For one week each July, Haw River State Park becomes home to HUGS Camp, a brilliant summer camp for young people with unique abilities. Campers with disabilities are paired with teen “helper campers” and enjoy the common camp experiences of swimming, mess hall dining, campfires and sing-alongs. Helping Understand God Through Sharing (HUGS) is hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of NC, and as one camper in the film states, “It’s how the world should be.”
Philip and I are grateful for our opportunity to spend 2 days at HUGS Camp this past July. We made new friends, witnessed a stellar talent show, and experienced God’s love over and over again. It’s truly a place like no other; hard to describe in words. We’re hoping our film can give a small glimpse of how beautiful HUGS camp truly is. Thank you to Meaghan Kelly and the welcoming staff and campers. We’re honored to have met each of you.
To learn more about HUGS camp, see photos from the week, or get involved, please visit their website: www.hugscamp.com
Song: Vitamin String Quartet : “Yellow”
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will roberts - Hi Guys,
Thanks for making this film. I was a helper camper and later a counselor at HUGS in the mid-90s, my older sister was at the first HUGS and later was camp coordinator and I think camp nurse a time or two. This is still the experience that I point to as my singular life-defining moment. I’m marrying a priest in the diocese of NC this december and and will be moving back to the area and re-engaging with HUGS is at the top of my to-do list. Thank you for reminding me just how urgent this is!
Very Best,
——WILL ROIBERTS
Rhiannon - Like Will, I was at HUGS in the mid-90′s as a helper camper. Those weeks were frustrating, scary, exhausting, and fun.
I’m so glad to see that it is still around, and that Toma is still entertaining everybody!
Charlie - This is tremendous, guys. It reminds me of a book, Living Gently in a Violent World, by Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier, who reflect on the theological witness that a special needs community offers. [http://www.amazon.com/Living-Gently-Violent-World-Reconciliation/dp/0830834524]
Hollis - This was my first year at HUGS camp as a helper-camper and it has truly made me see the world with a new set of eyes! You guys really know how to capture the most amazing moments, and I now have them to look back on and can I watch them over and over again.
Thank you!