The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

GAZETTE Fall 2018

Camp CEO Jimmy Canton started out as a cabin counselor during Camp’s very fi rst summer in 1988 and still volunteers in the cabins every year. Celebrating 30 years of “a different kind of healing” An interview with Camp’s CEO, Jimmy Canton IN THIS ISSUE What’s New at Camp ...... 2 It has been 30 years since Paul “When I’m here, I always Looking back over his time at Camp’s Time Capsule ...... 2 Newman’s dream of creating a camp have a sense that Camp invites me Camp, he notes how Hole in the Wall for seriously ill children became to be the best person that I can be,” has become more than a fixed place; Holiday Tribute Cards ...... 2 a reality. In that time, a great deal Jimmy said. “It is an enormous privilege it’s a way of being. Wherever there is Hospital Outreach on the Go . . . .3 has changed, but at its core, Hole to befriend our campers as they safety, respect and love, there is Camp. Family Flats ...... 3 in the Wall has remained the same experience what it is like to just be a Realizing Camp can happen anywhere, – committed to bringing joy, hope kid in a place filled with joy, acceptance Hole in the Wall is now reaching Summer 2018 ...... 4-5 and healing to children and families and most importantly, friendship.” thousands of children in hospitals, Trail Blazers ...... 6 coping with the most serious illnesses. Given his background, perhaps homes and communities. “We heal the A part of the fun from day one, it is not surprising that he believes souls and spirits of children battered and Saddle Up for Camp ...... 6 Camp’s CEO Jimmy Canton came to the best part of working at Camp is frightened by illness. We do it through Sheriff’s Spotlight Hole in the Wall in 1988 as a cabin the opportunity to volunteer each mischief and play and hugs, open ears, Our corporate partners ...... 6 counselor. “In high school, I lost a summer as a cabin counselor, trading piggyback rides and new friendships.” friend to bone cancer,” Jimmy said. the corner office for the bottom bunk And for the future, he sees Camp Our Events ...... 7 “His passing led me to volunteer at and marathon meetings for marathon continuing to find bold new ways to Pardner Profi le Stanford Children’s Hospital in college, games of Monopoly Deal. accomplish its mission. “Camp will Remarkable Camp staff & . . .7 which then led me to Camp in the “Being in the cabins reminds me continue to reach out to new children summer of my junior year.” that the work remains powerfully who are profoundly isolated, medically Over the years, Jimmy went from transformational and impactful,” he complex and living very challenged cabin counselor to unit leader, to said. “I remember sitting around a lives. What a gift it is to be tasked with assistant director and Camp director campfire holding my camper Wilson’s identifying creative and impactful before becoming Camp’s CEO in 2002. hand and singing a closing song for ways for our campers and their He is still amazed that the smell of the night. I thought I felt rain drops families to ‘raise a little hell,’ connect wood in the cabins is the same today and looked up to a cloudless sky, with others and realize that they are so Be sure to “like” us on Facebook as it was 30 years ago, and marvels realizing it wasn’t rain, but Wilson much more than