Bring Joy and Laughter to Seriously-Ill Children and Their Families by Providing Them "A Different Kind of Healing" At the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

“The need is great, and so are the opportunities to make a difference – one smile at a time.”

– Camp Founder Paul Newman

Thirty years ago, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp welcomed 288 seriously ill children to Camp for its very first summer. For these children, who were coping with a diminished quality of life and isolation as a result of their diagnosis, Hole in the Wall provided a chance to escape their illness and simply be kids, enjoying activities you might find at any summer camp, but modified to meet them where they are at medically and physically. What no one expected at the time was the incredible healing these children would experience being surrounded by other kids just like them, who understood their challenges and made them feel like they belonged.

Today, more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members experience “a different kind of healing” at Hole in the Wall annually, through a variety of year-round programs. The summer program now offers seven week-long sessions for seriously ill children and one for their healthy siblings, providing more than 1,100 children the opportunity to find joy, friendship and learn the impossible can be possible.

As the summer winds down, entire families get in on the fun during Family Weekends, which Hole in the Wall offers in the spring and fall. What many people don’t realize is that behind every sick child is a family in crisis. Parents, siblings and other caregivers also struggle with isolation, fear and uncertainty.  But at Family Weekends, families enjoy three carefree days where they can enjoy time together without doctor’s appointments, therapy and other medical needs getting in the way. They hit bullseyes at archery, let their inner star shine at Stage Night and relax by the fireplace. Parents are treated to special activities just for them as well, helping them build their own community of support.

Beyond the gates, Hole in the Wall offers year-round Hospital Outreach in more than 40 locations from Boston to Philadelphia. A team of more than 30 fulltime specialists bring Camp-style games and activities directly to children, many of whom may not be able to come to Camp. Whether right at their bedside, during a playgroup activity or through special events, patients are able to escape their worries and just be kids.

Additionally, Family Outreach programs bring Camp right to campers and their families. CampOut offers events across the Northeast, bringing camper families together regionally, offering fun and friendship. And for campers in need of an extra dose of Hole in the Wall magic, CampOut also will come directly to camper homes for an afternoon of games, food and Camp-style activities. For parents, Parent and Caregiver Retreats bring a much-needed opportunity to relax, recharge and connect with others walking a similar path.

Support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp through your employee giving program:

As a donor, you can support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp by donating to them through your employer’s workplace giving program (CFC#10704 if you're a military or federal employee participating in the Combined Federal Campaign). Payroll pledges made through employer-sponsored charitable giving programs represent a cost effective and near effortless way to support your favorite charities.

As The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's workplace giving partner, America’s Charities can help your company design and implement a program centered on supporting their work - through workplace giving campaigns, employee fundraising, cause-focused signature programs, volunteerism, donation drives, matching gifts, Dollars-for-Doers, In-Kind Giving and other employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives. Click here to request a demo and learn how we can help you do this.