Rebuilding Begins At Fire-Damaged "Hole In The Wall Gang Camp"

ASHFORD, CT — Six months after a fire ripped through The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, construction has begun to rebuild and update the camp, which serves kids with serious illnesses.

A fire destroyed a number of buildings at the camp in February. State fire investigators determined the fire was not intentionally set.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded by the late Westport actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, and gives children with serious illnesses and their families and opportunity to experience the fun of going to camp.

The Camp announced Tuesday it began breaking ground on a new "Creative Complex."

"The updated, expanded and fully accessible Creative Complex will not only provide a new home for Arts & Crafts, Woodshop and the Cooking Zone, but also features a new quiet sensory area for campers and dedicated space for parents and caregivers," a press release states.

The Newman's Own Foundation donated $1 million to rebuild the destroyed section of the camp. Travelers Companies, Inc. and the Travelers Championship matched $1 million in donations.

Construction is expected to finish in June 2022.