their illness.” http://www.facebook.com/ over how life-changing Camp is for silently crying onto my hand.” This is what Paul Newman called holeinthewallgangcamp everyone who comes in contact with it. “a different kind of healing.” and follow us on Twitter and Instagram http://www.twitter.com/holewallcamp http://www.instagram.com/holewallcamp What’s New at Camp What happens when you take So, over the next two years, Camp is Photo top left: The Nature Center was a huge hit at Camp’s fi rst ever off site all the fun of a Hole in the Wall planning to add additional hospitals in Family Weekend. Family Weekend, and move it south Delaware, and Washington Photo top right: Campers Carly, Jeremy to Pennsylvania? A magical, first- D.C., along with a new office to service and Tyler join 2018 Travelers Cham- ever offsite Family Weekend! In these locations. ppionship winner Bubba Watson and early September, 12 families from The Travelers Championship also Camp CEO Jimmy Canton following the event. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s created plenty of excitement for Camp neurofibromatosis/neuro-oncology this summer. For the first time, Hole PPhoto right: Actress Melissa Joan Hart rereacts to an awesome shot by camper clinic joined Camp in Lancaster, Pa. in the Wall campers Carly, Jeremy and GeGenevievee e at the Travelers Champion- for three days of joy and friendship. Tyler represented Camp as honorary shishiphip Celebrityebrity MMini Golf Tournament. Just like at Camp, they conquered the co-chairs for the event. Additionally, tower, showed off their creativity at this year’s winner – Bubba Watson – arts & crafts, ate way too much food donated $200,000 of his winnings to and found a community of support Camp! Hole in the Wall is recognizing among others who understood their Bubba’s generous gift on the recently challenges. And, they got to experience renovated Travelers Mini Golf Course at some new activities as well, giggling the Camp where a whimsically western in delight while petting a skunk at building near the first hole will be the Nature Center, and testing their named “Bubba Watson’s Trading Post.” Camp’s Time Capsule aim at laser tag, once again proving And lastly, the Change of Pace that Camp isn’t just a place, it’s a Experience program, aka COPE, has When Hole in the Wall was still just a dream, the fantastic four – Paul transformational experience that can a new name – Parent and Caregiver Newman, Joanne Woodward, A.E. Hotchner and Ursula Gwynne – set out travel anywhere! Retreats. While the name may be to determine WHERE Camp should be. There were just a few requirements But that’s not the only exciting different, the program experience – it had to have a pond, have plenty of space and not be too expensive. news from the south. The Hospital remains the same, allowing parents and The group visited many sites all across Connecticut, but it was Ursula Outreach® (HOP) program is expanding caregivers to get away for time to relax, who discovered 300 untouched acres in Ashford, which has since been in the mid-Atlantic as well! We currently reconnect, recharge and find their own transformed into the old west hideout we all know and love today. serve many campers from this region community of support among others and have received requests from who just “get it.” hospitals for HOP programming.

