Meet the changemakers

Founded in 1993 by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, the Double H Ranch provides year-round, medically supported programs free of charge for children living with serious and chronic illnesses. Located in New York’s Adirondack Park, Double H Ranch serves over 2,000 children annually through summer camp, adaptive winter sports, family weekends, and hospital outreach.

Victory Junction enriches the lives of children living with complex medical and physical needs by providing life-changing, fun, and empowering camp experiences at no cost. Campers build confidence and skills through activities like ziplining, horseback riding, fishing, and stage performances, all in a medically safe, accessible environment. Located in Randleman, NC, and founded by Kyle Petty and family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction’s racing-themed campus offers weekend and weeklong sessions, while its OUTREACH program brings Camp to hospitals and clinics in NC, SC, and VA.

Located just north of Los Angeles, The Painted Turtle has provided hundreds of thousands of camp experiences to children with serious medical conditions and their families through year-round programming since 2004. Campers ages 6–17 can enjoy a variety of adaptive activities in a fun and safe environment through programs ranging from single-day events to week-long sessions. The Painted Turtle supports children’s medical needs and offers care, education, and respite for their families—all entirely free of charge.

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.

Since 2006, Roundup River Ranch has provided transformative experiences for children with life-altering diagnoses and their families – offering them the chance to embrace joy, create connection, foster independence, and build hope through free, medically-supported camp programs. Nestled in a canyon along the Colorado River, the 125-acre campsite in the heart of the Rocky Mountains welcomes campers ages 5-17 and their families to find respite at Summer Camp and Family Camp sessions. Outreach and Alumni Programs extend the camp spirit year-round through engaging online and in-person experiences.

Since 2016, North Star Reach has provided life-changing camp experiences for children with serious health challenges in a safe, medically supported environment. Located near Ann Arbor, Michigan, our beautiful 105-acre camp welcomes children ages 7–17 and their families from across the Great Lakes region. Through weekend and week-long programs filled with connection, community, and a whole lot of Mooseness, campers discover joy, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

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

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

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.

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

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