Camp Bear Hug Celebrates Three Years of Hosting Retreats
This is Camp Bear Hug is celebrating its third year hosting bear wellness retreats in Portugal. What started as Instagram messaging between Marcelo Viana, a bear in Portugal trying to improve his body image and self-esteem, and Jon Fischer (Coach Cub, a wellness coach in NYC) has evolved and grown into a meaningful community.
This year, the camp hosted two transformative experiences again: the Summer Camp in August and a Wine & Food Retreat in September. Each retreat had its own unique flavor, but both shared a common goal—creating a safe, judgment-free haven where guests could be themselves, make meaningful connections, and truly experience the beauty of queer community.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie in the air. Within hours, friendships were sparked, laughter filled the campgrounds, and the walls of self-protection fell away. It was as though the very atmosphere of Camp Bear Hug invited openness and vulnerability. Strangers became fast friends, and moments of intimacy and shared understanding unfolded effortlessly. It’s this magic that draws people back year after year.
At the heart of Camp Bear Hug is the belief that queer spaces should be sanctuaries—a place to shed societal expectations and connect with others on a deeper level. “When your basic needs are met, and you’re surrounded by people who accept you for who you are, you’re able to open your heart and share love,” reflects Marcelo Viana, one of the camp’s founders. It’s this philosophy that drives every aspect of the retreat, from the carefully curated activities to the nurturing environment they create.
Expanding the Team, Expanding the Experience
As organizers, the team behind Camp Bear Hug strives to provide the best possible experience for their guests. This year, they recognized the need for more time to connect with campers on a personal level. Managing all the little details can be a distraction, so they decided to expand their team.
In August, the camp welcomed Jacqueline, a vibrant Brazilian woman with a heart of gold, who brought a special spark to the mornings as she prepared breakfast with joy and love. Her energy and warmth became an essential part of the retreat’s success.
Returning team members Diniz Sanchez and Chef Jonathan Harrison, along with a special guest from the U.S., Michael Q. brought their unique talents and warmth to the camp. Michael Q’s body-positive approach to massage left a lasting impact on everyone who experienced his sessions.
September brought more exciting additions to the team, including Brazilian chef Vicente Junior and his husband Mauricio, who not only impressed with their delicious, authentic Brazilian cuisine but also with their kindness and thoughtfulness. Northern Irish massage therapist David Stevenson also joined, and his presence elevated the retreat’s relaxation and well-being activities.
There’s a great deal of love and care that goes into choosing who will help at Camp Bear Hug. “We’ve been incredibly lucky with our team, and it feels like we’re building a family,” said the organizers. Now, they are looking to add one more member to this family—a Bear with a knack for sales. Could it be you?
Mindfulness at the Table and Beyond
In a world that often demands we move fast and focus on quantity over quality, mindfulness has become a rare and precious skill. This year, Camp Bear Hug placed special emphasis on the practice of mindfulness, especially during mealtimes.
At each retreat, Coach Cub Jon led morning discussions on the power of being present while eating. In one particularly memorable exercise, guests slowly savored a single piece of chocolate, focusing on its taste and texture, an exercise in appreciating the little moments. This practice carried over to every meal, turning something as simple as dining into a meditative experience. Guests left the retreats not only nourished by food but also by the attention and care they gave to each moment.
Mindfulness extended beyond the table, with retreat activities encouraging guests to be fully present—whether they were exploring the streets of Lisbon or tasting the delicious wine in the Douro Valley.
Moments to Remember
Camp Bear Hug 2024 was filled with unforgettable moments that tugged at the heartstrings. One of the highlights of the August retreat was an intimate concert at The Late Birds Hotel, where the group had the opportunity to experience Fado Bixa, a queer fado band. This was particularly special, as it was a dream the camp organizers had hoped to realize in the first retreat in 2022. The hauntingly beautiful music created a profound connection between the performers and the audience, leaving not a dry eye in the room.
In September, the group experienced something straight out of a storybook: grape stomping. To the sound of traditional Portuguese music, the guests danced and stomped grapes as generations before them had done. The laughter, music, and the simple joy of the moment captured the essence of the retreat—fun, freedom, and community.
Another highlight was the opportunity to attend Porto Pride. Dancing, singing, and celebrating in the streets with hundreds of fellow queer individuals was a powerful way to end the September retreat. It was a reminder of the strength and beauty of the queer community, and for many, it felt like coming home.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Camp Bear Hug
With another year of retreats behind them, the team at Camp Bear Hug is already planning for the future. The camp’s vision continues to grow, with dreams of hosting retreats both in the U.S. and Portugal throughout the year. Last year’s food tour retreat in New Orleans was a huge success, and with a fall retreat planned in upstate New York, the possibilities seem endless.
As they look ahead to 2025, the organizers are committed to expanding their mission of creating safe, loving spaces for queer people around the world. Camp Bear Hug is not just a retreat—it’s a movement, a community, and a place where love and connection thrive.
They are planning on hosting a food tour in Ogunquit Maine in July 2025 and two more Portugal retreats in August and September 2025.
If you’ve been searching for a space where you can be fully yourself and make lasting connections, Camp Bear Hug [https://www.coachcub.com/retreats] may just be the place for you. And who knows? You might even leave with a few new friends—and a heart full of memories.
