Camp HUG
Nothing brings a community together quite like gathering around the campfire and singing classic campfire songs, and who better to do such a thing than HUG? I mean really, who could resist going off to camp with a whole bunch of best friends for the purpose of enjoying s’mores sundaes and playing team games?
At Camp HUG, no part of the classic camp experience was off the table.
HUG friends arrived and were gifted an orange bandana to wear and button labeled one of three things: HUG Bestie, HUG Homie, or HUG pal. The bar was raised entirely when Drew showed up in full boy-scout attire, displaying his expertise as a camper. The groups headed over to their starting spaces where each friends grabbed a pig-in-the-blanket and enjoyed the byotms (build-you-own-trailmix station, of course).
The HUG Besties kicked off their night with Melinda by posing in front of the photo booth, dabbling with some temporary tattoos, taking Polaroids, marking signatures for the Camp HUG Plaque, and accessorizing with themed bracelets. While the Camp HUG Plaque will live on in the HUG Office forever, everyone got to take their photo booth strips home as souvenirs.
The HUG Homies headed straight over to the s’mores sundae bar to select their toppings of choice. There was no shortage of marshmallows, graham crackers, or chocolate chips to be found (until the end of the night when everyone had finished off their sundaes). They settled in with Robin and their sweet treats to play a few rounds of Would You Rather? and camp charades, naturally resulting in Rick tearing up the dance floor.
The HUG Besties teamed up while Ash refereed three-legged relays, the marshmallow toss, and an epic gold-fishing competition. The three-legged race required competitors to divide into two teams, forming two lines at one end of the room. The teams paired up in partners and took turns tying their legs together. Then, using teamwork, they walked to the end, around a cone, and the first team that had everyone in their line participate won. The support from fellow campers could be heard far beyond the HUG office turned campground.
The jumbo marshmallow toss was a fierce competition requiring precision and the encouragement of every friend in the room. Gold-fishing might have taken the gold star as everyone’s favorite game though. Using a small plastic spoon, friends raced against their competitors, spooning goldfish little by little from one bowl to another.
Once time was up at everyone’s first stations, groups rotated to experience what each of them had to offer. After all HUG Besties, Homies, and Pals had time to enjoy the three stations, it was time for togetherness around the campfire at last. Robin kicked off the sing-along circle with a Camp HUG chant as everyone admired the fabulous makeshift fire.
Ash brought out her guitar and all the friends eagerly anticipated the moment when she would break out into song. They weren’t disappointed when She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain took the room by full force! HUG friends left and right, new and old began to dance and sing in true joyous unity around the room. Zach could be spotted putting his favorite moves to work, moving and grooving all around the fire.
As the songs slowed, yawns began, and the embers slowed to burn. A spectacular evening away at Camp HUG had come to a close.
What better way to bring a community together than by sharing in age-old camp traditions with a HUG twist?
Written by Sarah Bryan
