Disciple: Looking Forward to HUGS Camp

Diocesan favorite to take place July 11-15

One of the highlights of any diocesan year is Helping Understand God through Sharing, affectionately known as HUGS Camp. A unique camp for unique people, HUGS Camp brings together young people of diverse abilities. They overcome barriers of real and imagined differences to build bridges of understanding. Many who take part describe it as a life-changing experience; indeed, as HUGS Camp looks back over its 35-plus years, stories abound of one-time helper campers choosing or changing courses of study to follow a career path that allows the gifts discovered at HUGS Camp to become a permanent part of their lives.

When the pandemic made it clear an in-person gathering was impossible in 2020, organizers started making plans to take the camp online. Cancelling it was never an option. In July 2020, campers gathered in a special Facebook Group to enjoy crafts, music and worship together. Helper campers were there, as always, and the camp was extra special as it welcomed back past helper campers, now adults, who hadn’t been able to take part in years. They and the campers rejoiced in seeing one another again, sharing pre-recorded worship and favorite songs usually sung around the campfire. The campers, too, kept tradition alive by recording videos in lieu of the camp-closing talent show, showcasing their talents, the things they love and glimpses into their lives.

With the ever-shifting information around vaccination timelines and the need to start planning early, organizers made the decision to hold HUGS Camp online once again in 2021. This year it will take place on Zoom instead of Facebook, so campers and helper campers can enjoy each other’s company more fully. The dates are set for July 11-15, with the gatherings taking place every evening. Traditions will be celebrated through worship, crafts, songs and more.

Registration is open for all: campers, helper campers and staff. HUGS is about acknowledging the good creation in each of us and more fully knowing and loving our God through it. It is about all of us learning to appreciate and celebrate our diversity as we recognize our common ground. It is a celebration and tradition that has gone unbroken for more than three decades, and we look forward to it continuing for another year when HUGS Camp takes place in July.

JOIN US AT HUGS!

• Staff/Planning Team: bit.ly/HUGS2021Staff
• Helper Campers: deadline is May 31; bit.ly/HUGS2021HelperCamper
• Campers: deadline is May 31; bit.ly/HUGS2021Campers