Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to more than 25,000 seriously ill children and family members annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Connecticut, in 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast.
Summer Camp:
Our summer program consists of seven one-week sessions at our facility in Ashford, Connecticut that serve seriously ill children and one session dedicated to their siblings. Campers aged 7 to 15 participate in traditional camp activities modified to meet them where they are at, both medically and physically. Older teens, aged 16 to 18 can attend our Hero’s Journey program, which is a seven-day wilderness adventure program that teaches self-reliance, positive communication and teamwork through a variety of challenges that allow participant to move from the role of care recipient to caregiver.
For the entire family, we offer weekend programs, which run in the fall and spring at our facility in Ashford. Families enjoy a respite from the daily worries of serious illness and enjoy the company of others who understand the issues they face. Campers and their families can also experience the joy and fun of Camp right in their homes and hometowns through CampOut, which continues the magic and connections of camp throughout the year as a team of traveling specialists drive a whimsical van filled with camp-style activities, crafts and games to locations throughout the Northeast.
Hospital Outreach:
The year-round Hospital Outreach Program brings the hopeful playful spirit of Hole in the Wall to children and families in the hospital setting. Taking the fun activities and experiences of Camp and transporting them to kids’ bedsides and playrooms, the program helps restore joy and laughter at a time of fear, stress and uncertainty. Camp specialists work collaboratively with hospital staff to create experiences that restore elements of choice and instill enduring friendships.
Parent Programs:
Our Parent Programs bring the healing power of Camp to parents and caregivers through activities like opening day picnics, work days and offsite retreats. This program offers current camper parents a supportive community where they can receive valuable insight from other Camp parents.
Stars in the Sky Alumni Society
And for former campers, volunteers and staff aged 18 and over who would like to remain connected to Camp we offer the Stars in the Sky Alumni Society, which is intended to create opportunities for alumni to maintain a connection to Camp through a variety of special events.
To learn more about The Hole in the Wall Gang and how you can get involved, check out their website at www.holeinthewallgang.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
