My Nonprofit Reviews

I came to Hole in the Wall for the first time 8 years ago. I volunteer in the cabins and take care of the kids 24/7. I think about how much trust parents would need to go against their protective instincts and leave their child who has a life-threatening diagnosis out of their sight and in our charge, in the woods and far from home. The parents know how valuable it is. Ask the parents about the Hole in the Wall organization. They trust this organization with their most valuable presence – their family. Everything the Hole in the Wall does upholds that responsibility and trust. The Hole in the Wall organization defines the standard that other non-profits aspire to. They require the highest level of performance from staff, volunteers and from themselves, because the kids deserve it. The organization does absolutely everything at the highest level of integrity, whether it is construction of a tree house, injury prevention, a BBQ, groundskeeping, facility maintenance, medical services or safety. What Hole in the Wall values is children, who will never know how much diligence it takes to do things right, and they shouldn’t. They are, after all, kids. The parents’ decision to send their child is met by the staff with diligence and focus on the well-being and happiness of the camper. Parents benefit from a week of relief. Siblings benefit from getting the undivided attention of their parents, and may even be lucky enough to attend as a sibling camper during the last session, strengthening bonds between brothers and sisters. These children supported by the work of the Hole the Wall organization were dealt an absolutely terrible hand of cards and face things that no child should have to face. The camp gives them the opportunity to be kids again, which medicine can sometimes forget to stress. At camp, the devastating effects of disease can cease to exist because children are not identified by their diagnosis, but by their name instead. The staff sees the child and not the disease. So simple. The love and support of parents is supplemented by a network of counselors and staff who constantly stress the Hole in the Wall message of “Yes, you can!” Campers blossom in a week, often in a day, and when they see this happen in other campers, they realize they aren’t alone in their battle against disease. Each summer, I find a way to get back to CT and spend two weeks in the presence of their greatness. This organization isn’t about illness, it isn’t about doctors visits or status symbols or celebrity. It is about the children, that they may see and be seen, be acknowledged and celebrated. This principle is in everything- in the food, at the archery range, at the fishing dock, in every single thing. Hole in the Wall celebrates the glory and life of the children. Newman’s kindness is everywhere on camp- in the dining hall, in the rafters of the theatre, at the campfire. The kids and staff understand that presence. Each week I am there, I leave exhausted, in the best way possible. I give all I can to them, and they deserve that. This place always helps me to re-focus and know again what is important in this life. For that, I thank Hole in the Wall not for what they do not for the children, but for what they do for me. The only bad thing about this camp is that as a camper, you have to have a life-threatening illness to go there. There are no ordinary days at Hole in the Wall- never have been, never will be. Every day is cherished. If I had my way, I would never leave there. I would stay and do work with this level of meaning forever. I will be back this summer, and will keep coming back until they don’t need me to wait for the thousands of children that aren’t able to attend due to the overwhelming need.

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