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HUGS Camp

HUGS Camp

Last Updated: March 3, 2026

July 3-11, 2026 | Haw River State Park

Helping Understand God through Sharing: HUGS is a unique camp for unique people, bringing together young people of diverse abilities. They overcome barriers of real and imagined differences and build bridges of understanding. HUGS is about acknowledging the good creation in each of us and more fully knowing and loving our God through it. The great differences among campers and staff help all of us learn to appreciate and celebrate our diversity as we recognize our common ground.

Each day of camp includes a variety of activities: breakfast, energizers (dancing/singing), morning worship, theme discussions, field games, lunch, rest time, snack time, swimming, arts and crafts, and dinner. Each night after dinner is a different activity: carnival, talent show or dance. We close our day singing around the campfire with joy and thankfulness to have this time together.

For all diocesan youth events, a ratio of 1:7 adults to youth is enforced, and we follow all Safe Church policies.

This year’s application process is different from previous years and is designed to help us better serve campers. If you know someone who may be interested, please send their email address to Lisa Aycock.

BUDDY CAMPERS

Buddy camper dates: July 4-11, 2026

We need rising 9th-12th grade youth to serve as buddy campers for our campers with disabilities. Being a buddy camper means you (and perhaps other teens depending on a camper’s needs) will be responsible for the care and well-being of your camper for the week. This looks like attending all activities with your camper, eating meals with them, assisting them with hygiene and self-care, and making sure they have a fun and amazing week at camp. Buddies also have free time to have fun with the other buddy campers and spaces for processing their experience. The week is lots of fun, exhausting at times, and certainly life-changing. No previous experience is needed; we do all the necessary training before camp.

The cost to attend camp as a buddy helper is $475.00. Scholarships are available.

Applications open Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. and close Tuesday, March 31, at 10 p.m. Acceptance notifications will be sent by April 15.

STAFF

Staff Dates: July 3-11, 2026

We also need college age or above folks to apply for staff positions. These are supervisory roles managing groups of campers and helper campers and also leading programs. Staff will earn a stipend for their week of work.

Apply by Sunday, March 15.

Apply for staff

CAMPERS

An application link will be emailed on Sunday, February 8, at 2 p.m. and will close at 6 p.m. that evening, at which time an automatic waiting list will begin. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 15.

This is a very complicated process that we take very seriously and with God’s help. While we wish we could accept every applicant, it is not possible. There will be more detail about this in the application information.

Contact Lisa Aycock or Leah Dail if you have questions.