This is the CampSite Camp Spotlight—highlighting the amazing work being done by camps within our ecosystem. This edition features Over The Wall, a UK-based charity that offers free residential and online camp programs for children and young people facing health challenges.
A Legacy of Laughter: How It All Began
The inspiring story of Over The Wall Camp began with the vision of legendary actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. In 1988, funded by profits from his Newman’s Own products, Paul founded the ‘Hole in the Wall Gang Camp‘ in the US. His dream was simple yet profound: to create a free, purpose-built overnight camp where children with long-term health conditions could escape the limitations of their conditions and simply “kick back and raise a little hell.” This idea blossomed into the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of camps, with Over The Wall Camp proudly continuing this remarkable legacy.
Over The Wall Camp’s own journey began in the UK in 1999. After businessman Joe Woods arranged for children from the UK to visit Paul Newman’s original US camp, a friendship formed that led to the decision to establish a similar haven in the UK.
Since its establishment in the UK, Over The Wall has provided free programs including their residential camps and virtual camp, Camp in the Cloud.
Catching Up With Ruth Quill, Over The Wall’s Activities Coordinator
Our team at CampSite had the pleasure to ask Ruth Quill, Over The Wall’s Activities Coordinator some questions to learn more about her experiences working there. We delved into her experiences to learn about what makes Over The Wall so unique and impactful.
Q. How did you get started in the camp world?
Ruth: I worked at a camp as a summer job during University and have been to a camp every year since!
Q. What do you think sets your camp apart and makes it special?
Ruth: Our camps are radically inclusive, where everyone can do everything! They are for people who often get turned away from these opportunities because other camps don’t have the facilities to support them. It’s special because of the immense care, effort, and specialized knowledge that has been brought together to make it possible.
Q. What’s a favorite camp tradition or memory that stands out to you?
Ruth: To me, it’s the small breakthroughs in campers–realizing sexual identities, overcoming fears, apologizing for wrongdoings, performing new skills, changing behaviors, etc. The memories of positively influencing children’s lives are why I keep doing what I do!
Q. What lasting impact do you hope your camp leaves on campers?
Ruth: A deep confidence in their own abilities.
Q. How has working at a camp shaped you as a person?
Ruth: It has changed how I view play, now seeing play as an important part of my adult life.
Ruth’s reflections underscore the core of Over The Wall’s mission. At its heart, the camp operates on powerful principles that ensure a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy environment where fun and friendship truly thrive. Their guiding values of Belonging, Authenticity, and Growth mean that every camper, staff member, and volunteer is encouraged to be their true self, forge new connections, and discover just how amazing they really are.
Setting Down Roots: Over The Wall’s Exciting New Chapter
For many years, Over The Wall operated by renting various venues across the UK. While this “travelling circus” model was successful, it presented increasing challenges in finding locations with the highly specialized amenities, accessibility, and clinical care facilities needed for their unique campers. This approach eventually limited their capacity for growth.
In 2024, Over The Wall Camp made an exciting announcement: they secured a minimum 40-year lease for the former Ockbrook School near Derby. This monumental step means the charity will soon have its own dedicated and permanent base.
Continuing the Over The Wall Legacy
For over 25 years, Over The Wall has transformed lives, providing magical camp experiences for more than 8,000 children and their families. They now accommodate over 130 different illnesses across various UK locations, including Dorset, Staffordshire, and Perth.
It’s clear from Over The Wall’s mission that they’re more than just a camp. It’s a space where campers can leave everyday challenges behind, break down barriers, connect with others with similar experiences, and have fun, all while building a more confident version of themselves.
Curious to learn more about Over The Wall’s mission and the work they’re doing? Visit Over The Wall’s website here to dive deeper into their story.