HUGS Launches First Siblings Camp | Events

Information courtesy: Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations

HONOLULU, HI, – HUGS is pleased to announce the launch of its first Siblings Camp for siblings of seriously ill Hawaii children.  From June 1-3, 2012, the siblings will gather at the YMCA’s Camp Erdman on the North Shore of Oahu to enjoy a weekend full of recreational and social activities while connecting with their peers.

Activities will include nature hikes, arts and crafts, water fun, campfire, and sibling support sessions.  Thirty-two of HUGS siblings who range in age from 7-13 years will attend the camp and will be joined by more than a dozen volunteer camp counselors.  Camp dates were specifically chosen to coincide with the American Cancer Society’s Camp Anuenue where many of the brothers and sisters of siblings will be so that each group has its own dedicated camp and parents can enjoy respite time.

HUGS Family Services Director Sherri Fujimura and Volunteer Services Coordinator Olulani Bicoy recently received specialized training from the nationally recognized Don Myers SibShop on how to create a safe environment for siblings of ill children to share their feelings through creative outlets.  “Much attention is given to the seriously ill HUGS child and rightfully so.  However, our HUGS siblings are a very important part of the HUGS family too.  Because parents must naturally pay extra attention to their seriously ill child, the sibling often struggles with a roller coaster of emotions and may also have to take on the role of a caretaker,” noted Fujimura.

This inaugural camp is made possible through the support of the Cooke and Atherton Family Foundations.  HUGS hopes to continue it as a regular summer offering with the support of interested community groups and members. 

HUGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services to families in the state of Hawaii with children ages birth to 21 diagnosed with serious or life threatening illnesses.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary, HUGS strives to help families preserve their quality of life through programs that address the emotional, social, physical and financial needs of families it serves.