GPI Frequently Asked Questions
In what countries does the GPI program operate?
The GPI program currently works with local partners in five countries: Lesotho, Uganda, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Cambodia. One of the goals of the GPI program is to have programs in seven countries by 2010 and nine countries by 2011.
Prior to 2008, the Association partnered with local organizations to coordinate camps in Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, and Thailand. These programs have either grown into their own self-sustaining programs, or are not in operation any longer.
When do camps operate? For how long?
Camps operate during the school holidays of their country – typically either during winter or summer breaks. Each camp is a four to six day residential (overnight) camp on a site (leased/rented) for the duration of the camp. Occasionally, camps take place in the shorter vacation weeks throughout the year.
The goal of our local partners is to continue to coordinate weekly/monthly, half-day “club” events, where campers can return to participate in camp activities, sing songs and visit with their friends. This provides continuity and reinforces the life skills learned during camp.
How does the Association choose partner organizations? What is required?
The Association regularly identifies and is introduced to potential partners around the world which serve children in a variety of ways. Each GPI program typically requires an on the ground “implementing” partner and a supporting medical partner. Potential partner organizations undergo a due diligence inquiry to determine if the mission and capacity of the organization aligns with that of the GPI program. After initial meetings, an agreement is made regarding the roles and responsibilities of each partner, including, but not limited to: locating camp sites, coordinating logistics, providing staff, recruiting campers, providing medical support, supporting follow-up programming, and raising funds for the programs.
Does ‘camp’ actually work in so many different countries and cultures?
If one thing is certain, camp transcends language, culture and geography. The Hole in the Wall Camp philosophy is adapted to local cultures by the leadership team and through staff training for an experience that the campers can truly take home with them. Signature Hole in the Wall Camp songs, skits and activities can be seen and heard in Basotho, Lugandan, or Vietnamese language alongside Setswana cultural games, Thai cheers, or Swahili greetings.
Where do the children come from?
The children are recruited by our local partners – often medical clinics that treat the children and their families. They come from local villages and communities, and some travel great distances to be sure they don’t miss the opportunity of going to camp.
Do the children have serious medical conditions?
At this time, nearly all of the children served through GPI programs are living with HIV/AIDS and as part of the criteria of going to camp, their status has been disclosed to them. Another one of the primary goals of camp is to increase awareness and decrease stigma for these children so that they continue to take their medications to live a healthy life.
In the future, the GPI programs hope to partner with organizations serving children with other serious illnesses.
Who are the staff and where do they come from?
Staff is recruited with the help of our local partners. Like other Hole in the Wall Camps, the staff is primarily made up of college students on their summer holidays, and in addition, partner organizations invest in their own staff by sending them as Camp Counselors and possibly learning a new way to work with children.
What kind of training is involved?
Each camp has an intensive three to five day staff orientation for both new and returning Camp Counselors, to assure the Hole in the Wall Camp level of programming and support is achieved. Training is facilitated by long-term Hole in the Wall Camp staff and consultants who focus on leadership development and program capacity.
Why support sending kids to camp instead of life-saving efforts like food, medicine and economic development?
We believe that camp provides a psycho-social intervention for a child that lasts long after they return from five days of camp. For many children, camp is the first time in their lives they have had a positive relationship with an adult, the first time they have been surrounded by other children with the same diagnosis, and the first time they discover a sense of hope and possibility that life is certainly worth living. We feel this hope and the self empowerment that comes with it, is essential for all other aid programs to be effective. With the introduction of monthly follow-up programs and “clubs,” the experience of camp extends to a year-round family and place of acceptance, learning life skills, and remembering the importance of positive living and taking meds.
How can I volunteer or get involved?
The mission of serving children in developing countries resonates with Hole in the Wall Camp supporters and we receive many requests to volunteer in Africa and Asia. Unlike our Hole in the Wall Camps in the US and Europe, the GPI programs rely on local staff who not only speak the language and know the culture, but who will be available to participate in the camp for a long term period which builds local capacity. We encourage you to consider volunteering at one of our family of camps in the US or Europe by visiting their individual camp page.