Everybody's Thing

Teen homelessness leads to human trafficking. Human trafficking leads to HIV. This is an endless cycle, which keeps evolving. This isn’t someone else’s thing. This is everybody’s thing. Sadly, the numbers are still rising, even in your hometown. Spreading the word, being more aware, and getting involved are little things in which we all can do to help confront youth homelessness. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness

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

The Value of You

If you've ever been ridiculed, bullied, mocked, or if anyone has ever made you feel worthless ("good for nothing like wet matches") always remember that God loves everybody, regardless of your hair color, regardless of your skin color, ect.  Your  actual value is enormous! - Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a feel-good story about acceptance. One of the many perks of winning the national ‘America’s Family’ Sweepstakes is the chance to meet and make appearances with the President on his reelection campaign. When an eclectic African-American family becomes the unexpected winner of the prestigious ‘America’s Family’ contest, the President and his shiesty reelection campaign manager tries to get the family disqualified, thinking that this particular family isn’t ‘American-looking’ enough, and to appear with them on the campaign trail will hurt the President’s chance of getting reelected. Without being preachy, ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ gives a lighthearted glimpse into American politics while simultaneously showing a realistic snapshot of life in contemporary America. Just like any other family in America, the Lanterns have autism, transgender issues, and even a grandmother who’ve come up with her own interesting alternative to plant-based burgers. ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is an entertaining political satire that looks at race relations in America, and it shows the sometimes-ugly side of America while simultaneously reflecting the goodness in certain people that highlights America’s beauty as well. If you or your family ever felt left out, pushed out or shut out then Randolph Randy Camp’s ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a story for you.

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

The Journey



Sometimes we let others discourage and derail us. Growing up in rural Virginia years ago, I found a sense of adventure and escape within the pages of various books. Yep, even back then I knew that I was a book nerd, and I was certainly teased and ridiculed for it.

When I was young, I absolutely loved reading stories and books about different cultures. I was so fascinated with the Aborigines of Australia and their 'walkabout' ritual (whereby a boy transitions into manhood) that I wanted to experience my very own walkabout here in America. So, at age 15, I up and left my country roots in Spotsylvania County and went on a 'rite of passage' journey. My adventurous journey came to an end in the big city of Philadelphia, in which the juvenile court system there classified as a 'teen runaway' case.

When I was detained at the juvenile detention center in Philadelphia, I remember the intake worker making fun of me to her coworker who was sitting nearby when I'd quickly answered with a no-nonsense expression "I was on my walkabout" when she'd asked with a puzzled face, "Why did you runaway to Philadelphia?" The moment the intake worker heard the word 'walkabout' leave my mouth, she instantly shot her coworker a twisted look as both of them burst into laughter. Still today, I vividly remember that intake worker's look. It was the same look I got from some folks years ago when I used to tell them that I was going to write my own book one day. It was a look that said that I must be crazy...a mental case...just another dreamer.

In contrast, about a year ago, I got a completely different look. It wasn't a condescending look that questioned my mental state, but a look that was of sincere admiration. Just before I'd moved to Iowa in 2015, at a New Jersey book signing event, a young lady approached me and quietly commented, "Mr. Camp, I love the titles of all your books. How do you come up with titles like '29 Dimes' and '...Then The Rain'?" When I explained to the young lady that my stories and novels are usually metaphoric mirrors of my life and my walkabout journey to Philadelphia specifically was the inspiration behind my second novel '...Then The Rain', she immediately smiled and gave me one of those genuine looks of surprise.

In spite of others' ridicule and condescending laughter, don't ever let them discourage you from your goals and dreams. Let your heart guide you and keep you on track. - 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

Wet Matches: A Novel BOOK TRAILER

No Higher Compliment

Author Tops Off Black History Month at East

The students from Mr. Wagner's Certified Nursing Assistant class paid homage to Buffalo's author, Randy Camp on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Mr. Camp was treated to two skits by the students that represented scenes from the two novels that the students recently read in class. The students also awarded Mr. Camp their Annual Distinguish Helper Award for his direct influence on their lives.

The first book the students read was "Wet Matches", a novel that metaphorically deals with the emotional impact that segregation of schools had on Mr. Camp growing up in the South. This novel is packed with empathy as race is superimposed on the journey of five lost teens who are coping with self-identity confusion, and their medical diagnoses of HIV. The second novel the students read, Mr. Camp's most recent work;"29 Dimes: A Love Story", is a very engaging story of a group of close teens, and their last summer before high school graduation. The story deeply explores teenage relationship issues with excellent characters development.