Camp when it was fi rst discovered (above) and today (below).

Camp Holiday Tribute Cards Are Here! Share some Hole in the Wall holiday spirit by recognizing clients, family and friends with Camp’s holiday tribute cards. Featuring several choices of camper artwork, Camp’s holiday cards let you make a donation to Camp on behalf of others. Order today at www.holeinthewallgang.org/holiday or contact Anna Grace Barry at [email protected] or (203) 772-0522.

2 Stories from current and former camper families. Hospital Outreach® Family Flats For first-time Hole in the Wall While Micaela had a great on the GO campers, there are always feelings time soaking in all the fun, quieter Highlights from our exciting year-round of anticipation. For some, there is moments connecting with her program that brings the joy of Camp to seriously ill hesitation to sleep away from home cabinmates were also an important children in locations across the Northeast. for the first time. For others, there part of her experience. She especially are nerves about finding new friends liked reconnecting one last time at Part of the magic of the Hospital oncology center. The team also or experiencing new things. But for the boathouse their final night, where Outreach® program (HOP) is its abil- facilitates a March Madness Teen Micaela, it was all excitement. the entire unit came together to ity to build community and a sense Event at St. Christopher’s Hospital for “I’m just really looking forward share their thoughts about the week of “Camp” in a hospital setting. Fun Children each year, complete with to going to Camp,” Micaela said a and each other. But most of all, she crafts, slippery slime and silly games brackets and prizes. few days before she left for Ashford. learned a lot about herself. bring children together to experience And in New York, HOP is She had already attended a Family “At Camp, I learned how to friendship and the joys of being a kid. collaborating with the Council of Weekend and was certain that a week love people and love myself for But how do you engage teens and Helping Advisory Teens (CHAT) at of fun was ahead of her. As it turned who we are,” she said. “I learned how tweens, who are notoriously “too cool” Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, out, she had no idea just HOW much much fun I can have if I just embrace for silly games and crafts? By creating a group that provides teens the fun was in store. the challenge in front of me and go programming just for them,hem, which is opportunity to impact their “ItIt was much betbetter than I with it. If something was hard to do, exactly what HOP has been doing all worldworld in thethe expected,” she said. “H“Half of the things or I didn’t want to do it, or even if across the Northeast. we did, I didn’t expecexpect to be doing.” it was just plain awkward, I would All four HOP regionss provide AsAs a senior camper, embrace the inelegance of it. Nobody regular programming foror these older Micaela took cares; it’s Camp! It’s the best place to children, helping them find peers part not only in mess up! I learned to leave worries with shared experiencess while swimming, arts behind me and step into the future. enjoying a laugh, and perhapserhaps & crafts, boating I learned how to maintain lasting a snack (this is Camp afterer all). & fishing and all friendships. I learned to embrace the Though games and craftsts are still theth other activities wilderness and disconnect from the at the core of many of thehe group CampCa has to offer, world around me.” activities, they have a decidedlyecidedly butbu she and her As the summer drifts further older feel, with tie dyeing,g, Mario cabinmatescabab also into the past, Micaela is looking Kart and bowling amongg the gotgoott to participate in ahead to the future. She is thinking more tailored activities additionaladditaddd activities about attending Camp’s Hero’s for this discerning age group.roup. reservedreserrereser er just for Journey® program next summer At Boston Children’s’s HoleHoH e ini the Wall’s and is hoping to one day be a Leader Hospital, teens and tweensens oldestololdesoldo est campers. Their in Training and eventually a counselor. can join bi-monthly firstf rst night,nig her cabin But for now, she keeps her summer evening programs in thee gatheredgatheregag to make a list of memories and friendships close to her hematology/oncology everythingeverythi they wanted heart, texting with her cabinmates, resource room, where to do duringdu their week: and making plans to get together as they are encouraged watch a moviem in the soon as they can. to just be kids. “The treehouse,treehouse start a paint war, outcomes we have seenn and the perennialpe favorite – have been stellar,” said senior sneakout. sneaakout. Brian Lynch, Hospital Outreach specialist. “One particularly powerful moment sticks out involving a shy patient who reluctantly came to a tweenween group.group. He was comfortable sittingting off to the Sometimes teens need fun side and just observing.. As the game all their own, and HOP off ers them continued, he seemed to be more just that. and more interested and kept edging closer, as if to test the water to see if hospital space. Participants he was going to be accepted. Noticing collaborate and share ideas to this, the HOP staff asked him to help develop and shape activities play our hand, and before long, he was within the hospital that will laughing and playing with the group, positively impact all patients. seemingly having found his way back To learn more about HOP,, to being just a kid.” visit www.holeinthewallgang.. Philadelphia also offers weekly org/hospitaloutreach, or teen groups – one at the adolescent contact Chris Pontbriant, unit at Children’s Hospital of interim director, Hospital Philadelphia (CHOP) and one during Outreach at chris.pontbriant@@ the Survivorship Clinic at CHOP’s holeinthewallgang.org. MicaelaMi l sharesh a llaughh withith ffriendsi d att artst & crafts.ft

“At Camp, I learned how to love people and love myself for who we are. I learned how much fun I can have if I just embrace the challenge in front of me and go with it. … I learned to leave worries behind me and step into the future. I learned how to maintain lasting friendships. I learned to embrace the wilderness and disconnect from the world around me.” – Micaela

3 U M M E S Joy, laughter, hope, smiles, friendship. This is just some HoleHole in the Wall campers. And this summer, nearly 1,100 children experience thousands of other children enjoyed Camp magic through summertim

4 E R 2 0 1 8 ome of what makes up “a diff erent kind of healing” for ! enced all this during the summer and Hero’s Journey® programs. Even better, rtime Hospital Outreach® and Family Outreach programs. Yes, yes, yes!

