Paul knew what science confirms: positive childhood experiences transform lives.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is the first camp Paul Newman founded back in 1988 and provides “a different kind of healing” to children with serious illnesses and their families. 

2024 impact:

• Over 600 youth participated in weeklong Hole in the Wall Gang summer camps in 2024
• 94% of campers aged 10-15 reported increasing their friendship skills at camp in 2024

“This is the only place in the world my kid feels like she belongs.” —Camper Parent

Over The Wall Camp’s innovative “Camp in the Cloud” program brings the magic of camp directly to children unable to attend in person. In 2024, they celebrated 25 years of creating life-changing experiences for children with health challenges and secured a new permanent facility in Derby.

2024 impact:

• > 1,500 children experienced an Over The Wall camp or virtual program
• 88% of campers reported feeling more positive about their future after attending
• 2,597 marshmallows were eaten, and 38 dance parties were hosted!

“I’m much more confident now and have higher self-belief. At camp, I wasn’t defined by my illness—I was just me.” —Camper

Flying Horse Farms provides healing, transformative camp experiences: every kid is invited to bring their wacky selves, as they make connections with friends who understand their journey and find camp magic exists in all of us.

2024 impact:

• 1,000 camp experiences provided to kids.    
• 1,630 volunteers made the magic of camp possible.
• 190+ first-time experiences documented in the “Book of Firsts,” where campers celebrate milestones such as ziplining for the first time. 

“While the numbers underscore impact, the campers tell the story. Camp is where a kid might swim for the first time. Where a camper is brave enough to sing with friends. It’s the boy who didn’t feel extraordinary because of his diagnosis but because of the friend he became. Behind every camper, it’s each family knowing camp shows up accessible for every kid.” —Nichole E. Dunn, President & CEO, Flying Horse Farms.

Located on 232 acres just a short drive from Orlando, Camp Boggy Creek creates a nurturing environment where children can enjoy activities tailored to their needs. In 2024, Camp Boggy Creek introduced its mental health support team to address emerging needs of comprehensive mind-body support for campers.

The impact:

• 832 campers and 127 volunteers participated in Camp Boggy Creek summer programs
• Launched a new sensory room with specialized equipment including sensory toys, weighted blankets, and a multisensory play-floor
• 7 in 10 of campers considered themselves to be “a happy person”, a holistic well-being indicator, despite their medical journey

“Camp Boggy Creek creates a safe environment where campers can find joy, build resilience, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Prioritizing our campers’ behavioral and mental health empowers them to embrace their unique strengths as we work to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.” —Dr. James Rujimora, Ph.D., LMHC

Each year, Camp Korey brings joy, community, and new adventures to nearly 2,000 campers in the Pacific Northwest living with life-altering medical conditions and their parents, siblings, and caregivers. As a proud member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, Camp Korey is more than a camp, it’s a place where challenges transform into triumphs, and where the spirit of community and adventure thrives. Their programs not only bring smiles to the faces of our campers but also create a supportive network for families who are navigating life’s journey with resilience and hope.

SeriousFun supports and amplifies the impact of individual camps and programs to affect positive change in the lives of children with serious medical conditions and their families. 

Results:

• 30 camps and programs across 4 continents
• 2 million plus camp experiences since 1988
• 85% of alumni credited camp as a major source of their self-confidence