Welcoming our newest Area and Program Director at Victory Lane

Posted on: September 19, 2025 By: Jason Hunter Design

We’re excited to welcome Matt Malek as the new Area and Program Director for Victory Lane! Matt brings 20 years of ministry leadership experience and a passion for serving others to this role.

He is eager to serve the Henry County community and help strengthen the mission of Victory Lane. Matt shares, “I’m passionate about families and helping them find hope through community relationships. I’m most excited about meeting new families and deepening the Victory Lane community around them. I truly believe that we need to do life together.”

With a heart for connection and a focus on building meaningful relationships, Matt is ready to help expand the reach and impact of Victory Lane, making sure every family feels supported and valued. Matt has been married to his wife, Ellie, for 25 years and together they have two sons. When not working he enjoys a game of disc golf, or doing puzzles.

We are thrilled to have Matt on board and look forward to the many ways he will help grow and enrich the Victory Lane family. Please join us in giving Matt a warm welcome as he steps into this important and exciting role!

Tuesday Summer Nights: A Warm Welcome into the Victory Lane Family

Posted on: By: Jason Hunter Design

This summer, Victory Lane launched an exciting new program—Tuesday Summer Nights—hosted at the beautiful Montgomery Creek Ranch in Knightstown, Indiana. The heart behind these evenings was simple: create a welcoming “onramp” where families could experience the spirit of Victory Lane before ever setting foot at camp. Each night offered a chance to share a meal, relax by the pool, and enjoy much-needed fellowship among parents, while kids laughed, played, and swam nearby.

Kahani’s family wasn’t sure what to expect from Victory Lane Camp. They came to a Tuesday Summer Night, one evening of swimming, games, and laughter erased every doubt. These gatherings weren’t just events—they were the first step into a community where connection and belonging take root.

When Hesitation Turns Into Home

At camp, Kahani came alive—making friends, inventing secret handshakes, and shining in ways   his family had never seen. Kahani’s mom Heather said “Whenever Victory Lane is doing something, let us know—we WILL be there!”

Morgan and David also arrived with questions. They wanted their foster daughter to have new experiences, but they didn’t know what camp would be like. What they found was a summer of firsts for her—first time swimming, first vacation, and even her first time touching an owl, thanks to Silly Safari, who comes every year. Most importantly, it was the first time she had the chance to play and make friends with other kids. For Morgan, that was priceless. “We love Victory Lane,” she said. “Everyone should get involved.”

Two families. Two stories. One truth: when families come together at Victory Lane, hesitation gives way to belonging, and ordinary days turn into life-changing moments.

Henry County’s New Area Director Matt Malek’s Perspective

Posted on: By: Jason Hunter Design

Kids playing together. Parents chatting and helping one another. At first glance, you’d think these families had known each other for years. But in reality, many of them had only met the day before. As both the camp director and first time at a Victory Lane Camp, I was amazed. This was more than just a program—it was a living picture of what the church is meant to be: each family showing care and concern for other families, and in turn, being cared for themselves.

That’s what Victory Lane is all about—stepping into someone else’s story, seeing life through their eyes, and meeting their needs with compassion. As I reflect on my first camp with

Victory Lane I experienced a community in motion, and it was good and encouraging to my soul as a pastor.

Looking ahead into 2026, I’m eager to add my gifts to Victory Lane and help Henry County increase it’s impact on our community.

Teagan’s Tribe: Friendships Blossom During Camp

Posted on: October 11, 2024 By: Victory Lane Admin

Smiles abounded for Teagan, a Victory Kid, during her first Victory Lane summer camp experience. And it seemed her smiles were contagious, especially for her new friend Raegan.

Raegan has served as a Partner Kid for almost every Victory Lane summer camp session. This year, Raegan experienced camp through Teagan’s fresh eyes and found a new passion for serving.

“Teagan is really funny and artistic, and we had a lot of fun together,” Raegan shared. “It was great to see her connect and play with everyone.”

Teagan’s dad, Rusty, enjoyed watching his daughter connect with Raegan and the other kids.

“Raegan and the other teens interacted well together with Teagan, and everybody genuinely understood each other.” Rusty noted. “For our family, Victory Lane nailed it.”

Your support of Victory Lane makes these friendships happen. Become a regular supporter of friendships like Teagan and Raegan’s by visiting victorylanecamp.org/give.

Climbing with Kenny: New Friendships Emerge During Camp

Posted on: September 17, 2024 By: Victory Lane Admin

Victory Lane hosted two camp sessions this year at Mahoning Valley, fostering an abundance of relationships and memories. Kenny and his dad Andy were among the Victory Families in attendance.

Before getting involved with Victory Lane, Kenny’s friend group was limited, even though he loves meeting new people. At Victory Lane’s summer camp session, he made many new friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

Kenny was surrounded by engaged and loving teens who were trained in how to help him get the most out of his camp experience. Kenny’s friends helped him explore the playground. Together, they climbed the stairs and returned safely. They also loved splashing around together in the pool.

“Kenny loved being with new people and spending time swimming,” Andy shared. “He had a good time, and I appreciated being with people who understand us.”

Kenny and Andy look forward to being part of the Victory Lane community in the months ahead. When you support Victory Lane, you help make friendships like these a reality. To become a monthly donor or give a one-time gift, visit victorylanecamp.org/give.

Read Victory Lane's 2024 Summer Report.

Laughing Through the Rain with Friends Who Care

Posted on: September 13, 2024 By: Victory Lane Admin

Victory Lane’s summer camp sessions often have unplanned moments that provide unexpected joy. During the second camp session, a sudden rainstorm threatened to dampen the fun for Victory Kid Chayson and his friends Faith, Kitima, Mali, Bryce, and Cohen. 

Chayson’s friends knew they needed to get him to the nearby shelter without getting him or his wheelchair too wet. They ensured he was covered by a blanket and umbrella and then they made a run for it, getting drenched in the process.

“Chayson started laughing and smiling because he thought it was funny,” Faith remembered. His friends started laughing, too. Chayson was dry and warm while they were soaking wet.

Chayson and his mom know they can count on the friends they’ve made at Victory Lane. His camp friends learned the joy of putting others first and finding fun along the way.

When you give to Victory Lane, you make it possible for kids like Chayson to find friends who genuinely care. You make it possible for their friends to learn what it means to serve and to be a true friend. To become a monthly donor, visit victorylanecamp.org/give

Read Victory Lane's 2024 Summer Report.