The Power of a Vision: Camp Korey at Carnation Farm

In 2005 Tim Rose, who lost his teenage son, Korey, to cancer, had a vision of building a Hole in the Wall Camp in Washington. Today, his family’s vision is a reality: Camp Korey at Carnation Farm brings the magic of camp to children living with serious and life-threatening illnesses and their families from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Early in the planning for Camp Korey, a needs assessment was conducted by an independent research firm. The study recognized several camps in the region that serve children with a range of medical conditions in an outdoor camping program. The research concluded, however, that there are well over 20,000 children in the Northwest who are not currently being served, and who could benefit from the programs and services that Camp Korey offers.

The Magic of Camp: Every Child Deserves a Childhood

Camp Korey held two week-long sessions during the summer of 2008, and expanded to five in 2009. Camp Korey will host seven sessions in 2010, in addition to family weekend camps, Saturday day camps, year-round recreation programs, and hospital outreach.  For at least five days, children enjoy the novel experience of being defined not by their medical diagnosis, but by their spirit, their creativity, and their own potential.

Programs at Camp Korey are specifically designed for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.  Campers can safely enjoy traditional camp activities, with the addition of full medical support, adaptive methods, and the practice of “challenge by choice.” Camp Korey campers can swim, boat, fish, enjoy arts and crafts, try horseback riding, climb an indoor climbing wall or our new adaptive ropes course, and so much more.  Campers take part in fun camp-wide evening activities, including opening and closing campfires complete with marshmallows and songs, a dance party, stage night, movies, and more.  Camp Korey is all about FUN, and time spent here is filled with laughter, making friends, and discovering new talents.  Children whose lives have been a series of medical procedures and hospital stays are transformed into "just kids."  Campers spend time with caring counselors, and with other kids coping with the same illnesses or conditions.  They quickly realize that at camp they are not alone, and learn to feel special rather than different.

A Wide-Ranging Partnership

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps (“the Association”) is an international family of camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge.  The goal of the Association is to extend these experiences to as many children as possible around the world. The Association’s office is located in New Haven, CT and was founded in 2001 by Paul Newman.

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps provides leadership, financial and programmatic support to our global family of camps and programs, ensuring growth and sustainability. The Association is also charged with fostering the responsible development of additional camps and programs – extending the Hole in the Wall Camp experience to as many children with serious illnesses as possible. 

As a provisional member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, Camp Korey continues to work toward meeting the set of requirements that will allow us to apply for full membership. These requirements are designed to ensure the highest level of safety, programming and financial sustainability at our camp.

For several years, Camp Korey representatives have also worked to build partnerships with hospitals and children’s healthcare providers here in the Northwest.  Through these partnerships, Camp Korey receives vital resources, including highly skilled medical volunteers and supplies.

Carnation Farm: Where Dreams Can Grow into Reality

The historic 818-acre Carnation Farm, original site of the Carnation Company, is owned by the Elbridge and Debra Stuart Family Foundation, and is now being preserved as Camp Korey’s home. The rich legacy of the farm is central to Camp Korey’s identity and programming, and the beautiful pasture lands, ponds, forests, gardens, and historic farm buildings make Camp Korey at Carnation Farm a unique and memorable experience for campers and their families.

Camp Korey continues to grow in support if our mission, and strives to build ongoing and sustainable operating funds.  We rely on generous individuals, corporations and foundations that share our commitment to the children and families in our community.

Learn more about engaging with Camp Korey as a donor, volunteer, event attendee, or camper family--please see the links at top for information, or contact us at 425-844-3100.