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The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is the world’s
largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses
and conditions like cancer, sickle-cell anemia and HIV/AIDS.
Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, this not-for-profit aims to
create a magical camp experience for all those in attendance. Having served more than 114,000 children from 50 states and 32 countries worldwide, the camps continue to deliver just the right kind of summertime escape and fantasy to so many deserving kids today.
“Hole in the Wall Camps are places for children who have been cheated out of their childhoods due to illness to participate in traditional camp programming, such as fishing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and swimming,” says Alicia Wettenstein, director of Camp Services and Communications. “The goal of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is to spread Hole in the Wall magic to more campers each year through new camp development and by enhancing the services of existing camps.”
In order to effect its goal, the Association—which exists to support operating camps and programs, offer technical assistance and, in some cases, provide seed money for new camp initiatives—brings together professionals to achieve global outcomes and to raise public awareness.
“We are continuously working to add more camps and programs to our family,” Wettenstein says. “In fact, we added two European camps—Bátór Tabor in Hungary and Dynamo Camp in Italy— a few years ago. And we also opened our first camp in the Middle East: Jordan River Village in Israel. Currently, we have two provisional camps in the United States: Flying Horse Farms in Columbus, Ohio, and OK Corral Camp in Edwards, Colorado. We also have programs in Africa and Southeast Asia.”
Applications to these camps are available by request and through the camps’ websites. Applicants from around the world often find out about Hole in the Wall Camps through hospitals, doctors, social workers, and campers and their families, but Wettenstein tells us that they do not need a referral. “All campers’ applications are carefully screened by medical professionals, in order to determine the suitability of the program to each applicant. Generally, children new to Hole in the Wall Camps are given priority. However, returning campers are accepted into the programs, and we find that these seasoned campers really help first-timers adjust to the experience,” she says.
Typical camp activities include water sports, such as swimming and boating; team sports, such as basketball and soccer; outdoor sports, such as archery, hiking and horseback riding; indoor sports, such as billiards and ping pong; educational programs; arts and crafts; theater; music; special events and field trips.
And though it is best known for its fleet of summer camps, Hole in the Wall Camps also offer programming throughout the year, including family weekends, bereavement sessions and camper reunions. And camps like Double H Ranch in upstate New York offer winter sports programs, where campers can go to learn to ski and snowboard and more. Wettenstein tells us that Double H Ranch uses cutting-edge technologies to make these sports accessible to campers of all abilities. She adds: “Currently, three of our camps—The Painted Turtle in Lake Hughes, California; Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut; and Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida—offer a Hospital Outreach program. Through the program, we bring the spirit of camp to children and families in the hospital setting through interactions and activities such as studio arts, crafts and games in individual and group visits.”
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| A River Runs Through It: The campers go rafting | Art Stars: Body paint makes for a colorful day |
Snow Way: Double H Ranch’s winter sessions offer an adaptive ski program that uses cutting-edge technologies to accommodate campers of all abilities |
What can our readers do to help?
Get involved. “Because of Paul Newman’s ties to Hole in the Wall Camps, many people assume that we are fully funded by his food company, Newman’s Own. However, only a small percentage of proceeds from Newman’s Own Foundation go toward our camps, which are largely funded by individual and corporate donations. Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference and helps a child with special needs realize his or her dream of attending summer camp,” says Wettenstein.
Give of your time. Wettenstein adds that you can also help by contributing your time. “We could not carry out our mission without our large volunteer base of counselors, doctors and nurses,” she says. “Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute to the cause while having a fun and active summer!”
Check out the Web site. To make a donation or apply to volunteer, go to www.holeinthewallcamps.org.
Spread the magic. “We are always looking for ways to raise the public’s awareness of the Hole in the Wall mission. From community fundraisers to corporate grants and partnerships, we want everyone to be a part of bringing the magic of camp to as many children as possible,” Wettenstein adds.
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ANTHONY’S STORY |
Eight-year-old Anthony always dreamed of attending summer camp, playing in the outdoors and eventually becoming a vet. Due to the rare muscle disease myotubular myopathy, Anthony cannot speak verbally and depends on a ventilator to facilitate his breathing. Anthony and his family never thought his dream of attending summer camp would come true. Few recreational activities are accessible to children with a technological dependency such as his.
Double H Ranch serves children with respirator dependencies through a special summer session called Camp Inspiration. This program is designed for the whole family: While parents relax at special events, such as gourmet dinners and massage sessions, campers and their siblings enjoy camp activities like sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration and fishing (a huge bass lives under the dock at Double H’s lake and has been caught and released throughout the years).
Anthony came to Camp Inspiration at Double H Ranch, excited to finally experience nature and foray into the veterinary world by befriending a frog. Anthony was delighted when his counselors finally found one, but the same couldn’t be said about the frog, which escaped, was recaptured and finally spent the night in a cardboard box on Anthony’s bed stand.
The next morning, Anthony led a procession down to the lake and said goodbye as he released his bunkmate into the waters. Suddenly—SPLASH! The legendary Double H Ranch bass caught his favorite breakfast! Luckily, Anthony’s counselor convinced him that the frog and bass were just having fun.
Anthony, now 14, has attended Camp Inspiration for the past four years. His mother explains, “Going to summer camp has given him self-confidence, and he always asks when he can go back.” Anthony stays in touch with the friends he has made, including a counselor who lives nearby and visits him and his family.
Children like Anthony can never be out of reach of technology or a skilled adult due to their medical conditions. Yet, like other kids, they want to laugh, explore nature and hold a frog.
Dr. Kathleen Braico lives in Glens Falls, N.Y., and serves as Double H Ranch’s medical director. In addition to overseeing the camp’s medical program and facilities, she runs her own private pediatric practice.
THE FAMILY GROOVE donates a percentage of its revenue to its featured Charity of the Month.
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