General FAQs

How many children are served by The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp each year?

The Camp will serve more than 20,000 children and family members in 2012 — all free of charge. More than 1,000 youngsters attend our signature summer program from June to August. Our summer program alone has served more than 21,000 children since Camp begain in 1988. In the non-summer months, we serve an additional 3,000 children and their family members through camper reunions, family weekends, parent retreats and programs for the community. Through our Hospital Outreach Program, we provide 18,000 child visits to the bedsides of seriously ill hospitalized youngsters over the course of a year.

Where do summer campers come from?

The majority of our summer campers come from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey. Maryland, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. Altogether, we serve children from approximately 25 states and 5-6 countries in any given summer.

What illnesses do the children have?

The majority of our campers have been diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia or other serious illness or condition. 

What is the counselor/staff ratio to camper?

The counselor/staff ratio to camper is 1 to 2. In some cases, the ratio is 1 to 1.

What kind of medical care do the campers receive?

Our campers share the joy of a camping experience of the highest quality that seamlessly incorporates 24-hour medical supervision provided by paid and volunteer physicians and nurses under the supervision of Medical Director Dr. Sharon Space.

What activities are offered at the Camp?

Each camper enjoys a full range of activities that include boating, fishing, swimming, camping, performing arts, arts and crafts, horseback riding, group games, dancing and singing. Our activities are managed so that all campers can participate and none will fail. All participation is by choice.

Does the Camp offer other programs throughout the rest of the year?

Programs at Camp run year-round. In addition to our signature summer program, we offer a full schedule of weekend programs in the non-summer months featuring family weekends, camper reunions, parent retreats and programs for the community. Our Hospital Outreach Program brings the healing and joy of Camp programming to the bedsides of seriously ill children in hospitals from New York to Boston all year long.

What does it cost to run The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?

Our revenue goal for operating expenses for the Camp in 2012 is $11.25 million.

Does Newman’s Own provide a majority of funding for the Camp?

Each year, about 1% of the Camp’s operating budget is provided by Newman’s Own. Our founder, Paul Newman, provided much of the seed money to start the Camp. It was part of his vision, however, that The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and each camp in the Hole in the Wall family be responsible for raising its own operating funds. Today, Newman’s Own donates all of its profits to hundreds of needy charities. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is just one of those charities. It is through the generosity of many friends that the programs of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp are made possible.