Maryland Faq

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

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 and Parent Chat, 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 and crafts, archery, a boardgame room, a makerspace 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.

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.

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.

Generally, families 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 talk to our Recruitment Coordinator.

At our Maryland Location, all family programming is a Family Camp. At our Connecticut Location, both Family Camps and Family Weekends provide programming for the entire family, but Family Camps are typically longer, lasting four to five days.

Your family will be assigned a Family Pal(s) who will be with your family for the duration of the session. 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.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Each diagnosed camper needs at least one parent or caregiver with them. All other immediate family members who live in the home, including siblings of any age, are also encouraged to join for the session.

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

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 4 weeks prior to the session. You will receive a confirmation email that will include information about the Family Camp, directions and a packing list.