Why Sugar Bay Camp Feels Like Family: More Than Just a Holiday
- Sugar Bay
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 11 minutes ago
“ʻOhana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Lilo & Stitch
From 29 June to 6 July 2025, Sugar Bay Camp will be celebrating the timeless message of Lilo & Stitch, a story that reminds us of the true meaning of family. But this week is not just about a beloved Disney film—it’s about reinforcing a deeper truth that we live out every day at camp: Family doesn’t have to be traditional to be real, lasting, and life-changing.
What ʻOhana Really Means
In Hawaiian culture, ʻohana means family—but not only the people you’re biologically related to. It’s a broader, more compassionate definition. ʻOhana includes the people who support you, accept you, and stand by you—whether you share a last name or not. It’s about inclusion, loyalty, and unconditional love.
That same spirit lives at Sugar Bay Camp.
Every camper who walks through our gates becomes part of something bigger: a temporary, powerful family made up of bunkmates, counselors, and new friends from all walks of life. It’s a place where kids are reminded—sometimes for the first time—that they matter, they belong, and they will not be left behind or forgotten.
Camp as a Family for the “In-Between” Kids
For many children, life isn’t always a picture-perfect family portrait. Some are growing up with single parents, in blended families, with grandparents, foster parents, or guardians. Others might feel like they don’t quite fit in at school, or struggle with confidence, anxiety, or loss.
Camp becomes a refuge for these kids—a space where labels, backgrounds, and expectations fade. Here, everyone starts fresh. Everyone is included.
And just like Stitch, who began as a chaotic outsider and eventually discovered his place in Lilo’s unconventional but loving home, campers learn that being different doesn’t make you unlovable—it makes you human.
Love and Acceptance in Action
Sugar Bay’s philosophy is rooted in emotional safety as much as physical safety. Campers are:
Welcomed for who they are, not who they’re expected to be.
Encouraged to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Supported by trained counselors who act as mentors, big siblings, and anchors during the week.
Celebrated for their individuality, whether they’re loud and energetic or quiet and reflective.
Camp is a place where kids are free to laugh loudly, try boldly, fail safely, and make connections that remind them they’re not alone.
More Than a Week Away—A Lasting Family Bond
While many parents think of camp as a fun, enriching holiday (and it is!), what children often take home is something much deeper: the feeling of belonging. Lifelong friendships are formed. Campfire talks turn into life lessons. Counselors become role models. Homesickness transforms into homespun joy.
And even after your child leaves Sugar Bay, the message of ʻohana stays with them: that they are worthy of love, that they’re part of a bigger story, and that no matter who they are or where they come from, they are never forgotten.
For Parents: What This Means for You
As a parent, sending your child to camp can feel like a leap. But when you choose Sugar Bay, you’re not just giving your child a week of fun—you’re giving them a second family. One that sees them, uplifts them, and reflects the values you’ve taught at home: kindness, resilience, connection, and love.
In a world that often feels fast, competitive, and disconnected, Sugar Bay offers something rare and vital—a community that reminds kids (and parents) that being part of a family has nothing to do with perfection, and everything to do with showing up, caring deeply, and staying connected.
Because at Sugar Bay, just like in Lilo & Stitch, nobody gets left behind.
Book Your Child’s Spot Today!
With limited spaces available for these exciting themed camps, now’s the time to secure your child’s spot at Sugar Bay Holiday Resort. Give them the gift of adventure, creativity, and unforgettable memories this school holiday.
Contact us today: 📞 032 485 3778
Send us a WhatsApp: 082 525 9503
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