NEW YORK, April 1, 2005 -- The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, a nonprofit organization founded by Paul Newman in 1988, recently announced the beginning of construction for it’s 8th camp – the Jordan River Village. Jordan River Village, a special camp in Israel designed specifically for seriously ill kids in the Middle East, will be complete in 2007.

Jordan River Village will encompass 60 acres in Lower Galilee, one of Israel’s most beautiful and historically rich areas. Once complete, the Village’s staff will provide free, fun-filled, medically safe experiences for Jewish and Arab children 9-18 years of age.

“Every child deserves a childhood,” says Newman. “What a gift to see children overcome both medical and political tensions, and enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood!”

It’s All About The Kids
The newly created Jordan River Village in Israel will serve youth suffering from life threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, juvenile diabetes and cerebral palsy. The state-of-the-art village includes 24-hour medical supervision, comfortable cabins, a specially treated swimming pool, an amphitheater, a lake and a number of additional kid friendly amenities.

“At Jordan River, the children will have the opportunity to recharge their energies and their spirits despite their continuing struggle with their illnesses, Newman added. “This camp will be a positive life altering experience for all attendees.”

The Benefits
Based on the diverse needs of all prospective attendees, Jordan River Village will function year-round to accommodate as many participants as possible during two-week stints. Highly qualified doctors and nurses will attend to every child’s need and will be able to accommodate the full array of treatments for the disease group in which they serve. Structured activities allow campers to experience success no matter what their disease or disability. Upon their departure from the camp, doctors note that attendees are able to react more favorably to their medical treatment, and address their conditions more positively.

The Need for Sponsorship
In order to enrich the lives of Jewish and Arab children suffering from serious illnesses, camp founders are launching a campaign to garner international support. Leading hospitals (such as Hadassah University and Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel) and voluntary disease-oriented organizations have already signed on to provide a safe camp experience.

Since the inception of The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, no child or family have ever had to pay to attend any of the camps. Jordan River Village will not be exempt from this philosophy. The camp will rely solely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations for contributions. An added incentive to pledging financial support to the completion of the camp are the naming opportunities for various venues located at the campsite.

For further information regarding the camp and/or to make a monetary donation, contact American Friends of Jordan River Village at (203) 973-0602.

About The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps
The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps serves existing Hole in the Wall Camps and those in development. Last year, the camps served nearly 10,000 seriously ill children. Seven camps under the association’s umbrella exist today – 5 in the United States and 2 in Europe. With additional camps in development, including the Jordan River Village, that number will only continue to grow.

Each camp is a separate entity expanding founder Paul Newman's dream to provide a recreational and therapeutic camping experience for children facing serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions. While at camp, these children discover the joys of childhood often missed during extended medical treatment. All children attend the camps free of charge as a result of generous contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations.