A Continuation of Care

When a Camper has acute medical needs at Camp, Hole in the Wall is there every step of the way 

One of the things that makes Hole in the Wall so special is that it is so much more than a place in Connecticut. Campers and families can find Camp hope and magic in their hometowns, in the hospital and even through the mail all throughout the year. And when that support is most needed, a friendly face is never far. 

While campers and families excitedly look forward to their time at the summer program, sometimes their medical needs require them to leave early to get the care that they need. But when that happens, Camp is right there by their side. 

With safety guiding all that happens at Camp, there is an extensive protocol in place for when a camper becomes acutely ill during the summer program. When a child comes into the infirmary with an emergent issue, they are assessed and continually monitored to ascertain the severity of their condition. And while the infirmary is well-equipped for many emergencies, something that could escalate quickly warrants a trip to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where they can receive the most comprehensive care. 

“Our infirmary has incredible diagnostic capabilities and is often faster than the emergency room in identifying those children with acute needs,” said Emily Ring, Nursing Director at Hole in the Wall. “While the goal is for campers to remain at Camp, when illness severity warrants a transfer, we always ensure there is a nurse or child life specialist who accompanies the camper in the ambulance, who can share relevant information with the hospital and make certain there is a smooth transition.” 

And while having to leave Camp is disappointing, Hole in the Wall never leaves the child, starting with their counselor, who stays with them throughout their time in the infirmary, on the way to the hospital, and even in the hospital, until a parent is able to join them. 

Once at Connecticut Children’s, campers find often familiar faces, with doctors, nurses and child life specialists who have volunteered at Camp and can bond with them over their shared experiences. 

Thanks to an internal communications network, the Hospital Outreach and Family Outreach teams are also notified when a camper leaves for Connecticut Children’s and both teams jump into action. With Hospital Outreach specialists onsite just about every day, the Central New England team is ready to bring some Camp magic right to the camper’s bedside. 

“One of the things that makes our program so unique is that we do a continuation of care,” said Jimmy Guity, Hospital Outreach Program Regional Manager, Central New England. “Whenever a camper is admitted, we will see them that day. We’ll do a Camp activity and have conversations about Camp. It’s a warm handoff so that the camper feels comfortable.” 

Family Outreach also is at the ready and will reach out to the camper family to discuss ways Hole in the Wall can bring them a little cheer during what can be a difficult time. Often times, this means the team will pack up a care package filled to the brim with Camp goodies, games and crafts designed to brighten up the child’s day. It’s a small gesture that means the world to that child. 

Learn more about how Camp programming is designed to provide “a different kind of healing” at every stage of a child journey with serious illnesses here.