Paul Newman’s Camps: Free Joy and Healing for Kids

Quick Smiles:

• Paul Newman’s legacy of free summer camps brings joy to sick kids and their families.
• These special camps offer thrilling activities while ensuring essential medical care.
• Clea Newman continues her father’s mission, inspiring families worldwide.

As summer unfolds, children across the globe eagerly anticipate the joy of summer camps. For children with illnesses or disabilities, this anticipation is met with the promise of “serious fun” at camps designed just for them.

This initiative began with the legendary actor Paul Newman, who in 1988, opened the first summer camp for kids facing serious health challenges.

He named it the “Hole in the Wall” camp, inspired by the sharpshooting gang from his Oscar-winning film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Paul’s vision was to create a space where children and their families could escape the rigors of illness and “kick back, and raise a little hell.”

The best part? Every experience at these camps is free of charge.

Today, these camps are known as SeriousFun, a global network of 30 camps providing joy to children in 19 countries.

These camps have delivered two million unforgettable experiences, equipped with facilities for pediatric care and activities like boating, swimming, high-ropes courses, and zip lines.

“You automatically click (with everyone) because you have something in common. You’re not alone in this,” said Alex, a camper with Sickle Cell Disease from the SeriousFun Flying Horse Farms Camp in Ohio.

“It puts a smile on so many people’s faces. It makes them feel connected. It definitely is the highlight of my year, every year.”

Clea Newman, the youngest daughter of Paul and Joanne Woodward, has devoted over a decade to continuing her father’s legacy.

“I am so passionate about this work. Our kids and our families are just the most extraordinary people. I learn from them every day, so it’s a gift,” Clea shared.

“My father believed in the importance of giving back. He always said we are committed to giving these children one hundred percent… and, in return, the joy of these kids gives back one thousand percent to everyone who works with and supports them.”

The impact of these camps is profound. Surveys reveal that over 80% of campers find that their experiences help develop traits like self-confidence, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity.

A parent from the SeriousFun camp at Barretstown in Ireland expressed, “It’s brought the family unit back together. It was bringing back an element of fun that had been missing for a long time because all we’d been used to was going in and out of hospitals. It helped heal the kids’ souls. It helped us find that new normal… it’s all about maximum fun in minimum time.”

The camps are partially funded by proceeds from the Newman’s Own food brand, alongside corporate and private donations.

So, next time you shop for Newman’s Own products, remember that you’re supporting a cause that spreads joy and healing to families in need.

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