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

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. 

Children with special healthcare needs are more likely to experience social isolation, anxiety, and lower self-esteem compared to children without special healthcare needs. That’s where SeriousFun camps come in. At camp, kids connect with peers who share similar diagnoses and leave knowing they are not alone.

The results:

• 30 camps and programs across 4 continents.
• 2 million plus camp experiences since 1988.
• 70% of campers reported feeling like they belonged and that they were valued at camp.*
• 74% of campers reported increased ability to make friends.*

*Data from research at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the SeriousFun camp in Connecticut. 

“It was really cool to see other kids that were going through the same stuff that I was going through, or they live the same way that I live.” 
—Jackson, camper 

Part of SeriousFun Children’s Network, 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

Launched in 2008 as a partnership between SeriousFun Children’s Network and Baylor Foundation Uganda, Sanyuka Camp focuses on healthy living and building self-esteem. Children learn about cooking with ingredients that are accessible at home and making their own music and crafts, while family camp offers opportunities for children and caregivers to play together and build stronger bonds.

Children living with serious medical conditions like HIV often face stigma and social isolation. SeriousFun camps disrupt this pattern with programs designed to break down shame and help kids thrive through peer connection and medical support. 

 The results: 

• Youth shifted from relying on adults to taking ownership of their medication routines through group rituals, educational activities, and caring guidance from healthcare staff. 

• Meeting peers with similar experiences reduced stigma and helped campers feel understood and accepted.

• 100% of campers reported a positive experience and said they would recommend camp to a friend or sibling.

“I never thought that I could talk freely about my HIV status. At camp, I had the freedom to talk and get my worries off my shoulders.”  
—SeriousFun camper living with HIV 

Through a new partnership in Australia and New Zealand, SeriousFun camps are sharing expertise to increase accessibility for children with disabilities. Camp staff are collaborating across the network to improve program delivery—demonstrating the power of collective learning to strengthen inclusive experiences globally. 

 The results: 

• 400 adult volunteers received 1,600+ hours of specialized training on supporting children with disabilities. 
• 100% of families surveyed said their time at camp was valuable to connect as a family. 

Data from SeriousFun’s Australia and New Zealand partnership pilot made possible by Newman’s Own Foundation. 

“This meaningful collaboration would not have come to life without the connection fostered by SeriousFun. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to work together and to contribute to creating more inclusive, empowering experiences for every camper.”  
—Camp Partner 

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.

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.