On Friday, February 12, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was devastated by a fire that destroyed many of the camp’s buildings. Since 1988, the camp has provided medically-supervised camps and programs free of charge to children with serious illnesses and their families throughout the Northeast.

News of the fire broke on Saturday morning and buildings that housed the Woodshop, Arts and Crafts, the Camp Store and the Cooking Zone were destroyed. Upon seeing the news, Department of Public Policy (DPP) alumni Charlotte Nelson immediately reached out to fellow alum Padraig Barry who serves as the camp’s Chief Strategy Officer. The two graduated from the DPP’s MPA Fellows program together as part of the 2020 cohort. 

Charlotte explains, “I reached out to him to see how I could help support the camp’s effort to rebuild. I quickly realized that an easy way for me to support the camp and its rebuilding efforts was to set up a GoFundMe page with proceeds going directly to the camp.” The page has received support from other members of the 2020 cohort! She notes, “Donations in any amount are appreciated!”

On Monday, February 15, Travelers and the Travelers Championship announced that they would match up to $1 million in donations via the camp’s Rebuild Downtown Camp Fund.

We are thankful that no injuries were reported and we look forward to seeing the camp open this season!