Summer 2026: Special Gala Edition

At The Forefront of Special-Needs Camps:

Campfire Gala 2026 Victory Award Recognizes Debbie Snyder

By Kate Stepnick, Executive Director

The season we've been preparing for all year has finally arrived! Throughout the off-season, we've been hard at work making improvements—from remodeling cabins and planning fundraising events to hosting volunteers and preparing new programs. And with every effort, we focus on making this summer the best one yet for our campers and their families. Everything we do is driven by our commitment to create an exceptional camp experience.

One of the ways Camp Victory strives to be the very best is through our strong relationships with our Partner Camps and the incredible volunteers who help create a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for every camper. Among those volunteers, one individual stands out as truly exceptional: Debbie Snyder.

Debbie has been volunteering with Camp Dost (a camp for children with cancer) since the 1980s. She was one of the pioneering individuals in our region who helped establish camping opportunities for children with cancer, and her contributions were instrumental in making Camp Victory a reality.

“Debbie was a key founder of the Ronald McDonald House in 1981, and her leadership resulted in the creation of a camp for kids with cancer (which became Camp Dost),” commented Board of Trustees Secretary Jim Smith. “Debbie Snyder was a true pioneer in creating the very first special camp for special kids.”

A pediatric oncology nurse for more than four decades, Debbie was Camp Dost’s medical director for over 20 years. Debbie played a vital role in setting up the first Med Shed at Camp Victory back in 1993, which continues to be essential in supporting campers' medical needs and ensuring they can fully participate in the camp experience.

“If there is proof that angels walk among us, that proof would be Debbie Snyder. Loving, compassionate, encouraging, and healing are just a few of the qualities that define her,” said Terry Ketchum, a Camp Dost volunteer and Ronald McDonald House trustee. “These words scarcely capture the depth of the heart, kindness and dedication she has poured into everything she has done throughout the years.” 

Added Carol Morris Flanagan, former House Manager at the Ronald McDonald House: “Debbie has the unique ability to make everyone she’s with feel like the most important person in the room. From children to adults, you felt her genuine interest and love.”

We are honored to recognize Debbie Snyder at our inaugural Campfire Gala on August 27. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate Debbie's remarkable contributions to Camp Victory, her decades of service with Camp Dost, and the lasting impact she has made on countless campers and families.

A Relationship Rooted In A Treehouse:

Campfire Gala 2026 Denny Wolff Award Recognizes

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

By Jamie Huntley and Camp Victory Staff

As we prepare to honor West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. at our August 27 Campfire Gala, we look back at how the Camp Victory-West relationship developed.

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the planning stages for our popular facility, Uncle Walter’s Treehouse.

Twenty years ago this month, in July 2026, Don Morel, West’s CEO at that time, learned about Camp Victory’s desire to have a universally accessible treehouse, and made arrangements with then-Executive Director Jamie Huntley to visit. Mr. Morel and several top executives from West traveled to Camp Victory and learned more about Camp Victory’s mission and operation. Among those visiting was Walter Eichelberger, Jr., a vice president who had worked at West for over 35 years. On that visit, Mr. Eichelberger recognized the important role that West could play in supporting the construction of the treehouse. He was instrumental in convincing others from West to fund the treehouse. As Mr. Morel said at that time, “It was vintage Walter. He was the greatest salesman in the world!”

Added Mariann O'Connor of her dad, Walter: “My dad wasn’t immensely wealthy, but he was immensely wealthy in his presence.”

Sadly, only a few days after West’s initial visit to Camp Victory, Mr. Eichelberger died unexpectedly. “He was a very hard-working man, Ms. O’Connor said. “He worked right up to the day before he died.

“He loved helping people and mentored many young people as they got started in business. He would have loved being able to have spent time with the children at Camp Victory.”

‍Not long after Mr. Eichelberger’s passing, Mr. Morel asked that the treehouse be named in his honor. West provided all funding, as well as manpower to build the structure. Designed by Forever Young Treehouses of Vermont, with Camp Victory friend Harold Fisk providing on-site supervision, over 100 employees from West’s three local plants in Montgomery, Jersey Shore and Williamsport worked for eight weeks to complete the project. It was finished in time for the 2007 camping season.

‍Fast forward 20 years: Uncle Walter’s Treehouse continues to be a focal point at Camp Victory. Whether it be a science lesson, an overnight sleepover or a social event, the Treehouse plays an integral part of our visitor experience. And West continues supporting Camp Victory through significant fundraising and countless volunteer efforts.

Camp Victory owes much to West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and to “Uncle Walter.” After all, it was his recognition of the Camp Victory mission and his voice in support of our treehouse that the roots of a 20-year relationship developed.

Ms. O’Connor recalls what Mr. Morel said at her father’s funeral. “He told me, ‘Walter knew how to make a friend, be a friend, and keep a friend.’ My dad talked with everyone … and knew all their names.”

And now more will know his name, and how our treehouse got its name. Uncle Walter’s Treehouse is a lasting legacy to a man, a company and a relationship that continues to grow.

Thank you West, and thank you, Walter!

-Jamie Huntley is the former Executive Director at Camp Victory.

At our August 27 Campfire Gala, The Denny Wolff Award, named after Camp Victory founder and chairman Dennis Wolff, will be presented to West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.—for their long-standing commitment to, and financial support of, Camp Victory.

Check out our Treehouse photo gallery: https://www.campvictory.org/treehouse

SOLD OUT!

WE ARE SOLD OUT IN OUR GENERAL SEATING AREA!

Thank you to everyone who's already reserved: we look forward to seeing you on August 27th for an incredible evening, celebrating the Camp Victory mission and partners who help make it happen!

We still have some sponsor tables available: email michael@campvictory.org for more information.

Debbie Snyder, RN, CPON

Walter Eichelberger, Jr. … aka “Uncle Walter”