Family Camp

Our medical needs assessment indicated thousands of children, including those in the rare and ultra-rare disease community, in the Mid-Atlantic who would benefit from Hole in the Wall expanding our services more deeply into the region. 

During Family Camp, everyone in the family enjoys the surroundings of our beautiful campus, participates in a range of fun program areas for all ages, and develops meaningful connections with other participants. A typical day at Family Camp includes breakfast and morning activities, lunch, rest time, afternoon activities, dinner, evening all-Camp programming, and breakout evening activities for parents, teens and younger children, ending with bedtime.

Activity areas at the Maryland Location include arts & crafts, archery, a boardgame room, a maker’s space for woodshop and 3D printing, nature programs, the pool, theater and music. Evening activities may be different for each session, depending on the needs of group. Beloved evening programs include Stage Night, Carnivarty (a carnival / party) and a campfire. 

Generally, families and volunteers provide their own transportation to Family Camp. However, we never want transportation to be the reason that families cannot join us. If you need assistance, please contact our Volunteer and Admissions Coordinator.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides all meals, bedding and linen. You should bring all clothing and toiletries. You must bring all necessary medications, formula, specialty foods, supplies and medical equipment. 

Visit our Who Can Attend page for information on medical diagnoses Camp serves during Family Camps in Maryland.

Immediate family can participate in the Camp. Siblings can be of any age. 

Each family has their own room and bathroom in our Inn or River House. Larger families may be given two rooms. A parent or adult caregiver must be present in each room where a child is sleeping. Rooms are furnished simply without electronics. All linens, including bedsheets and towels, are provided. 

During Family Camps, parents maintain all routine care for their child’s medical needs. Staff and volunteer medical professionals are available for emergency care and consultation. 

Your family will be assigned a Family Pal(s) who will be with your family for the Camp. While childcare is not specifically provided, our Family Pals will make sure that everyone is having a great time. If one child would like to go to an activity and you would like to do another, the Family Pal will be happy to go with your child to their activity. 

All Camp programming is free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors. Lodging and meals are provided. 

Yes! Family Camp is designed for the whole family, including parents and caregivers. There will be multiple activities throughout the session for parents to chat, play and get to know other caregivers who truly understand their family’s experience with serious illness. Parents can participate in this programming while our Family Pals engage children in other Camp fun. 

While we would love to accept every family who applies, we unfortunately can’t. Applications are reviewed and approved by the medical team. You will receive notification of acceptance at the latest four weeks prior to the session. You will receive a confirmation email that will include information about the Family Camp, directions and a packing list. 

All volunteers helping with Camp programming are required to be at least 18 years old. Learn more about volunteering with Camp on our volunteer opportunities page. 

As a Family Camp volunteer, you perform a key role in supporting and encouraging all family members to take part in all activities. Family Pals are assigned to one family and act as their host at Camp! Family Pals offer friendship, encouragement, support and an extra set of hands. Most of all, they help families to get into the Camp spirit by making new friends, letting loose and experiencing all Camp has to offer. 

Complete an Application 

All volunteers are required to complete the current volunteer application. Applications will be available on the website in early January and are accepted on a rolling basis. When we have filled all spots, we will no longer accept applications. 

Interview with the Volunteer Team 

Once a completed application is received, a member of our volunteer support team will be in contact with the applicant to set up a day/time for an interview by phone. 

Criminal Background Check and National Sex Offender Registry 

Volunteers will be required to successfully clear a criminal background check and a National Sex Offender Registry check before being granted final acceptance as a residential volunteer. 

Medical Form 

Because we have the privilege of serving children with unique needs, including those with compromised immune systems, we maintain comprehensive requirements for all volunteers. Volunteers are required to submit annual documentation to our medical team, including: 

• A medical examination form completed by your healthcare provider (required every 3 years) 
• Verification of required immunizations that meet our Camp requirements 

These health protocols help us create the safest possible environment for our extraordinary campers. 

A mandatory day of training on Camp is required before volunteering at a weekend program. Dates are posted with the application. Learn more about applying to volunteer with Hole in the Wall here.

We do not exclude volunteers with disabilities. However, because work as a counselor can sometimes be strenuous, we expect that any person working at Camp will have the ability to supervise and provide for the safety of our campers.