Courage To Walk Alone

Due to the senseless, recent death of my grandson in New York it gave me a renewed appreciation for positive-minded kids, and got me thinking a lot about all of the positive kids out there who are doing their own thing and have no desire whatsoever to join a street gang.


Over the years as a youth advocate, I’d spoken with lots of lost kids who were at the crossroads, where they’re not sure if they want to join their neighborhood gang or not. When I was in Los Angeles in 2002, I remember having a one-on-one session with this big, muscular, tat-covered 15 year-old who got really upset with me because I’d told him that it was a sign of weakness to join a gang because it means that you’re too afraid to walk alone.


I could see his face tighten as he thought that I was insulting him by calling him ‘weak’, but I went on to tell him that when you don’t need a gun or a group of others dressed in similar clothing around you to make you “feel like a man” then you’re already on a good path towards manhood. As he got up in protest to walk out the door I further told him that it takes more courage to walk alone than to join a gang. He rolled his eyes and slammed the door as he left.


About a year later in 2003, this same big, thuggish-looking kid was one of many kids along the 26-mile route, cheering me on as I ran the LA Marathon to raise money for the I Have A Dream Foundation – LA Chapter. After I’d crossed the finish line, he excitedly told me that he’d re-enrolled back into school and he’d promised his mom that he wouldn’t ever join a gang. *(Update: Today, this gentleman is now a certified auto mechanic, married with 2 kids, and a homeowner in San Diego. He keeps in touch with me and calls me ‘pops’)


If any of you have friends and family who are currently dealing with a younger family member who maybe associated with a street gang, or maybe possibly at the crossroads, please try, in your own unique way, to get the message across to him or her that joining a gang is a sign of weakness, and that true strength and true courage happens when you do your own thing and you’re not afraid to walk alone.


After building up a bit of trust, some kids will be willing to listen but most will not. As a youth advocate, I’ve learned that you can’t change the mindset of a kid, only they can do that, but what you can do though is plant positive seeds into their heads and simply show by example how you’re living your life.


If a troubled kid is willing to listen, I try to explain to them that gang leaders love to recruit school dropouts because they’re easier to control, brainwash and manipulate because their minds are somewhat empty and they can’t think for themselves. That’s why I always encourage kids in gang-infested neighborhoods to stay in school and please don’t quit. Also, I remember trying to tell another kid that joining a gang will ‘limit you’ because gangs only associate themselves with one or two colors, and they only associate themselves with a certain street or two, or possibly a small section of town. Whereby, in contrast, those who walk alone associate themselves with all colors of the rainbow and they have the whole world, not just a limited area around the block. 


Walking alone isn’t easy, but at least you know that the whole world is yours. – Randolph Randy Camp

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

America: The Other Side

As we celebrate America's Independence this weekend, I'll never forget the very first time I saw a slice of America which was certainly nothing to celebrate. I was 15 years old, and I saw a group of homeless people hanging out on the dirty, urine-stained streets of Philadelphia. When I returned back to Virginia from my 'teen runaway experience' I knew what I wanted to do with my life. My love of writing now had a sense of purpose.

There are homeless people in every little town and big city in America. Over the years, I've visited and volunteered at drop-in centers and soup kitchens that serve those in need. A couple years ago, I was honored to be included in a project entitled TEEN HOMELESSNESS by Justine Pedroza. This weekend, as we celebrate the 4th of July, I'll continue to do whatever I can to bring more awareness to 'the other side of America'. Enjoy the rest of your summer Everyone n' have a Safe and Happy 4th of July! - Randolph Randy Camp

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

The Well

"Most often, those who’ve been in the well are those most likely to pull others out of the well…When Jack Canaday was twelve years old he was once in the well…Now, twenty-one years later, Jack has an opportunity to reach down and help others out of the well…"  -Quote from 'Wet Matches: A Novel'
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

DROPPING OUT: SLAVERY WITHOUT CHAINS

After a long day yesterday one of my neighbors knocked on my door. She wanted to know if I could speak with her 16 year old daughter because her daughter was seriously considering dropping out of school. The moment my neighbor said the words ‘dropping out’ my ears automatically perched up and I quickly asked, “Where is she?”
Although initially I got the dramatic rolling of the eyes, the young lady gave me enough respect to listen to what I had to say. I told her that certain cultures and societies believe that females shouldn’t be allowed to read books, go to school and get a basic education. And I went on to tell her that this belief is backwards and a society that keeps its girls from reading books and getting an education is only hurting itself  in the long run because that makes their whole society or country weak. “To me”, I continued,”keeping girls from reading books and going to school is a form of slavery, the kind of slavery where you don’t  physically see the metal chains but they are definitely there, keeping you down and in place.” I further explained to her that we often take our public school system for granted when we should be grateful for it.
Today, as I’m thinking about this young lady and her very concerned mother, I wonder if she went to school this morning. I hope so. – Randolph Randy Camp

Learn 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

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 

Something To Read

Over the weekend I'd visited someone and noticed that there wasn't one piece of reading material in her house. Ever since I became involved with the I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION in Los Angeles quite a few years ago I made a promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to ensure that a household had some type of reading materials around regardless of the family's income level. Especially if there were school-age kids living there I would go out and get a magazine, children's book, comic book or a paperback novel.

