Author: Jessie M

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Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Names Hilary Axtmayer CEO Effective June 1

5/21/2026

Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp named Hilary Axtmayer CEO effective June 1, following a nationwide search conducted by the board of directors in partnership with Lindauer. Axtmayer, who first began working with the organization in 2001, most recently served as Hole in the Wall’s Chief Program Officer.

“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of CEO and so grateful for the board’s confidence in me,” Axtmayer shared. “My long history with Hole in the Wall has given me a deep understanding of its culture and mission, and a profound appreciation for our remarkable staff, the families we serve, and the loyal donors and volunteers who believe in and sustain our work. It is a true privilege to lead this organization into its next chapter, ensuring strong continuity through this transition while preserving the spirit and excellence that define Camp.”

Axtmayer’s involvement with Hole in the Wall spans more than two decades and includes roles as Executive Camp Director and summer counselor, providing her with both organizational expertise and cultural awareness. Through her leadership as Chief Program Officer, Axtmayer has demonstrated a deep understanding of the immense value that Hole in the Wall brings to children with serious illnesses and their families. 

“Over her time at Camp, Hilary has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion, positive communication, respect and gratitude,” said Lynn Fusco and Jeff Horstman, co-chairs of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s board of directors. “We are confident her past experience driving organizational growth through innovative program design, leadership development, and cross-department collaboration will ensure a seamless transition and successful tenure as CEO.”

In addition to her many years at Hole in the Wall, Axtmayer has been a field consultant for HIV/AIDS Youth Programs with SeriousFun Children’s Network and has also served in various capacities at other youth-focused nonprofits. She holds a master’s in global health sciences from the University of Oxford and a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University.

Axtmayer is stepping into the role following the retirement of Jimmy Canton, who served as CEO of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for 23 years.

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Camp Welcomes First Families to Maryland Location

5/11/2026

This weekend, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp welcomed families to the first of eight 2026 Family Camps at its new location on the Eastern Shore of Maryland – bringing joy, connection, and “a different kind of healing” to those often isolated by their diagnosis. With the launch of these Family Camps comes needed programming tailored for those in the rare and ultra-rare disease communities, a group who lack access to similar programs in the region according to a recent medical needs analysis.

“It was incredible to finally see our Maryland location filled with laughter and play,” said Hole in the Wall CEO Jimmy Canton. “It has always been our charge to do everything in our power to bring the healing of Hole in the Wall to those children and families most profoundly impacted by their diagnosis. With the launch of these Family Camps, we are doing just that, building community among those who did not previously have it. The need is great, and the impact is significant.”

Families of children with sickle cell disease, a rare disorder where red blood cells are crescent shaped and can clump together, blocking blood flow and causing pain crises and other issues, attended the first Family Camp.  While onsite, families enjoyed arts & crafts, archery, swimming and so much more, surrounded by others who understand the challenges they face. But even more importantly, these families walked away with renewed hope and the understanding that they aren’t defined by their diagnosis.

In addition to families with sickle cell disease, who will also have a focused Family Camp in the fall, the remaining Family Camps will include:

  • Two Camps dedicated to families of children with cancer including children with Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency, a very rare condition where cancer continues to recur;
  • One Camp for children with metabolic and mitochondrial disorders, a group of disorders that occur when the mitochondria fail to produce enough energy;
  • One Camp for families of children with Neurofibromatosis, a rare disorder where the nervous system produces tumors throughout the body;
  • One Camp for children with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva or FOP, an ultra-rare genetic disorder where soft tissues progressively turn into bone;
  • One Camp for families of children with Progeria, a devastating diagnosis where children rapidly age and face the many challenges of the elderly when they are still in elementary school. 

Each Family Camp will welcome up to 15 families and range from three to five days in length. These Camps come following an extensive renovation of the facility, which transformed 50,000 square feet of existing buildings into an inclusive, universally designed space, including a dining hall to accommodate 120 people, a maker’s space, a barrier free theater and dressing room filled with costumes, accessible residential rooms, and a state-of-the-art infirmary. Rooted in universal design, the facility ensures every child, regardless of medical need, can fully participate, build friendships, and simply experience the magic of camp. Over the course of 2026, nearly 500 children and family members will be served in the space. The start of Family Camps at this new location marks the beginning of a larger expansion that will include future facilities dedicated to camper-independent programming.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp-Maryland is located on the site of the former Aspen Institute’s 166-acre Wye River Conference Center in Queenstown, Md. The Institute was gifted the scenic property in 1979, and its Board generously donated it to Hole in the Wall after learning of Camp’s interest in expanding services in the region. 

Learn more about Camp’s newest location here.

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Six people stand smiling under a colorful balloon arch at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outdoors, with scissors and a red ribbon in front; a decorated building and bus are visible in the background.

Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Celebrates Opening of New Maryland Location

4/23/2026

Today, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting at its new location on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, celebrating the arrival of intentionally designed overnight programming to the region – bringing joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy to children with serious illnesses and their families who are often isolated by their diagnosis. Camp leaders joined community officials, celebrity friends, Hole in the Wall partners, volunteers, staff, families and more to commemorate this occasion, which marks the completion of phase one renovations of the facility, allowing the Camp to begin serving families in May.

“I am over the moon delighted to be celebrating the ribbon cutting at our second Hole in the Wall location in Queenstown, bringing much-needed programming to children in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, including those in the rare and ultra-rare disease community,” said Hole in the Wall CEO Jimmy Canton. “This new facility fills a void in the region and will ensure that those most in need of the healing power of Camp are able to find friendship, play and respite in a bright and whimsical space that is close to their homes.”

The first phase of renovations at the Maryland location transformed 50,000 square feet of existing buildings, as well as outdoor spaces, into an inclusive and thoughtfully designed facility with peaceful and inviting spaces to support children, parents, caregivers and siblings. Updates included a family space where families can gather to play and relax; a parent relaxation room where caregivers can rest and connect with other parents; a cozy, barrier-free theater removing impediments for aspiring actors and singers of all ages; temperature-controlled and accessible residential rooms; a state-of-the-art infirmary with three observation/overnight rooms, a reception area, a pharmacy and medical equipment;and much more. Looking to the future, plans are in development for additions to the location that will allow for camper-independent programming.

Rooted in universal design, the Maryland location reflects Camp’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child—regardless of medical need—can fully participate, build friendships, and simply experience the magic of camp and joy of play. This expansion brings the organization’s legacy to life in a new region, creating a place where children can just be kids, and as Paul Newman would say, “raise a little hell.”

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp-Maryland is located on the site of the former Aspen Institute’s 166-acre Wye River Conference Center in Queenstown, Md. The Institute was gifted the scenic property in 1979, and its Board generously donated it to Hole in the Wall when they learned of Camp’s interest in expanding services in the region. 

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Nine Fish and Countless Friendships | Healing Feeling

1/8/2026

When Teddie arrived at Hole in the Wall, she was nervous and a little shy. But something magical happened at Camp. Watch as Teddie’s parents share how their family discovered this special place, and see the transformation that happens when children facing serious illnesses find a community where they can simply be themselves.

The Healing Feeling series is a collection of stories, connections and examples of the impact The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has on every single member of our community. Join us as we hear firsthand how a single Camp experience can provide a transformational spark in the lives of children facing serious illnesses and their families.

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A group of smiling children and adults hold a colorful sign that reads, We ♥ Camp. Welcome. The fun starts here! Have fun at camp! They stand in front of a bus, excited to start their camp adventure.

HOP On The Go: Camp Day Send Offs

11/15/2025 by Beth Starkin

Campers at Boston Children’s Hospital received Camp Day send-offs before boarding the bus to Hole in the Wall 

Not every child who comes to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for a summer session has a parent who drops them at Camp. In fact, a great many of our campers arrive on busses, which depart from Camp’s hospital partners, providing much needed transportation assistance and ensuring everyone is able to find a way to reach Hole in the Wall. But as any parent who has had a child attend sleep-away camp knows, it can be a little scary dropping off your kiddo, even more so if you aren’t able to be onsite. 

Understanding this, Camp’s Boston Hospital Outreach team found a solution to help ease parent nerves and build camper connections before Camp sessions even get started. Building off of the Camp Day events that the team already hosts each summer at multiple hospital partners, the team started hosting Camp Day Bus Parties at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center, gathering all of the campers who will be departing together for a little taste of what’s to come. 

“The first time we hosted a bus party, it was kind of a happy accident,” said Hospital Outreach Specialist Ariel Ford, who has been the mastermind of these events. “We were hosting a Camp Day the same day the bus was leaving, and before the bus left, the kiddos were doing activities and making T-shirts. We got to see some of the new campers make friends before they got on the bus, and we got very excited.” 

Seeing the impact on those campers, Ariel made it her goal to host similar Camp Day events prior to each bus departure this summer. Coordinating with the admissions team onsite in Connecticut, Ariel readied materials for each camper who was expected, and planned activities that would help foster connection while giving parents a little window into what their child would experience during their session. 

“We wanted to provide not only a space for campers to feel a little more at ease, but also a place for their caregivers to make a connection and feel that everything is going to be OK,” Ariel shared. “The connections just grew, and we were able to build that Camp spirit before the kids got on the bus and headed on their way.” 

