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Camp Renovations
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
A waterfront camp provides a joyful escape where children with serious illnesses can ‘raise a little hell.’
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides fun and healing camp experiences to thousands of children with serious illnesses and family members annually – all completely free of charge. Looking to expand from their original site in Ashford, Conn., the organization partnered with Ayers Saint Gross to plan renovations on a second location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The new camp property, located on the former site of the Aspen Institute and Conference Center, features scenic water views, tree-lined pathways and meadows, and wildlife including Wye Angus cows and the occasional bald eagle. The multiphase project has been planned with accessibility, inclusion, and the needs of children and families in mind. The first phase, a renovation of existing residential buildings and facilities to support and welcome those with serious illnesses, will be completed to begin family camp programming in the spring of 2026.
A rendering of a welcome area for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's infirmary
Phase one work includes the renovation of six buildings, including a full renovation of a former carriage house (that was once a horse stable) into a child-friendly infirmary and a new structure housing a 20,000-gallon water tank. The renovated buildings will include family and staff housing, accessible bathrooms, an arts and craft room, dining hall, a makerspace, game room, and a theater.
All buildings will be fully accessible with ramps or sites that have been re-graded for stairless entry. The design style for the camp will blend the tidewater vernacular of Maryland’s Eastern Shore with colorful graphics and playful details, highlighting natural views of surrounding trees and wildlife.
Additional projects for phase one include a theater with low-lying carpet to designate the “stage area” without potentially limiting stairs, and temperature-controlled and fully accessible residential rooms.
River House with a completed mural by Ryan Adams
Mural on River House completed October 24, 2025 by Ryan Adams (@ryanwritesonthings) as part of the renovations work before programming begins in Spring 2026.
Next Project
Campus Master Plan 2024
University of Missouri
