The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Fund Raises Hell in a Good Way

Paul Newman’s motivation – to allow children to raise a little hell despite their illnesses - in founding the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp may not be the stuff of parents’ dreams but children love it. Founded in 1988, the organization provides children with a wide range of diseases and disorders with the opportunity to enjoy their childhood in a summer camp setting in Ashford, Connecticut. Today, it has added nine programs aside from the summer camp that serves over 30,000 kids and their families – and counting – in the Northeast every year.

Of course, the organization does not actually encourage children to raise hell. Otherwise, it will be counterproductive to the goal of allowing children to enjoy the transformational friendships that come with being in summer camp.

Instead, the men and women of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp implement summer programs that accommodate the physical limitations of the children while encouraging them to test their limits. The camp has expert yet unobtrusive medical experts on board to deal with emergencies.

Children who face the daily struggles associated with their diseases bloom under the tutelage of their camp mentors, many of whom also faced their struggles, and with the friendships of their kindred spirits. The strong sense of camaraderie and community among the children and their mentors allow the former to overcome their sense of isolation.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides children and teenagers with programs suitable for their age, such as:

• Residential camp sessions for 1 week for seriously ill children and their siblings;
• Hero’s Journey for older campers who participate in 7-day wilderness-based activities;
• Leaders in Training for older campers who engage in leadership training activities; and
• Weekend Programs for the entire family.

The organization has also taken the summer camp experience into hospitals via its Hospital Outreach Program (HOP).

Smiles, laughter and love – that’s what the organization brings to and gets from children and their families. Donations – that’s what the organization needs to continue its mission.