#United States #Paul Newman #Queenstown #Hole in the Wall #Family Camps

Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Welcomes Families to Maryland

This weekend marked an exciting milestone for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as it opened its new location on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The camp welcomed families to the first of eight Family Camps scheduled for 2026, specifically designed for those caring for children battling cancer, sickle cell disease, and other rare conditions. These camps aim to lift the spirits of families who often feel isolated due to the medical challenges they face.

CEO Jimmy Canton expressed the joy of seeing laughter and play fill the new camp space, affirming the organization's mission to bring healing and community to those significantly affected by serious illnesses. The camp provides not just a recreational space, but also a nurturing environment where families can connect with each other and share their experiences. The need for such support is critical, and the camp's impact is expected to be profound.

The inaugural Family Camp focused on families of children with sickle cell disease, a painful and complex condition characterized by the crescent shape of the red blood cells that can lead to severe pain crises. Activities offered included arts and crafts, archery, and swimming, all designed to create a sense of normalcy and joy in the lives of children and their families. Participants reported feeling less defined by their diagnoses and found a renewed sense of hope through their shared experiences.

The upcoming Family Camps in this new location include:

• - Two Camps for families of children with cancer, including those with Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency, a rare condition.
• - One Camp for children with metabolic and mitochondrial disorders.
• - One Camp dedicated to families of children with Neurofibromatosis, a disorder causing tumor growth along the nervous system.
• - One Camp for children with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a condition where soft tissues gradually turn into bone.
• - One Camp focused on families of children with Progeria, which accelerates aging and health challenges in young children.

Each Family Camp will host up to 15 families, with programs varying from three to five days in length. This initiative followed a significant renovation of the facility, which encompasses 50,000 square feet of inclusive, universally designed areas. The newly constructed camp features a large dining hall accommodating 120 people, a makerspace for creative endeavors, a barrier-free theater with costumes, accessible residential quarters, and a state-of-the-art infirmary ensuring every child's needs are met.

By the end of 2026, the camp anticipates serving nearly 500 children and their families. The opening of the Maryland location marks a hopeful expansion for the camp, offering plans for future facilities dedicated to independent camper programming. Located on a scenic 166-acre site, previously part of the Aspen Institute, this camp represents a significant development in providing supportive services to the region.

Since its establishment in 1988 by Paul Newman, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has been dedicated to offering 'a different kind of healing' to thousands of children with serious illnesses each year, free of charge. The camp provides multiple experiences throughout the year, reaching out to families through various programs in Connecticut and Maryland, as well as directly within children's homes and communities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. For more information, please visit Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.