The C.N.A students easily related to the multiple issues that were addressed in this swiftly moving love story where the hero is a special needs high school boy who overcomes multiple obstacles to become the star of the story by giving his life for another. The students spent 20 minutes of each class period reading out loud and then were engaged in  daily writing assignments that dealt with the topic that was addressed in the book for that day. Mr. Camp's response to the event was "...there's no higher compliment for a writer than to see his characters come to life."

After the skits, Mr. Camp led the students in a round table discussion about not only the story, but the process, frustration, and challenges involved in publishing his books.

More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp  

Start A Conversation

America’s teen runaway and youth homelessness issues are increasing. Between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year. There are a number of reasons why these kids were motivated to leave home, and the long list of risk factors involved doesn’t seem to be getting shorter anytime soon.

There are agencies, shelters, and various youth-oriented organizations out there trying their best to reach out and help these troubled and at-risk teens but, in reality, the true helping process simply begins with you and I.

Every day we see these homeless kids hanging out on our city streets, sometimes panhandling or begging for change or food. Personally, my actual concern for these young people stems from ‘the survival question’, meaning that once a kid runs away how will he or she now survive? This is my main concern and objective in bringing more awareness to this issue. After a kid runs away, he or she will face many questionable methods of survival on the streets. And this is one of the reasons why I wrote ‘Wet Matches’.

I truly understand and am very much aware of the fact that a lot of people may feel sorry for these runaway and homeless kids but feel somewhat helpless because they feel that, as one person, their impact won’t make a real difference to such a big tremendous social issue. At one time I felt that way myself, but trust me, the helping process is honestly simple and your ‘little’  personal impact will start a tidal wave of healing and help. It starts like this: The next time you see a homeless youth in your town, instead of ignoring him or her, just simply try to start a conversation. – Randolph Randy Camp


Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

The Wishful Traveler

I grew up poor in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia. I was a nerd and absolutely loved going to school because it was an escape from my sometimes dismal surroundings. I loved reading books about different cultures around the world and I would dream about going to these exotic places one day.
When I’d joined the US Air Force (after high school) I was able to travel the globe and actually visit some of the places and cultures I’d read about as a child.
I was fascinated by the Australian Aborigines, and when I was fifteen years old, I took part in my own ‘walkabout’. Let me explain: When I was 15, I went on a ‘journey’ from my rural hometown in Virginia to the bustling City of Philadelphia. Well, the juvenile court system said that I was a ‘runaway, and you should’ve seen the look on their faces when I tried to explain to them that I was simply on ‘my walkabout’.
Thank God for the US Air Force because during my numerous overseas tours, I was very fortunate to visit one of my favorite places, which is Japan. Not only did I visit mainland Japan while traveling in the Air Force, but I also got a chance to see the Island of Okinawa, Japan as well.
I certainly know what it’s like to ‘want to see the world’ but you maybe stuck in a financial bind and unable to fly and travel at will. Please take a lesson from me and just go to your local public library and you’ll be amazed at how far those books will take you. - Randolph Randy Camp


Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Those Rappahannock Dreams

RAPPAHANNOCK DREAMS
Leaves fallin' down and tears in my eyes
I sit by this river and cry and cry
But just like running water...running water
These Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by
But some day soon I'm gonna get away from here
Just like running water...clear and clear
I sit by this river and cry and cry
Somebody please...please
Tell me why these Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by

*RAPPAHANNOCK DREAMS was written for the character Robbie in 'Wet Matches: A Novel', an award-winning story about a colorful group of homeless teens getting a second chance at a better life.
US Copyright Reg# PAu003585960 R. Camp

Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp 

Still Learning n' Growing

It's the beginning of March 2014 and nearly 37 years ago I had an experience that I still think about today. When I think of those pivotal moments of my life, especially the life-changing events of my early years, my mind drifts back to my 'walkabout.' It was early Spring 1977. I was turning fifteen and doing quite well in the 10th grade at Spotsylvania High in rural Virginia. A strong urge of wanting to explore and escape came over me during this period of my life. I absolutely loved going to school and learning about different cultures in other parts of the world. I'd learned how the Australian Aborigines would send their juvenile boys to survive on their own in the wilderness as a passage into manhood. The Aborigines called this 'the walkabout.' After saving up enough money from doing odd jobs like picking up hay on local farms and weeding out flowerbeds, I boarded a Greyhound Bus and went on a journey to the city of Philadelphia. The juvenile court system classified my journey as "running away", but to me, it was my 'walkabout.' The journey itself, coupled with my experiences on the streets and a brief stay at the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, actually changed my life forever. After seeing and breathing the smell of old urine and dried up alcohol on Philadelphia's dirty sidewalks it made me truly appreciate the simple, natural beauty of little ol' Spotsylvania County in Virginia. It was at this time in my life that I began to recognize how important the Rappahannock River (in Virginia) was in my life and how it would help shape me as a person and a writer. My 'walkabout' to Philadelphia really opened my eyes to a lot of things. After returning back to Spotsylvania County, I had this renewed sense of "I gotta do something", so I started reaching out more, mostly through my stories and writings. I wrote to magazines, and my very first published article was a local newspaper piece entitled 'PUT SOMETHING BACK' for the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star. Still, to this day, when people would ask me what do I consider the best thing I'd ever written, or what stories or books am I the most proud of as a writer, I always say the 'Put Something Back' newspaper article I'd wrote as a teenager. Periodically, when I meet a troubled young person who might be a little confused or feel a little misplaced, I would share with them my walkabout story, and hopefully, they too, will begin to recognize the simple, natural beauty (of both people and things) which already exists around them...(we just don't see it until we venture out.) So  now, here it is the year 2014 and in many ways, sometimes I still feel like I'm on 'my walkabout'....still learning and growing. -  Randolph Randy Camp, More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Robbie's Song

RAPPAHANNOCK DREAMS
Leaves fallin' down and tears in my eyes
I sit by this river and cry and cry
But just like running water...running water
These Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by
But some day soon I'm gonna get away from here
Just like running water...clear and clear
I sit by this river and cry and cry
Somebody please...please
Tell me why these Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by
*Note: RAPPAHANNOCK DREAMS was written for the character Robbie in 'Wet Matches: A Novel', an award-winning story about a colorful group of homeless teens getting a second chance at a better life.
US Copyright Reg# PAu003585960 R. Camp

Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Fiction Prizes and Awards: WET MATCHES

Reaching both a national and an international audience after the publication of his very inspiring, prize-winning story ‘Wet Matches’ on Amazon, emerging writer and Air Force veteran Randolph Camp was presented THE ‘Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired’ PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD & LETTER OF APPRECIATION from The White House during a special ceremony held at the Calvary CME Church in Buffalo, New York on January 15, 2012. This historic event was facilitated and conducted by the Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which awarded author Randy Camp and other Outstanding Military Veterans for their passionate community spirit and service….(‘Wet Matches’ is a very entertaining story which takes a contemporary look at America’s growing bullying problems, teen runaway and homeless youths issues, including the ever-increasing problem of homeless teens living with HIV/AIDS.)… 

RCstories' Children's TV Series

HARRY'S FIELD is an animated, children's fantasy TV series. The series centers around a magical flying school bus named Eagle Wing, which transports kids from urban areas to an enchanted, colorful place called Harry's Field, where they learn about nature and our environment from a variety of jovial, talking animals and plants. TIME OUT TIME IN is another very lively and engaging animated, children's fantasy TV series created by Randolph Randy Camp. In a very entertaining and colorful manner (without being preachy), the series encourages young kids to use their imagination while simultaneously teaching them about life's virtues, such as the importance of being polite and kind to others. All works registered with the Writers Guild of America, East. Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

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

WET MATCHES' PLOT SUMMARY

WET MATCHES: THE STORYLINE

Meet five free-spirited teens: Shelly, Robbie, Josie, Micky and Cole, who will inspire you to enjoy every second of your life. Shelly is pregnant. Robbie plays guitar. Josie’s a little confused. Micky likes cars. Cole’s a little shy. Some people called them useless. They were told to get out of town. Some people said that they were about as good as wet matches…but Jalan, Crystal and Jack thought otherwise. While on a high school reunion trip to the South, a young California couple rescues an eclectic group of free-spirited, homeless teens and brings them back to sunny California. On this cross-country trip, Jack and Crystal discovers a lot about the teenagers. But also, they find out things about themselves that will help preserve their marriage. Learn more on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

MAIN STREET: An Excerpt from Wet Matches

MAIN STREET: An Excerpt from 'Wet Matches'...

On their way to visit Crystal's parents, the Canadays' rental Ford Escort slowly makes its way through Shallow Creek's business district.
In the midst of colorful storefront windows, standing out is the boarded-up teen drop-in center cushioned between a laundromat and Middleton's Drugstore.
The plywood enclosing the teen drop-in center is covered with large, spray-painted letters spelling 'Go home', 'Get out of our town' , 'Wet Matches', ect.
'WET MATCHES' is an inspiring, triumph-over-tragedy story about five homeless teens getting a second chance at a better life. 'Wet Matches' won the prestigious Quarter-Finals Prize at the 14th Annual Writers Network Screenplay and Fiction Competition in Los Angeles.





