due to the uncertainty of projected policies and the seemingly uncompassionate heart of our future leaders, this election will cause more anxiety among those who no longer feel welcome in their own home and in their own country, especially our young people who are still struggling to find their own identity. Within the next four years in America, youth homelessness will rise and we have to do whatever we can to try to curb it.
What can we do to help? If you have a teen drop-in center or a homeless shelter in your city or town, see if they need volunteers. Some cities may have a soup kitchen that feeds the homeless of all ages. If you can, lend them a hand or donate whatever you can, your time, food or clothing. Your compassion is greatly needed and will be greatly appreciated. If compassion is not flowing from our leaders, then we must make up for it in our own little ways. Let’s help the disenfranchised, especially our young people. Thank you. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Survival Sex and HIV



Every day the number of positive HIV cases and runaway youth are rising. We all should be concerned because there are homeless youth everywhere, and the potential for becoming HIV positive is everywhere. Whether you're straight or associated with the LGBT community, it pays to really know your sexual partner, and the not knowing is both dangerous and costly.

Nowadays, a large number of young people are feeling somewhat unwelcome and uncomfortable in their own homes after revealing their sexual orientation to other family members. Unfortunately, running away becomes an easy solution for these youth. Young runaways trying to survive on unfamiliar streets creates the potential for risky sexual behavior. These vulnerable kids and teens become easy prey for shady drug dealers, pimps, and every other street hustler trying to make a living off of someone else's back. Sadly, in desperation, a hungry, homeless teen will sometimes do almost anything for a burger and a bag of fries.

There's definitely a real connection between survival sex and the rise of positive HIV cases. Five years ago, in my first book, I addressed this issue without mentioning the term 'survival sex' within the text at all but it certainly was the hard subject matter which drove the under current of that particular novel.

We all can do our part in trying to curb these rising numbers simply by becoming more educated on this subject and making others more aware of the many issues surrounding young runaways and teen homelessness. - Randolph Randy Camp

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp