Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was created with a simple but powerful premise: that children with serious illnesses deserve the transformational joy, friendship, and belonging that define the camp experience. For nearly four decades, the organization has delivered life-changing programs, always free of charge, to thousands of children and families each year. Rooted in compassion, resilience, safety, and joyful inclusion, the Camp blends traditional activities with significant, yet unobtrusive, medical support so that every child can safely participate, stretch beyond perceived limitations, and discover a community defined by acceptance.

From its original Connecticut campus in Ashford to hospital partnerships across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, Hole in the Wall has evolved into a multi-site, year-round enterprise. Programs include onsite summer sessions, Family Weekends, bereavement retreats, the Hero’s Journey® and Champion’s Journey adventures, a robust Hospital Outreach Program serving nearly 40 locations, and Family Outreach initiatives that extend the Camp’s magic into homes and communities. In 2026, the organization will open its Maryland campus on the historic Wye River property, marking a significant expansion of its national reach and impact.