For three days this past summer, I volunteered at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut. Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, the camp serves seriously ill children with one goal in mind: that every child, no matter their illness, can experience the spirit and friendships that go hand-in-hand with camp.

What you’ll see in the pages that follow is a result of the incredible opportunity I was given to capture the spirit of the camp. Beyond the smiling faces and laughter, beyond the fishing pond, archery range and wood shop, I found that for a few short days out of the year, the campers get to cast off the shadow of illness to just be a kid. That is the true magic of this wonderful place.

For more information on The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and to learn how to get involved in the summer program or year-round regional programs yourself, please visit: www.holeinthewallgang.org