Hug Summer Camp 2023: Growing Opportunities

Aug 31, 2023

The summer of 2023 was an unforgettable time for the Ukrainian children who attended the HUG summer camp. In a world filled with uncertainty, loss, and trauma, the camp became more than just a summer activity—it became a sanctuary. A place where children could breathe, laugh, and, for a short while, feel like life was normal again. Here, they weren’t refugees. They weren’t children of war. They were just kids, playing, exploring, and creating memories that would stay with them long after the summer ended.

This year, the camp expanded—not just in numbers but in experiences. Nearly 100 Ukrainian kids who moved to Sweden after full scale invasion, and 20 children who HUG brought to rehabilitation from Ukraine took part, split between two locations: the familiar surroundings of Högsbo and the breathtaking landscapes of the Gothenburg archipelago. With each passing day, bonds grew stronger, laughter echoed louder, and the weight of past experiences seemed just a little lighter.

A Summer of Growth and Joy

At the camp in Högsbo, days were filled with movement, creativity, and play. Sports and games helped the children release pent-up energy, while creative workshops allowed them to express themselves in ways words sometimes couldn’t. Painting, music, and storytelling became outlets for emotions too complex to say out loud. Here, in a safe and supportive environment, the children could explore their feelings, process their past, and find joy in the present.

Meanwhile, on the island of Styrsö, the sea became both a playground and a place of reflection. The children swam in the salty water, built sandcastles, and explored the island’s nature trails. Excursions gave them the chance to experience the Swedish summer in all its beauty—many for the first time. Some had never been to the sea before, never felt the waves pull at their feet or the sun warm their skin in quite this way. These small but meaningful experiences helped create a sense of wonder and discovery, offering a break from the worries of everyday life.

But the true magic of the camp was in the connections made—the friendships that formed between children who, despite different backgrounds and stories, understood each other in a way few others could. In the laughter, in the shared moments of excitement, in the quiet conversations before bedtime, they found a sense of belonging that had been missing for far too long.

A Day Filled With Laughter and Healing

One of the most unforgettable days at camp was the visit from Clowns Without Borders, an organization dedicated to bringing joy to children in crisis. As the clowns performed their playful routines, the children’s laughter rang through the air—pure, unrestrained, and infectious. Some laughed so hard they cried, while others, hesitant at first, soon found themselves swept up in the fun.

"This is something we will never forget," said one of the camp leaders. "Seeing the children laugh, despite everything they've been through, is the best proof of how important our work is.”

For many of these children, laughter had been rare in recent months. Their lives had been filled with fear, confusion, and constant change. But here, in this moment, they weren’t defined by their past. They were simply kids, living in the now, caught up in the magic of the performance.

More Than Just a Camp—A Step Toward Healing

We also managed to bring 20 kids from Ukraine. This children saw the occupation and war, were forced to leave their homes, friends and places dear to their hearts. The war has caused the greatest wounds - it is scary and painful and children need therapy with a psychologist, a change of scenery and new positive emotions. The impact of the camp extended far beyond the summer. Each experience, every new friendship, and all the moments of joy became stepping stones toward healing. The camp gave these children something priceless: hope. Hope that life could still be filled with happiness. Hope that even in a new country, far from home, they could find community. Hope that the future, however uncertain, could still be bright.

But the effects of the camp didn’t stop with the children. The parents, volunteers, and the entire Hug community felt the ripples of its impact. Parents saw their children return home each day with smiles on their faces, eager to share the stories of their adventures. Volunteers formed deep bonds with the children, learning their stories, their dreams, and their resilience. And as an organization, HUG once again saw firsthand the profound difference that a few weeks of care, structure, and joy could make.

‍Creating Hope for the Future

With each camp, we create an environment where children can feel like children again. But we also create something bigger—a network of support, a foundation of love, and a future built on hope and resilience. These camps are not just a summer event; they are a vital part of helping children rebuild their sense of self and security in a world that has been turned upside down.

With your help, we can continue to provide these life-changing experiences. Your support allows us to offer children a summer filled with safety, friendship, and unforgettable memories.