Without offending my friend, I told her that I was going to the local library to purchase some old books for her kids. Most local libraries take older books out of circulation and sells them to the public for 25 cents and 50 cents per book. I got lucky and found a bundle of kid's books in decent shape at the branch library only four blocks away and my friend's kids were delighted to get their new gifts.

Over the years, especially after working with at-risk youth and low-income families involved with the I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION in LA, I've noticed a big difference in a kid's attitude towards school and life in general, if and when they have a sincere interest in reading. A kid's world becomes brighter when they start reading. Period. - Randy Camp

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

EVERYBODY IS LOVED

"See, that’s the good thing about The Lord. He don’t care what color your hair is or where you put your jewelry. He loves everybody.” (Quote from WET MATCHES A NOVEL, the prize-winning tale about five homeless teenagers, all HIV positive, getting a second chance at a better life when a California couple takes them in).    
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

Don't Drop Out! Grab A Book!

It saddens me whenever I learn of a kid dropping out of school because I know that the chances are high that he or she may trade their schoolbooks for a gun. And gang leaders just love it when their neighborhood has a high percentage of dropouts because it gives them a good supply of non-thinking followers. We must do whatever we can to keep our kids in school and not let them become easy prey out on the street.
I constantly meet concerned adults who tell me that they really want to do something to make their street, their block, or whole city better, and they often say something like “I want to help make my block safer but I’m just one person, I can’t make a difference.” And then I happily tell them that I used to think that same way quite some years ago, and then I became an absolute believer in the fact that one person can certainly make a difference. My beliefs changed when I’d handed a female gang member a book and she told me a couple years later how that book had changed her life. - Randolph Randy Camp


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
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

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

The Power of True Friendship and Life's Second Chances: WET MATCHES

Wet Matches: A Novel" is an inspiring and uplifting story about five homeless 'throwaway' teens (all HIV positive) getting a second chance at a better life when a young couple on a high school reunion trip rescues them and takes them on a cross-country journey to their new home in sunny California. 'Wet Matches' is about friendships, and it asks the question, "How far would you go for a friend?" Fifteen years of separation didn't stop Crystal from being there for Jalan. What Crystal did for Jalan will inspire us all to take a closer look at our own relationships and friendships...Could you still laugh knowing that death was possibly lurking around the corner? 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

