Our Mission

Hole in the Wall Camps is a nonprofit umbrella organization that serves a global family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions as well as camps in formation. Since its founding in 1988, the family of Hole in the Wall Camps has provided more than 119,374 children with a camp experience, all free of charge.

The Association of The Hole in the Wall Camps is a not for profit umbrella organization set up to serve existing Hole in the Wall Camps as well as camps in formation. Our mission is to extend the magical Hole in the Wall Camp experience to as many children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions as possible.

Our Philosophy

The family of Hole in the Wall Camps provides children from all 50 United States and 39 countries worldwide who on a daily basis face challenges associated with serious illnesses, a respite from their day to day lives and into a carefree, fun environment. Throughout their time at camp, the children are encouraged to challenge themselves through camp activities, skill building projects and teamwork exercises. All of the camp activities are designed to allow full participation by the children despite their medical conditions and abilities. This program encourages children to achieve things they never thought possible, and leave camp with a sense of accomplishment.

All of the camps are free of charge and are staffed by a 24-hour, highly-trained medical team, a dedicated program staff and enthusiastic volunteers from all over the world.

Our Hole in the Wall Camps

Paul Newman and friends founded the first Hole in the Wall Camp in 1988 to allow children who have been cheated out of their childhood because of illness to regain a sense of self, a joy in life. As the need for summer camps specific to children living with serious medical conditions increased, so did Hole in the Wall Camps (HITWC). Today, the family of Hole in the Wall Camps is reaching children all over the world, with the idea that laughter is the best medicine.

Aside from the summer camp season, HITWC offer year-round programs that go above and beyond the traditional sessions, which include:

• Family & sibling camps that allow the entire family to find comfort and support in other families facing similar situations
• Bereavement camps that help families cope with the loss of a child
• Reunion camps that bring former campers and staff together
• Specialty camps, such as Double H’s adaptive ski program that offers exciting opportunities for children to experience new adventures
• Hospital Outreach Programs designed to restore joy and laughter in the lives of children who are too ill to leave the hospital and attend camp