Since 2007, a group of dedicated central Ohioans have been working to bring a dream to life. A donation of 200 acres near Mount Gilead by Jenni and David Belford of Bexley, Ohio, has become Flying Horse Farms. A provisional member of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps founded by Paul Newman, the camp will officially open in April. Here are a few important facts about Flying Horse Farms.
Who does Flying Horse Farms benefit?
Flying Horse Farms, like all other Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, is dedicated to providing a positive camping experience to children with serious medical issues. Kids ages 8 to 15 who have been diagnosed with cancer, arthritis and blood disorders can get away from the hospital routine and enjoy typical camping activities.
The volunteers and staff at the camp most certainly receive a benefit as well, watching these children embrace something other kids often take for granted.
How did the camp get started?
The Belford family hosted weekend retreats at their farm near Mount Gilead through the Adventures for Wish Kids program. The vision expanded to provide a true camping experience and serve more children. At peak capacity, 2,500 children will be served every year.
After affiliating with Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, Flying Horse Away was created to serve children during the construction period. Via the Away program, families would gather for a picnic at Flying Horse Farms before their ill child boarded a plane to take him to an existing camp in another state.
If these kids are undergoing medical treatment, how can they go away to camp?
The medical facilities at the camps are state of the art, staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses who care about the kids. To give the children as close-to-normal a camping experience as possible, the practice of removing a child from an activity for medication is curtailed. Medical staff will come to the camper when meds are scheduled to not interrupt a work of art in progress or an archery session.
How much does it cost?
True to founder Paul Newman's vision, there is never a charge to a camper whether it's an individual or a family camp. The actor and creator of the Newman's Own line of natural food products wanted to build a place where children with serious illnesses could "kick back, relax, raise a little hell and just be kids."
Where does the money come from?
In central Ohio, $14 million has come via generous donations from area individuals and corporations. While actual paid staff is very small. The camps succeed on the power of volunteers and donations. Counselors must pass a background check and medical volunteers' credentials are strictly scrutinized.
On a larger scope, the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps is also funded entirely by donations. Ninety percent of every dollar raised goes directly to the programs rather than administering the charity. All profits from Newman's Own go to charity, including the camps. Since 1982, the company has donated more than $300 million.
Debbie Henthorn has a love affair with her life-long home of central Ohio. Whether she's being a cheerleader for locally owned business or shaking her head at political shenanigans, Debbie likes to share the good, the bad and the ugly about life in central Ohio.
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