Make A Difference, You and I, One by One

Posted on December 11, 2013 by rcstories1

Several years ago I became a mentor and an advocate for at-risk kids. I remember asking this one particular kid why did he own a gun, and his response was “Because it makes me feel like a man.” And at that very moment when he said that I knew I had to work with this kid. After several months, the kid and I managed to get to the root of his issue, and we both realized that his gun was merely just a shield to hide behind because he was so ashamed that he wasn’t good in school, which led him to drop out. It took some time but eventually I had convinced him to get rid of his gun and re-enroll into the alternative school program.
I’m bringing this up because in Buffalo, New York, unsolved criminal cases involving guns and shootings are seemingly becoming an accepted and an expected reality within certain communities. And that troubles me and we have to do something about it.
There’s a particular stagnant case in here Buffalo that I’m concerned with so I called in a favor to get a closer look at some of the behind-the-scenes details. Personally, I wish that city, state, and federal officials could work more closely together and share their progress with one another instead of being sort of competitive because fighting over proper jurisdictions only slows and stagnates an investigation. And I must say though that it’s truly frustrating for both the innocent parties and the law enforcement officials involved with the case to have a primary and secondary suspect in mind but they can’t seem to get any witnesses within the community to come forward to identify the shooter in court.
This is why I have a strong devotion towards working with young people, especially those young people who are brainwashed and saturated with these manipulative beliefs that permeates within certain minority communities. It bothers me greatly whenever I see a T-shirt or hear a young person say “Don’t Snitch” or “Snitches get Stitches.” Ironically, some of the same scare tactics that the plantation owners used to keep slaves in line are the same manipulative scare tactics gang leaders use in our neighborhoods today.
Whether I’m giving a book talk in front of a classroom, or at a bookstore, or having a one-on-one, I absolutely love every opportunity I get to speak with a troubled and sometimes aimless youth. And I always point out to them that twisted phrases like “snitches get stitches” can only work on people who don’t think for themselves and people who tend to be followers. I also try to make the point that how can we tell and teach our little kids to make sure that they tell someone, a parent or another trusting adult, if someone is touching them inappropriately — and then, a few years later, these same kids are getting confused because they’re bombarded with “don’t snitch” and “snitches get stitches.”
In my little humble effort in trying to make a difference, I really try to drive home the crucial point to kids at risk that certain people involved with criminal activity and who may have a high status within a street gang can only survive if they continually recruit non-thinking followers to do their dirty work for them. And one of the best ways to combat this problem is to teach, inspire, and motivate these kids at risk to grab a book and try to learn how to gain more confidence and think for themselves, so that they don’t have to be a mindless follower anymore.
It saddens me whenever I learn of a kid dropping out of school because I know that the chances are high that he or she may trade their schoolbooks for a gun. And gang leaders just love it when their neighborhood has a high percentage of dropouts because it gives them a good supply of non-thinking followers. We must do whatever we can to keep our kids in school and not let them become easy prey out on the street.
I constantly meet concerned adults who tell me that they really want to do something to make their street, their block, or whole city better, and they often say something like “I want to help make my block safer but I’m just one person, I can’t make a difference.” And then I happily tell them that I used to think that same way quite some years ago, and then I became an absolute believer in the fact that one person can certainly make a difference. My beliefs changed when I’d handed a female gang member a book and she told me a couple years later how that book had changed her life.
So, even though these unsolved cases, such as the shooting case here in Buffalo, are frustrating, we can still try to make a difference in our own little humble way, you and I, one person at a time, one by one.
(PS: I want to sincerely thank all of you across America and around the world who have taken the time to write to me. I can’t even begin to tell you what that means to me and how grateful I am to you. Every day I get numerous messages and letters from you that truly humbles me.)
– Randy Camp

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

Virginia-Related Books "Wet Matches: A Novel" - Richmond Times-Dispatch

 

 

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)

 

 

Book ISBN: 978-1478273721..............Set in rural Virginia, ‘FALSE DANDELIONS’ is a contemporary Southern crime fiction novel filled with romance, small town secrets, broken dreams and murder as locals from Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg, including a young disabled Iraq war veteran, stop a misguided band of Washington, DC criminals from setting up shop in their quiet town. When Lamar returned home from Iraq they gave him a hero’s welcome but he actually never felt like a true hero until he pulled off his greatest mission ever. A mission that will make this disabled vet a local legend, and a mission that will literally blow you away. Jesse is a rising star but when his mother’s body was found in the murky waters of the Rappahannock, he trades his prized guitar for a shotgun. Ever since Turtle was little, he was always somebody’s errand boy. Now, twenty years later, he decides to break the mold and that is just the beginning of many mistakes Turtle will make. Randolph Randy Camp’s ‘FALSE DANDELIONS’ is about the lives and dreams of underdogs. When you’re stuck in a nowhere place, physically or mentally, you dream of leaving. When you’ve been a nobody and strive to become somebody, sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t. Once again, this prolific award-winning writer paints a straight forward picture of contemporary Southern life and reminds us that, regardless of your income or race, there’s a touch of Jesse in all of us and there’s a little Turtle in all of us.
‘FALSE DANDELIONS’ is available in paperback and eBook (Kindle) on Amazon.

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, 'WET MATCHES' was featured in Jay Strafford's monthly column about books related to the state of Virginia. Jay Strafford is the Richmond Times-Dispatch books editor. Click the following LINK to see the full article:   http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/arts-literature/2012/mar/04/tdbook04-virginia-book-notes-for-march-4-ar-1730234/    

One summer. Seven hearts. 29 Dimes. It wasn’t your typical LA summer. No one could’ve predicted what happened that day in Silver Lake. It was a summer of passion, confusion, and growth.
                                                     One hot, crazy summer.
                                                      Seven hungry hearts.
                                                     29 Dimes.
Award-winning, prolific writer Randolph Randy Camp creates a moving, tender love story amid a wild, crazy summer as Teki, Ronnie, Pepe, Brittany, Kalib, Tip, and Valerie each will have an experience that will forever shape and change their young lives.
Valerie has the kind of natural beauty that belongs on magazine covers. All the guys in Silver Lake dream about her. One guy will get lucky this summer and win her heart.
A gifted storyteller, Randolph Randy Camp offers the reader a realistic glimpse of the Los Angeles community of Silver Lake. If you still believe that love can happen to the most unlikely people and love still can be found in the most unusual place, then Randolph Randy Camp’s ’29 Dimes: A Love Story’ is certainly a must-read for you. 
                                       One Summer. Seven Hearts. 29 Dimes.