The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Names Sarah “Peaches” Smithson Senior Director of Maryland Programs

NEW HAVEN, Conn., September 1, 2026 – The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp announced today that Sarah “Peaches” Smithson has been named senior director of programs for Maryland. In this role, she will oversee all aspects of programming at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s second location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Smithson first joined the Camp community in 1995 as a volunteer cabin counselor.

“Peaches brings more than 30 years of extraordinary experience at Camp, where she has demonstrated a remarkable track record of building programs, strengthening connections, and expanding our reach to children and families in their communities and homes,” said Camp’s Chief Executive Officer, Hilary Axtmayer. “What makes this particularly meaningful is Peaches’ deep cultural understanding of Camp. She knows — at her core — what makes Hole in the Wall so special. She embodies the spirit, heart, and magic of Camp in everything she does.”

Smithson has spent her entire career fully immersed in the Camp community. She first experienced the empowering impact of Camp on children as a volunteer cabin counselor before joining the summer staff. Over the past two decades, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including director of volunteers, director of alumni affairs and director of family outreach. Smithson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a focus on human relations, from Connecticut College.

As senior director of programs for Maryland, Smithson will oversee all aspects of Camp programming in the state. Her responsibilities will include expanding Camp’s programming, campus and community presence, as well as overseeing programs, medical services, facilities and the kitchen.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to take on this new role and help bring the magic of Hole in the Wall to Maryland,” said Smithson. “Camp has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the lasting impact it has on children and families. As we begin this next chapter on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I am delighted to help grow our programs, build strong connections within the community and create a place where children and families can experience the same joy, belonging and sense of possibility that have made Camp so special for so many years. I am looking forward to becoming part of the Maryland community and creating new memories and traditions along the way.”

Smithson will soon reside on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family and is excited to become immersed in the local community, starting with a celebratory slice of Smith Island cake.

About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to thousands of children with serious illnesses and family members annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facilities in Connecticut and Maryland, in nearly 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Learn more at www.holeinthewallgang.org.

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