A group of people sit around tables in a well-lit room, attentively listening and taking notes during a meeting or workshop. Snacks and water bottles are on the tables.

Young Adult Conference

Who says “adulting” can’t be fun? Whether you’re a returning participant to Camp or joining us for the first time, our annual Young Adult Conference for 18 – 25 year olds is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and gain new skills. The two-day conference is an opportunity to build community with peers who have experienced serious illness while learning about financial literacy, healthy cooking, mindfulness, leadership development and more! Each day includes classic Camp-style activities like Stage Night (think talent show) and Cabin Chat (group bonding and reflection). 

Young Adult Conference 

March 2027, Ashford, Conn.

Schedule at a Glance

  1. Arrivals, Dinner and Welcome

    A warm Camp welcome awaits as you enter the gates and step foot inside the Dining Hall. Say hello to friends new and old, grab a plate and relax. You’ve arrived. 

    A man speaks with a microphone in a wooden room, wearing a cap and name badge. Chairs, a table, and a disc rack are nearby. People sit and listen. Colorful lights hang overhead. Friday 5 - 8 p.m.

  2. Evening Social

    The conference committee has an exciting evening of ice breaker activities, gut-busting laughs and opportunities to make a new friend planned for the first evening of the conference. 

    People wearing name tags and winter clothes interact and smile indoors, with sunlight streaming through large windows behind them. Others are gathered and talking in the background of the cozy, wood-paneled room. Friday 8 – 10 p.m.

  3. 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. Be sure to enjoy the tasty breakfast goodies so you have tons of energy for the morning! 

    A group of people stand in a wooden room. One person in a light blue sweatshirt speaks into a microphone. Others listen and smile. A pink balloon with white designs floats in the background. Saturday 8:30 a.m.

  4. Group Connection

    A full day of conference connections begins with time to interact with fellow attendees in Sports & Recreation.

    People stand and face a person speaking in front of a colorful wall that reads CAMP IS MAGIC. The room has tables, chairs, and bright lighting from large windows. Saturday 9:30 a.m.

  5. Keynote

    Settle into your seat in the theater and make sure your notebook is handy! Each conference includes a thoughtfully selected keynote speaker to provide insightful and often humorous tips, advice and tools to support you as a young adult. 

    A woman speaks into a microphone while standing at a wooden podium with a laptop, in front of a dark curtain. Saturday 10:20 – 11:40 a.m.

  6. Breakout Session

    These breakout sessions provide a range of topics including financial literacy, healthy cooking, coping skills, resume creation, mindfulness, leadership development and more. 

    A group of people sit around tables in a classroom, listening attentively. Some take notes, while others watch the speaker out of frame. Lanyards and notebooks are visible on the tables. Saturday 11:55 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

  7. Lunch

    A large group of people, mostly children, sit in a circle on a wooden floor inside a round, wooden hall decorated with colorful totem poles and artwork. Some adults observe from the side. Saturday 1 - 1:45 p.m.

  8. Breakout Sessions 2-4

    These breakout sessions provide a range of topics including financial literacy, healthy cooking, coping skills, resume creation, mindfulness, leadership development and more.

    A group of people sit around tables in a classroom, listening attentively. Some take notes, while others watch the speaker out of frame. Lanyards and notebooks are visible on the tables. Saturday 2 - 6:15 p.m.

  9. Dinner & Announcements

    There’s always some entertainment on tap for dinner. Eat, drink, cheer, dance, sing and have fun while connecting with fellow attendees. 

    Two people stand facing each other indoors, holding pieces of paper. Other people sit and socialize in the background. The room has wooden walls, string lights, and large windows. Saturday 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.

  10. Stage Night

    It wouldn’t be a conference at Hole in the Wall without a beloved Stage Night! Show off your talents and take a bow to thunderous applause. 

    A boy sits on a chair playing an acoustic guitar on stage. He is smiling, wearing a hoodie, and theres a microphone in front of him. A persons arm holds another microphone near the guitar. A music stand is beside him. Saturday 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

  11. Evening Social

    Journey over to the Creative Complex for an evening filled with friendship, fun and more. 

    A person smiling and holding up a colorful geometric art piece in a classroom setting, with chairs and bags in the background. Saturday 8:30 – 10 p.m.

  12. Breakfast

    Enjoy a warm breakfast tailored for every diet alongside fellow participants and get ready for one more day of conference camaraderie. 

    Two women stand at a wooden table indoors, one handing an object to the other. Sunlight streams through large windows behind them, and various decorations hang around the room. Sunday 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

  13. Breakout Sessions 5-6

    These breakout sessions provide a range of topics including financial literacy, healthy cooking, coping skills, resume creation, mindfulness, leadership development and more. 

    A person wearing glasses and a hat cooks diced vegetables in a pan, lifting the lid with an oven mitt and stirring with a blue spoon. Kitchen tools and ingredients are visible on the counter. Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

  14. Closing Thoughts and Lunch

    Fill out a survey of your thoughts, feelings and ponderings about the conference while enjoying a final meal at Camp. 

    A bearded man in a green hoodie gestures while speaking indoors at a camp facility. Colorful decorations and a sign reading a seriousfun camp are visible in the background. Sunday 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.

A Conference for You

This overnight weekend program is for 18-25 year olds affected by serious illness. No previous Hole in the Wall experience is required! To learn more about the Conference and eligibility, contact our Admissions team. 

Apply Today
Two women sit at a paint-splattered table having a discussion. One gestures with her hands while wearing a lanyard; art supplies and paint bottles are visible in the background.

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

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