Parent Programs
Parents and caregivers deserve to have some Camp fun, too! Parent Programs bring the healing power of Hole in the Wall to parents and caregivers through year-round opportunities hosted virtually and in-person, such as caregiver cabin chats, parent project days and parent retreats held on and offsite. These programs are designed to connect current camper parents, fostering a community of acceptance based on a common understanding all while experiencing a little Camp mischief.
Caregiver Cabin Chat
Parents and caregivers are invited to join a weekly Zoom video chat. This standing program offers an opportunity to share, connect and relate to folks in a similar situation to themselves. Each Chat is facilitated by a Camp staff member, and every participant walks away feeling seen and heard.
Parent Virtual Events
A monthly series of Zoom-based events ranging from crafts to wellness activities. Designed for some adult-only time, these virtual events offer parents and caregivers an opportunity to join a group of peers from the comfort of their own home. When supplies are needed, they are mailed to participants after they sign up. Past virtual event themes include Luck in Our Lives with shamrock crafts and Life Unfolds Perfectly with origami.
Parent and Caregiver Retreats
These offsite weekends are held at a hotel in Connecticut with the sole purpose of giving parents and caregivers a chance to relax and connect with others in similar situations. Offering a variety of Camp-inspired activities like arts & crafts, woodshop, a dinner dance, nature walks and more, these kid-free retreats are sprinkled with humor, insight and compassion, designed to help inspire, encourage and recharge our mighty caregivers. In addition to scheduled programming, participants are welcome to enjoy the resort and some time alone with a partner, friend or family member.
Parent Project Days
Our parents and caregivers are never asked to pay for any of the services or programming at Camp, but some enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community. Parent Project Days offer a range of onsite volunteer opportunities to help get Camp ready for an upcoming session, support at a special event, or connect with fellow parents and caregivers while gardening.
Upcoming Events
Parent Programs
| Sawfish Participant Hyperlink | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 Parent Program - Protect Your Sanity, One Door at a Time | 8/30/2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| 2026 Parent Program - Light Up Your Little World | 9/13/2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| 2026 Parent Program - Hanging on by a Stitch | 10/25/2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| 2026 Parent Program - Build Something Together | 11/8/2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| 2026 Parent & Caregiver Retreat - Nov | 11/13/2026 4:00 PM - 11/15/2026 2:00 PM |
| 2026 Parent Program - A Season to Create: Kinusaiga Art | 12/13/2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Interested in Parent Programs?
Parent programming is here to foster a community of acceptance based on the common understanding of having a sick child, and there are multiple ways to get involved. Every month a virtual or in-person event is designed just for parents and caregivers.
Parent Programs FAQs
Parent and Caregiver Retreat weekends are held at The Heritage Hotel in Southbury, Connecticut. Each year, there is typically one retreat in the summer and two scheduled for the fall.
The purpose of the weekend is to give you a chance to relax and meet other parents and caregivers in similar situations. We offer a variety of Camp-inspired activities, like arts & crafts, woodshop, a dinner dance, nature walks and more. These kid-free retreats are sprinkled with humor, insight and compassion and designed to help inspire, encourage and recharge parents and caregivers. In addition to scheduled programming, you are welcome to enjoy the resort and some time alone or with a partner, friend, or family member.
Parent and Caregiver Retreats are open to all current camper parents and caregivers. If you have yet to experience a Parent and Caregiver Retreat and are a current camper parent, contact us for more details.
As you know, here at Camp we love spending time with your children, but Parent and Caregiver Retreat weekends are a time just for adults.
We do not offer transportation; however we can help coordinate travel to local bus/train stations in Danbury and Waterbury, Conn. with shuttle service to the hotel in Southbury, Conn. Contact us to discuss all transportation needs or questions.
Like all Camp programs, our Parent and Caregiver Retreat weekends are free of charge. Your two-night hotel stay, meals and Camp activity costs will be covered by Hole in the Wall.
Rebecca Patenaude, our Regional Parent Programs Coordinator, is always happy to answer questions about Parent and Caregiver Retreats!
Yes, we encourage caregivers to bring a friend or family member who supports them in the care of their camper(s).
We recommend packing comfy clothes, layers and sneakers. Bring a bathing suit if you want to take advantage of the hotel pool and hot tub, and something a little dressy for our Saturday night dinner dance! But if jeans and flip-flops are your style, that is okay too!
There are lots of opportunities to connect with camper parents. Beyond our Parent and Caregiver Retreat weekends, there are parent activities during Family Camps, monthly virtual gatherings, regional CampOut events and plenty of parent volunteer options.
Absolutely! Volunteer opportunities are open to parents and caregivers of current and aged out campers.
Live close to the Connecticut location in Ashford? Check out our monthly Parent Project Days. These weekday events are a great way for parents and caregivers to spend time together on-site while also helping our community. Whether it is cleaning, organizing or prepping for Camp programs, there is something for everyone to do! If you are not able to join us for the entire day, we welcome you for whatever time you have to share.
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