RANDY'S TV SCRIPTS - CHILDREN'S SERIES
1. Harry's Field (May 2014, Registered with Writers Guild of America, East, Reg#R30871)
2. Time Out Time In (May 2014, Registered with WGA, East)

Learn more on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Meet Cole, Shelly, Robbie, Micky and Josie

Meet five free-spirited teens: Shelly, Robbie, Josie, Micky and Cole, who will inspire you to enjoy every second of your life. Shelly is pregnant. Robbie plays guitar. Josie’s a little confused. Micky likes cars. Cole’s a little shy. Some people called them useless. They were told to get out of town. Some people said that they were about as good as wet matches…but Jalan, Crystal and Jack thought otherwise. If you had ever been ridiculed, bullied, mocked…or if someone had ever made you feel like you was good for nothing or worthless then Randolph Randy Camp’s award-winning ‘Wet Matches: A Novel’ is a story for you. Without being preachy-but yet-entertaining, ‘Wet Matches’ takes a fresh contemporary look at America’s ever-increasing youth runaway and teen homeless problems. ‘WET MATCHES’ is a Quarter-Finals Winner of The Writers Network 14th Annual Screenplay and Fiction Competition.
RCstories' Children's TV Series

HARRY'S FIELD is an animated, children's fantasy TV series. The series centers around a magical flying school bus named Eagle Wing, which transports kids from urban areas to an enchanted, colorful place called Harry's Field, where they learn about nature and our environment from a variety of jovial, talking animals and plants. TIME OUT TIME IN is another very lively and engaging animated, children's fantasy TV series created by Randolph Randy Camp. In a very entertaining and colorful manner (without being preachy), the series encourages young kids to use their imagination while simultaneously teaching them about life's virtues, such as the importance of being polite and kind to others. All works registered with the Writers Guild of America, East. Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Robbie's Song: Rappahannock Dreams from 'Wet Matches'

 

 

 

 

From  "WET MATCHES", the character ROBBIE sings the song "RAPPAHANNOCK DREAMS"...

Leaves fallin' down and tears in my eyes
I sit by this river and cry and cry
But just like running water...running water
These Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by
But someday soon I'm gonna get away from here
Just like running water...clear and clear
I sit by this river and cry and cry
Somebody please...please
Tell me why these Rappahannock dreams keep passin' me by

US Copyright Reg# PAu002512961

AUTHOR RANDY CAMP VISITS CNA STUDENTS AT EAST HIGH

On Monday, December 16th, author Randolph Randy Camp met with the sophomore Certified Nursing Assistant students from East High to discuss one of his novels, Wet Matches, that the students read. The students relished the opportunity to actually meet and discuss his work.

Wet Matches is a metaphoric story loaded with highly engaging characters who consistently demonstrate empathy as they mature and move beyond severe barriers in their life to become healed contributors to society.  Mr. Camp shared his personal story of growing up in the  segregated South and how his experience, and a song that he wrote as a teenager, became the plot of his book. Students were spellbound as he discussed the process of writing and publishing a book.

Mr. Camp recently had his third book, Twenty-nine Dimes, a Love Story, published, and his sequel to Wet Matches is in the final editing stages. -(Mr. Tim Wagner, Instructor-Teacher)

 
Learn more about WET MATCHES at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

A Home for Robbie, Shelly, Cole, Micky and Josie: "Wet Matches"

Excerpt from 'WET MATCHES'...

Pleadingly, Crystal explains, "Jack, we gotta chance to make a difference in their lives. They need us. How can we go back to that big empty house knowing that these kids got no place to call home?"

AUTHOR VISITS CNA STUDENTS AT EAST HIGH

On Monday, December 16th, author Randolph Randy Camp met with the sophomore Certified Nursing Assistant students from East High to discuss one of his novels, Wet Matches, that the students read. The students relished the opportunity to actually meet and discuss his work.

Wet Matches is a metaphoric story loaded with highly engaging characters who consistently demonstrate empathy as they mature and move beyond severe barriers in their life to become healed contributors to society.  Mr. Camp shared his personal story of growing up in the  segregated South and how his experience, and a song that he wrote as a teenager, became the plot of his book. Students were spellbound as he discussed the process of writing and publishing a book.

Mr. Camp recently had his third book, Twenty-nine Dimes, a Love Story, published, and his sequel to Wet Matches is in the final editing stages. - (Mr. Tim Wagner, Instructor-Teacher)

Learn more details about this prize-winning story about life's second chances at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp