James “Jimmy” H. Canton, ‘93 M.A.R.

James “Jimmy” Canton has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp since 2002, providing the “magic of camp” to tens of thousands of seriously ill children and their families. Founded in 1988 by actor Paul Newman, the organization has grown dramatically under Jimmy’s leadership, now serving more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members throughout the Northeast each year—at summer sessions and Family Weekends at the facility in Ashford, Conn., at bedsides in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, and in camper homes and communities. A cabin counselor during the Camp’s very first summer, Jimmy later served as a unit leader, assistant camp director, and then camp director before being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2002. He recognizes the great privilege he has had for the last 30 years to serve at the forefront of this growth and to have supported the expansion of similar camps across the globe.  Through its many services, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp brings “a different kind of healing” to its campers and their families, helping them to return to day-to-day life with renewed courage and hope.