5 Up ddle a Camp is at the epicenter of a caring community. Our gratitude goes out to S all who host and organize fundraising events in support of Camp’s mission.

It’s not often a friendship spans 25 “Initially, we had no idea this years – in fact, it’s pretty incredible when partnership would last a quarter of a it happens. So celebrating this milestone century,” Jim said. “But Camp is magic, with the International Longshoreman’s and it’s the easy and natural thing for Association, AFL-CIO/United States us to continue to be involved. From the Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (ILA/USMX) is outset, all the officers and members nothing short of special. up and down the coast immediately It all started in 1992 when John fell in love with Camp. When you meet Bowers, then president of the ILA, had the campers and families each year, it the idea to identify a primary charity would be impossible not to.” partner to which the organization could Harold Daggett, current president consolidate its giving through the ILA of the ILA, has also become a huge Ten -year Camp Challenge Rider Paul Greenhill (left) is ready for his ride. Children’s Fund. With the help of Camber advocate for Camp, bringing the Communications, they found Camp, and partnership to a new level and working thought it was a wonderful charity. tirelessly to increase donations. Trail Blazers “Camp was only four years old “Hole in the Wall is incredibly Amazing athletes wrangle friends and family to support Camp. then, so we had a great opportunity fortunate to have had such stalwart to really make a difference,” said Jim friends in the ILA/USMX,” said Jimmy This year, Hole in the Wall knows these are the words that will McNamara, director of public relations Canton, CEO for Camp. “We are celebrated the 10th anniversary of carry him to the finish line and keep for the ILA. “Being able to help a camp humbled by the generosity extended its annual Camp Challenge event. him coming back year after year. for seriously ill children immediately at all levels of both organizations Over the years, thousands of cyclists, “It’s helped me as much as it appealed to all of us.” and championed by the outstanding runners and volunteers have showed helps the kids,” he said. “In 2012, I That first year, they raised $100,000. advocacy of Harold Daggett at the ILA their support for Camp, raising more was diagnosed with prostate cancer The following year, the organizations and David Adam at USMX.” than $2.3 million in total for our and had rare complications from the began hosting an annual golf To learn more about becoming children and their families. Among surgery. While this was happening, I tournament. They have since raised a FUNraiser for Camp, visit those thousands are a handful of kept focused on surviving by thinking nearly $4 million in support of Hole in www.holeinthewallgang.org/ dedicated friends who have returned of not letting down my family and my the Wall’s year-round programs. It’s a FUNraiser, or contact Andrea Keefe, every year – including Paul Greenhill. second thought was not letting down relationship that has spanned three manager, peer-to-peer programs at At the time Camp Challenge the Hole in the Wall Gang kids. I knew different organizational presidents and [email protected] launched, Paul was actively looking for they wouldn’t give up.” many changes in officers. or (203) 772-0522. a charity where he could see the impact This year, Paul took on the 30-mile of his support. He was aware of the course. He’s also made many lifelong good work Paul Newman was doing, but friends over the years. He enjoys the wasn’t familiar with Hole in the Wall until opportunity to get outside and train for a flyer for Camp Challenge arrived in the the event, and notes the positive impact mail. And the rest, as they say, is history. it has on his health. “It was a simple decision, “It’s a beautiful countryside and a really,” Paul said. “Camp is incredibly challenge,” he said. “If you’re thinking inspirational. You can see where your of joining, do it! It’s good for you and dollar goes, and you feel good about great for the cause.” it. What could be more fun for a sick To learn more about becoming child than being able to fish and climb a FUNraiser for Camp, visit www. a climbing wall when everyone before holeinthewallgang.org/FUNraiser or told you that you can’t?” contact Andrea Keefe, manager, peer- At each year’s event, a camper to-peer programs at andrea.keefe@ shares their story about how Camp has holeinthewallgang.org or impacted their life. As he listens, Paul (203) 772-0522. Harold Daggett (left) joins his fi vesome at the 25th Annual ILA/USMX Charity Golf Tournament in May. Sheriff’s Spotlight A Shout-OutSho to our dedicated corporate partners. For more than 15 more people looking to get active while heavily involved in a variety of Camp yearyears, Nestlé Waters supporting Hole in the Wall. events. They also volunteer regularly NorthNort America has For Nestlé Waters North America, it’s for Helping Hands Work Days, helping beebeen a key supporter a partnership that just makes sense, as the Hole in the Wall prepare its facility for of Camp’sC fundraising organization’s purpose is to enhance the summer sessions, Family Weekends endendurance efforts, quality of life and contribute to a healthier and other onsite events. helhelping to grow Hole in future. Poland Spring, the specific “We are so grateful to have built a the Wall’s peer-to-peer brand that supports Hole in the Wall, is strong and long-lasting partnership with programpropro from one committed to community and bringing The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp,” said athleteath to more than folks back to what matters and what’s real. Yumi Clevenger-Lee, vice president & 70070 annually. Through It’s a great fit for everyone. chief marketing officer at Nestlé Waters financialfin support “Camp’s FUNraisers are all about North America. “Our employees love it of more than $1.2 coming together to get active and when they have the chance to volunteer millionm in total, and make a difference for seriously ill and help out whenever there’s a need, theth donation of more children and their families,” said Andrea as they always come back inspired and thanth 10,000 bottles Keefe, Camp’s manager, peer-to-peer energized, and we look forward to many ofo Poland Spring® programs. “We are humbled by the more years working together.” 100%1 Natural Spring longstanding friendship of Poland For more information about Hole WaterW annually, the Spring, who have helped make this in the Wall’s Corporate Partner Program, companyc has been possible through their generosity and please visit www.holeinthewallgang. instrumentali in the commitment of their employees.” org/get-involved or contact Andrea at bringing Camp’s In addition to Poland Spring [email protected] or FUNraiser events to brand’s incredible donations, its staff is (203) 772-0522.

Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water has been keeping campers and FUNraisers hydrated for more than a decade.

6 Our Events Highlights of our latest benefit events and those to come…

There’s a new show up for best theater space, which performance on Broadway in 2018 prominently displayed unit – the Bandits in the Big Apple 30th banners from the summer Anniversary Celebration, which took and felt very much like place September 24 at PlayStation Camp’s dining hall. A pop- Theater in . The funny and up Camp store completed inspiring mainstage production was the the transformation and cornerstone of the evening celebration, allowed guests to bring a bringing the audience of more than 400 little piece of Hole in the supporters to tears and infinitely closer Wall home with them. to Hole in the Wall’s mission as they As the show wound down,n, Alec experienced a “day at Camp.” Baldwin took center stage for the The show featured performances campership appeal,peal, where 100 pledges by nine awesomely talented campers brought the grandnd total to moremore – AJ, Alex, Amaya, Dylan, Eli, Hannah, than $1.75 Joanne, Merry and Zaire – as well million raised! as some amazing celebrity friends During including , the post- , Whoopi performance Goldberg, Jewel, , Bridget dessert Moynahan, David Hyde Pierce, Laura reception, Benanti, Ellen Burstyn, Dexter Darden, the guests Christy Altomare and Richard Thomas. erupted into When guests arrived at the event, wild applause they were all assigned to a unit – Blue, when the camperer Yellow, Red, Purple and Green – just like performers at Camp, and got to show their pride emerged from throughout the production, sporting backstage, buffs and light up bracelets in their glowing from theirheir unit colors. They even got in on the experience, closinging Top photo: Camper Joanne belts out “Journey to the Past” from “Anastasia” with Broadway’s fun, learning the hand jive with their the evening on an Anastasia herself – Christy Altomare. cabinmates during the show. even higher note.e. Above: Actors Matthew Broderick and Laura As they mingled before the show, Benanti join camper Eli for a Stage Night skit. attendees were treated to cocktails Left: Recording artist Jewel performed three and hors d’oeuvres before sitting songs at this year’s celebration. down to dinner in the transformed

Pardner Profi le A place to shout about a few of the people who make Camp the remarkable place it is.

