Hug Summer Camp 2022: A New Start

In the summer of 2022, as war forced millions of Ukrainian families to flee their homes, HUG opened the doors to its first-ever summer camp in Högsbo. It became a place of refuge for 70 Ukrainian children—children who had been uprooted from everything familiar and thrown into an uncertain future. At the camp, they found something invaluable: safety, community, and a chance to just be kids again.

For many, it was the first time in months they could truly relax. The trauma of war and displacement had left its mark, but here, in this small corner of Sweden, there was space for healing. The children arrived with different stories—some had left behind parents, friends, or pets; others had witnessed destruction firsthand. But together, they built something new: friendships, confidence, and memories filled with joy.

A Day at Camp: Fun, Healing, and Laughter

Each day was packed with activities designed to inspire and uplift. From the moment the children arrived in the morning, the air was filled with excitement. Dancing, singing, and theater allowed them to express emotions they couldn’t always put into words. Through arts and crafts, they poured their hearts into drawings and handmade creations, many of which reflected their homes, families, and dreams for the future.

Then there were the magical moments—ones that would stay with the children long after the camp ended. The day the entire group danced to Ukraine’s Eurovision-winning song Stefania was one of those moments. As the music played, voices joined in, feet pounded the floor, and joy spread like a wave through the room. For a brief time, all worries melted away, and there was only music, movement, and a shared love for their homeland.

Surprises were around every corner. A therapy dog visited, offering gentle comfort and unconditional love, providing a sense of calm for children who had experienced immense stress. And then, the unexpected happened—Spiderman himself appeared, making the children squeal with excitement. For a moment, they weren’t just displaced kids far from home; they were superheroes in their own right.

A Lifeline for Families

The impact of the camp wasn’t just felt by the children. Parents told us how much it meant to them to see their children excited again, to hear laughter instead of anxious silence. Many shared how their kids woke up early, eager to return to camp each day.

One of the most moving experiences for both children and adults was their participation in Gothia Cup, where they had the chance to cheer on Ukrainian teams. It wasn’t just a sports event—it was a moment of deep connection to their homeland. As they watched their country’s players on the field, their pride was tangible. Some cried, some waved flags, and all felt a renewed sense of belonging.

"These children do not come from happy circumstances, and they are not here in Sweden by their own will. Therefore, it is very important and valuable that we create a meaningful and happy everyday life so that they can deal with this situation in the best possible way," says Kateryna Blagodyr, one of HUG’s founders. [Source: Link]

More Than a Camp—A New Beginning

For many, Hug Summer Camp 2022 was more than just a summer activity. It was the start of something bigger: a space where children could rebuild confidence, feel seen and heard, and find hope for the future. These experiences matter. A simple summer filled with fun, friends, and moments of joy can be life-changing for a child who has been through so much. And with your help, we can continue to provide this kind of support.

Your donation can give more children a summer of safety, joy, and healing.

Together, we can make a difference—one smile, one hug, one unforgettable summer at a time.

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors who make this possible!