In an effort to create a paradise for kids, actor Paul Newman wanted a camp that would allow its attendees the opportunity to "kick back, relax and have lots of fun" with their families and other kids. This first camp, named the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, was built in Ashford, Conn., and since, Newman has opened others in New York, California, Florida, Ireland and France.
In October 2000, noted NASCAR racer Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie partnered with Newman to launch the VJG, which is founded to honor the memory of the Petty's 19-year-old son Adam, who tragically died while at the New Hampshire International Speedway earlier that same year. After a study was conducted to determine whether there was a need for such a camp, statistics showed that more than 230,000 chronically ill children were in the Carolinas and Virginia areas. Thus, planning commenced.