A group of people in colorful hats and costumes pose together in a decorated room with string lights and gold streamers, smiling and making peace signs.

Junior Staff

Junior Staff combines personal and professional development experiences for participants aged 17–18 to grow into the best version of themselves. Each participant is matched with cabin and program counselor mentors for daily workshops and on-the-job experiences to develop skills in communication, teamwork, role modeling, empathy, possibility, perseverance, authenticity and advocacy that will prepare them for whatever their future holds. They learn firsthand how the magic of Camp is created, while becoming the magic creators themselves.  

Upcoming Events

Junior Staff

Events
Sawfish Participant HyperlinkDates

2027 dates will be announced this winter.

A Day at Camp

  1. Morning Gather-up

    Connect with fellow Junior Staff participants before greeting Campers in the Dining Hall for breakfast. 

    Two people sit on green grass. The person in front wears a red headband, sunglasses, a red backpack, and a pink shirt. They are smiling at the person beside them, who is mostly out of focus. Other people are seen in the background. 8 a.m.

  2. Breakfast

    The Dining Hall is where everyone fuels up for the start of a fun-filled day at Camp. High energy is crucial at breakfast time as we sing, dance and get excited for the day. Eat so you have tons of energy for the morning! 

    A person with curly hair and glasses holds a paper coffee cup, sitting at a table with wooden chairs. They wear a black shirt, pink lanyard, and teal wristband. A camp sign is partially visible in the background. 8:30 a.m.

  3. Cabin Cleanup

    Alongside your Cabin Counselor mentor, assist younger Campers with cleaning their cabin and tidying belongings.  

    A young man points at a girls hand while she sits at a table, with another young woman watching. Art and decorations are visible on the wall behind them. 9:30 a.m.

  4. Morning Workshop

    Head to the Young Adult Lodge for a workshop on leadership, resume building, advocacy and more. 

    A house with a large porch sits among green trees on a sunny day. A golf cart is parked outside, and a well-kept lawn surrounds the building. The sky is clear with a few clouds visible. 10:15 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

  5. Lunch with Cabin

    Fill your bellies and drink lots of water while connecting with the Campers in your assigned cabin. 

    Two smiling teens in orange shirts stand indoors; one holds a drink, and the other wears black glasses. Bright sunlight shines through windows behind them. 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

  6. Rest Hour

    Rest hour is the best hour. Junior Staff spend time enjoying well-deserved quiet time in the Young Adult Lodge.  

    A group of teenagers walk outdoors on a dirt path, raising their arms and smiling. They wear colorful outfits and lanyards, with trees and greenery in the background. 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

  7. Afternoon Program

    Connect with your Program Counselor mentor to assist with afternoon programing at one of the many activity areas at Camp.

    Three people pose indoors at camp; two sit on red chairs, one stands behind. All wear green lanyards. The standing person and one seated wear green shirts. A water cooler, cup, and trees outside are visible in the background. 3:15 – 5:25 p.m.

  8. Dinner

    There’s always some entertainment on tap for dinner. Eat, drink, cheer, dance, sing and have fun! After filling your stomach, fill your soul with Camp song and dance led by the Entertainment Coordinator.

    A group of children and teens dance indoors at a summer camp. The boy in front wears a white Jeep T-shirt and pink lanyard; others behind him wear colorful shirts and hats. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful. 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

  9. Evening Activity

    Each night, Junior Staff help make Camp magic with different activities for the ‘hole’ Camp or individual cabin/unit. Join counselors to prepare for Carnivarty and let a camper test out their face painting skills, join your cabin to highlight their talents at Stage Night, or cheer on as accomplishments are celebrated at Awards Night – every evening promises to be an outstanding one. 

    Four young people wearing life jackets sit on a boat. Two are smiling at the camera, one waving and the other making a peace sign. Trees and water are visible in the background. 7:15 – 9 p.m.

  10. Cabin Chat

    As a role model and Junior Staff participant, join counselors in making Cabin Chat an important and meaningful Camp tradition. It provides time to reflect on one’s life as well as the Camp experience. These moments give the entire group the opportunity to unwind and get ready to go to sleep. 

    Three teens sit on a wooden floor in a lively indoor setting, holding books and wearing lanyards, while talking and listening. Wooden chairs and tables are visible in the background. 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

  11. Junior Staff Check-In

    Reconnect with fellow participants for a debrief on the day at the Young Adult Lodge. 

    A smiling young woman in a red Louisville Cardinals sweatshirt walks through a tunnel of raised arms indoors, with two people in the background watching. 10:00 p.m.

  12. Lights Out

    Sweet dreams as you drift off to sleep in the Young Adult Lodge bunkhouse. 

    A group of people sit in a brightly lit room watching a presentation on a screen. The room has modern furniture, high ceilings, and decorative lights. 10:30 p.m.

Who Can Attend

Junior Staff is for participants who have successfully completed their Journey Year and designed for young people ages 17-18 with a qualifying medical diagnosis, are a sibling of a medically qualifying camper or are a bereaved sibling. 

Eligibility

Dreams Come True

Julian has been wanting to go to a camp “just like his big brother” for years and that is something I never thought would be possible until I heard about The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp! Thank you for making his dreams come true!!! He not only got to experience an amazing camp, he gained confidence and friendship! He is already asking when he could come back!

— Camper mom Anna

Safety is our First Core Value

The care of children with serious illnesses is both a serious responsibility and a serious privilege. Learn more about how The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides physical and emotional safety throughout Camp programs. Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

Safety Overview Our Medical Program
A swim instructor helps a child adjust his goggles in a swimming pool, with other kids swimming and playing in the background on a sunny day.

FAQs

Get Involved

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Come Be Part Of The Magic

Volunteer
A smiling runner raises a fist in celebration, wearing a blue tank top and headband, as she nears the finish of a marathon. Other runners and spectators line the sunlit street with autumn trees.

Have A Good Laugh While Doing Good

Fundraise
A child and an adult wearing gloves and a mask smile while coloring with pencils at a table. The child wears a hospital gown and there is a Play-Doh container nearby.

Help Provide The Joy of Camp

Donate
A young girl with a walker smiles as another girl holds a microphone for her on stage. A third girl in a blue dress stands behind them. All appear happy, performing or participating in an event.

Make the Magic Happen

Join Our Staff

Explore Programs

Family Camps

Family Camps

The ‘hole’ family comes to Camp for a memorable three-to-five day experience alongside other families who understand the issues they are facing.

View Program Info

Family Camps

The ‘hole’ family comes to Camp for a memorable three-to-five day experience alongside other families who understand the issues they are facing.

View Program Info

Hospital Outreach Program

Hospital Outreach Program

From arts & crafts to interactive games, HOP brings the joy and fun of Camp to children and families in a hospital setting.

Explore HOP

Hospital Outreach Program

From arts & crafts to interactive games, HOP brings the joy and fun of Camp to children and families in a hospital setting.

Explore HOP

Summer Program

Summer Program

Campers experience the friendships and fun of summer camp through traditional camp activities supported by a significant, yet unobtrusive, medical presence.

View Program Info

Summer Program

Campers experience the friendships and fun of summer camp through traditional camp activities supported by a significant, yet unobtrusive, medical presence.

View Program Info