Tommy's Drive

Have you ever met a kid with so much drive, potential, and natural talent but they always had to put their goals and dreams momentarily aside because ‘life happens’? Time after time, this has been the story in Tommy’s life.


My daughter Tasha has three sons, Anthony, Tyler, and Tommy. As some of you already know, Anthony was fatally shot just three weeks ago. Tommy is the oldest. Can you imagine being barely over twenty and giving the eulogy at your younger brother’s funeral, and then, only a few days later, you find out that your other younger brother is now in jail. How much can a young man take? Time after time, Tommy gets punched but keeps driving.


Tommy is all grown up now, but it seems as though Tommy’s childhood has been filled with unimaginable heartaches and numerous sacrifices, whereby he’s been forced to grow up fast and become a man way ahead of time. Ironically though, it’s these unfortunate events in Tommy’s young life that have catapulted him into the strong, tenacious gentleman he is today.


Tommy loves his family, and throughout his young life he has always put his own dreams and goals on the back burner whenever his mother or younger brothers needed him.


A few years ago, when his mother was hospitalized, Tommy was there stepping up to the plate. At a young age, many times over, Tommy has stepped up and became the man of the house. It’s a role that seemingly comes naturally to Tommy. He is absolutely a remarkable, driven young man.


Ever since he was little, Tommy has always loved music. Tommy is a musical prodigy. Tommy can play the piano, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and drums. And what I especially love about Tommy’s musical taste is that, in spite of his young age, he still has a desire and love for old school retro soul and jazz. Bands and artists such as ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’ and bassist Stanley Clarke are high on Tommy’s playlist. The first time I heard my grandson Tommy play his rendition of Stanley Clarke’s ‘Rocks, Pebbles and Sand’, I was just blown away! Tommy has a natural ear for music, and I do believe that one day the world will readily know a few of his original songs.


After giving such a graceful and down-to-earth eulogy at his brother Anthony’s funeral, Tommy’s grief was interrupted and he had to shift gears and step up to the plate once again as he learned of his brother Tyler’s untimely incarceration.


The emotional and financial strain and stress of covering Anthony’s recent funeral and burial expenses have definitely taken its toll on the family. And now, as lightning has struck twice so quickly, Tommy has stepped up and created a fundraising campaign to raise enough money for his brother Tyler’s attorney fee. You see, Tommy will become an uncle soon, to his brother Tyler’s first child sometime in  the next few weeks, in mid-August. And big brother Tommy is trying his best to raise these funds so that his brother Tyler could be released soon and able to see his baby’s birth.
Tommy has done a lot for his family already, so many sacrifices he has made. This time, let’s take some of the weight and financial burden off of Tommy’s shoulders. Let’s tell Tommy that this time he’s not alone in this battle by giving whatever you can to support his fundraising campaign.


I always believe that when you do positive things, people will support you and your positive efforts. Please join me in helping Tommy’s Drive to free his brother Tyler. Please CLICK the following Link if you would like to contribute or learn more about Tommy’s brother Tyler  (https://www.gofundme.com/f/freetylersummage)


Any amount you give would be greatly appreciated, and God Bless you all for helping Tommy’s Drive.
– (Grandpa) Randolph Randy Camp
*(Photo: Tommy Summage, Jr.)

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

Light Your Fire, Dreams Never Die

I absolutely love music. I was one of those kids who not only enjoyed the beat and melody of a song but I also listened intensely to every lyric. During the late 70’s, I’d acquired a huge vinyl record collection. My taste in music was very eclectic. I had albums by Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley & the Wailers, etc.


Just like everyone else, during my youth I went through several phases. I wanted to be a writer. I always wanted to play the guitar like Hendrix. At one point during these early years in Spotsylvania County, I had this crazy notion that I was going to share my love of music with others by spinning records at a club and make a name for myself as a popular deejay.
I felt compelled to make good use of my extensive record collection. And especially after listening to Bob Marley’s ‘Natty Dread’ album for the first time, something inside of me told me that everybody in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg should hear this cool reggae rhythm.


At this time I didn’t have my own car yet, so one night I got a chance to ride in my brother Ricky’s blue Dodge Dart (man, he kept that car so clean!) for the very first time. That night Ricky drove me around through Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania while I pitched my deejay dreams to local club managers. I had this crazy dream that I was going to slowly ease some Marley reggae into my dance mix if I’d gotten the job to spin some records one or two nights a week. I remember this one particular manager in Fredericksburg laughing right in front of me when he struggled to properly pronounce ‘reggae’ for the third time and then said, “We just don’t want that kind of music in here, son.”


No, I never did learn to play the guitar like Hendrix. No, I never did become that popular deejay who would  help spread that reggae vibe throughout Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County years ago. But, eventually my dream came to fruition as I wrote a novel that currently sells all over the world. And in this particular novel (’29 Dimes’), I’d created a character named ‘Teki’, who fronts an all-female reggae band in Silver Lake, California. During my book talk sessions, many students have expressed to me how Teki was one of their favorite characters of all from my four novels.


Regardless of your age, if there is something you’ve always wanted to do, please light that fire once again and see it come to life. I’m nearly 60 now, and what I’ve learned over these years is that your goals and dreams may shift and possibly take on different forms or shapes, but in the end, the core of your true dreams never really die. – Randolph Randy Camp


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

'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