In 1988, Eric, a young man from are so far away,” Patsy said. “I am the but the look of delight on his Kansas, attended Hole in the Wall’s luckiest person in the world to be a face let me know that this very first summer. He felt so lucky to part of this program and Camp.” was probably the first timee have been able to be a camper that After that first year, Patsy began he had ever been invited he wanted other children from his coming back to Camp for a second or been able to participatee community to have the same week each season, volunteering in in a game of kickball, and experience. So he asked Camp to hold August for sibling session. While here he was the pitcher, 10 spots each summer for Kansas City- she jokes that it is to make the time receiving and area children if he raised the funds for shorter between visits, it’s really the accolades from his many their travel. Of course, Camp agreed kids who keep her coming back twice fans. And I realized that and has been happily hosting these every year. though he may not play children ever since. “I love meeting the kids and kickball again, he had this Each year, at Eric’s request, Patsy seeing them grow up every year,” Patsy moment forever.” Shawver has accompanied this group said. “They are so inspiring; it really That is the magic of children, acting as a chaperone for puts your life in perspective.” of Hole in the Wall – a their travel and spending the week As she looks back over her 30 magic that is only possiblee volunteering as a cabin counselor. years as a volunteer, Patsy fondly because of volunteers like Patsy. Over the years, Patsy has accompanied remembers a kickball game that took To learn more about becomingi Thirty-yearThirty year volunteer Patsy Shawver relaxes by Pearson Pond. more than 300 children to Camp. place one summer in the mid-90s. a volunteer at Camp, visit “I love the remarkable story The pitcher wasn’t able to stand, so he www.holeinthewallgang.org/ that this one kid had an idea, and it was sitting in a chair as he rolled the volunteeropportunities or email impacted so many other children who ball to the kicker. “It sounds so simple [email protected].

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is Executive Editor: Ryan Thompson. Editor: Beth Starkin. Contributors: Andrea Keefe, Jennifer Weeks. Photography: Marissa Aldieri, Charlie Ericson, a community dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to seriously ill Matt Fletcher, Philip Fulcher and Dana Maxson. children and their families through a variety of year-round programs. The Camp Designer: Angell House Design. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Gazette is published by The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp delivers fun, friendship and a healthy dose of mischief through its signature © 2018 The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. All rights reserved. summer program and weekend sessions at the Camp facility in Ashford, Conn. as well as outreach to hospitals, clinics and communities across the Northeast. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp All services are free of charge. 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 565 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT 06278 Paul Newman, Founder In keeping with Camp’s core value of Camaraderie, Hole in the Wall fosters a community of purposeful inclusion through a commitment to Tel: (203) 772-0522 • Fax: (203) 782-1725 Tel: (860) 429-3444 • Fax: (860) 429-7295 Ray Lamontagne, Chair, Board of Directors diversity and equity. [email protected] [email protected] James H. Canton, Chief Executive Officer The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp never sells or shares its donor names http://www.holeinthewallgang.org and addresses. This policy reflects our commitment as a charity to maintain the highest integrity in order to protect and ensure privacy, while building a personal relationship with each donor.

7 The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage 555 Long Wharf Drive PAID New Haven, CT 06511 Permit No.106 Fairfi eld, CT http://www.holeinthewallgang.org

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Look inside to read CEO Jimmy Canton’s refl ection on

30 years at Camp.

Celebration. Anniversary 30th Apple Big the in Bandits the of nale fi the during Sky” the in “Stars sing to Baldwin Alec

Bridget Darden, Dexter Burstyn, Ellen friends celebrity Camp joined campers talented incredibly Nine and Broderick Matthew Moynahan,

2018 Fall