The reception has been positive, with campers making friends, parents finding peace and hospital staff feeling supported. It’s a partnership that we look forward to continuing. 

“The participation of the Boston-based Hospital Outreach program (HOP) team on Camp departure day has proven to be such an important part of the day,” said Jackie Miranda, social worker at Boston Children’s Hospital. “HOP provides a space for the campers to engage in and start that Camp experience. This is especially beneficial for our nervous newbies. Even our veteran campers are easily engaged with the HOP activities and connect with old friends prior to boarding the bus.” 

Learn more about Camp’s Hospital Outreach program here.

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Siblings Need Camp Too

11/15/2025 by Ana Cruz Kayne

My family’s Camp journey started with my brother Danny’s diagnosis: Osteosarcoma of the distal femur. As a 10-year-old, I would chew these words until it became rote — this diagnosis defined us. 

Looking back, it’s impossible to forget the sounds and smells of our house when my brother was sick. There was an ominous hush; a secrecy bred of protection. The adults around me were exhausted and scared and preoccupied, and whatever the reason, I wouldn’t understand.  

I knew that I was loved. My dad made sure I knew. But my parents’ love didn’t look like the love I saw in my friends’ homes. My friends had bedtimes, and they ate together as a family. I was unsupervised and dangerously independent. I was funny and irreverent, and there were no consequences because no one was watching. The more I leaned into these behaviors, the more isolated I became. 

This escalated until my dad told me I was going with him to pick-up Danny from a summer camp with a wacky and wild name. It seemed pretty cringe, but I obliged. 

We pulled up to the gate and were greeted with a kind of energy I’d describe as contagious! It was impossible to avoid the kindness and playfulness we were hit with the second we drove in. We were given nametags, and I made a joke about my name being “Danny’s sister.” A staff member asked, “How do you spell that?” 

I loved that response. I wasn’t energetically made to feel like I did it wrong. They met me with a warmth and a humor that made me feel seen. This kind of connection meant everything to a kid who was deeply guarded and hurt. I began to soften. 

When we got to the dining hall, my brother was unrecognizable. He had color in his cheeks and a certain swagger I hadn’t seen in years. His spirit had returned, and it wasn’t subtle. 

That same summer, my Dad asked if I wanted to attend Camp as a sibling camper. I agreed even though I was scared to be away from my family. As adult as I felt, I was just a child. I forgot that about myself. 

During sibling session, we played games and danced with abandon, and everything was scheduled. That felt good to me. The other girls in my cabin came from similar households, and it wasn’t dramatic to say “when my brother got his central venous catheter…” But more than that, we didn’t have to talk about it. We were just us. It felt safe and fun. And fun was not a common occurrence. Camp began to chip away at my many layers of self protection. And that’s what kept me coming back for 15 summers as cabin volunteer. 

I am so grateful that Doc Pearson and the Newmans had the foresight to acknowledge the needs of siblings. Sibling session saves lives. And that’s no small fry. 

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Pardner Profile: Kevin Adams

11/15/2025 by Beth Starkin

Kevin has volunteered at Camp in just about every way possible, including the summer program 

In 2008, Kevin Adams had what one might call an “a-ha” moment while watching a TV special celebrating Paul Newman’s life. In the piece was an old interview where Paul was asked, “If you could be King for a day, what would you ask people to do in order to be fully human?” Paul’s response – “Participate, participate.” With those words in mind, Kevin decided to make a difference, and his volunteer adventure at Hole in the Wall began. 

“I had always been so struck by what Mr. Newman had done to start the Camp and all of his philanthropic efforts,” Kevin said. “When I saw that special, I thought, ‘what am I waiting for,’ and literally got on the Camp website at that moment. Here I am now, over 15 years later, having volunteered at summer sessions, Family Weekends and the new Bereavement Program; with the Hospital Outreach Program; and at special events and work days through my employer (Travelers).” 

Having spent so much time volunteering at Camp, Kevin had some ideas on things that could improve the Camp experience. Acting on his ideas, Kevin generously purchased two wheelchair accessible golf carts, providing improved mobility onsite for campers and guests using wheelchairs. Named after his parents, “Bill’s Buggy” and “Eileen’s Express” are frequently used during the summer program and Family Weekends. 

“It is so great to give back and express gratitude for all of our blessings,” Kevin shared. “I think deep down I’d like to try to bring some measure of joy back to kids and their families who are dealing with a serious illness; to let them know they are not alone. We all share in this experience in solidarity with one another.” 

We are so grateful to Kevin and all of Camp’s incredible supporters who share their time, talents and generosity with Hole in the Wall. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a volunteer for Camp, click here.