WHO IS THIS FOR?
If you are a bear or someone who enjoys bear spaces that prefers smaller, more intimate spaces to large parties. If you like to make new friends and have meaningful travel experiences. Camp Bear Hug Retreat is:
An all-inclusive body-positive retreat
For cis & trans men in the GBT community (not sure if this retreat is for you, see the FAQ)
Who want to travel at a “bear’s pace” (slowly, calmly, and with downtime)
Most bear & queer spaces are centered around lots of drinking and partying. But we know that bears have different needs and thrive in different environments.
This retreat is a small bear event meets food tour meets luxury travel.
This experience is intentionally designed to be an intimate group (the final group will be between 6-10).
If you have friends or a partner invite them along! (90% of guests come alone - so expect to make friends! But coming with a friend or partner allows for discounts).
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You will spend multiple nights (see retreat pages below for specific details) with a small, friendly group led by Board Certified Wellness Coach, Jon Fischer (Coach Cub) and his supportive team.
Our goal is to makes sure everything is take care of for you so you can relax, let your guard down, and make deep connections.
Our bear chef will prepare meals for you at the house plus you will experience traditional food at local restaurants.
We will offer optional classes and outings, like bear yoga, cuddle piles, walks in local villages, and sightseeing.
We will have plenty of downtime to enjoy the gorgeous house and property which includes a pool and is surrounded by nature.
WHAT OUR CAMPERS HAVE TO SAY…
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"Trust, companionship and personal development in a welcoming, inclusive and fun environment."
Donald, Berlin
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"Attending CBH events turned my world from me to a “we.” I found my tribe. This community is a band of brothers walking along similar paths of wellness."
Jonathan, NY
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After struggling for years with body image and seeking comfort in my own skin, the camp provided a safe and understanding space in beautiful surroundings to share fears and insecurities with people tackling similar issues.
Chris, DC
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"There is something transcendent about the camp experience. Comforting, cathartic and spiritually edging."
Alfonso, NJ
UPCOMING RETREATS
Camp Bear Hug - Upstate NY Wellness Retreat
Join us for a truly relaxing and grounding getaway to upstate NY. You'll enjoy peek autumn with a group of supportive guys. We'll offer yoga, meditation, hearty food, body-image workshops, fun games, nature walks, and more.
Camp Bear Hug - Wine & Food Tour
Experience and learn about Portuguese culture and natural beauty through wine and food.
Your first step is to book a call with Coach Cub to know if this retreat is right for you!
MEET THE TEAM
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Coach Cub (Jon Fischer)
WELLNESS COACH & CO-HOST
@coach.cub
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Marcelo
CO-HOST & CONCIERGE
@marcelorviana
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Diniz
INTIMACY & MOVEMENT
@spicytutuboy
This is a life-changing experience. Don’t miss out!
OUR METHOD
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Release Your Mind
Have a break from your busy schedule and from the worry about what you look like - and instead give yourself time to rest, reflect, and just BE.
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Treat Your Body
Get your body moving with light stretching exercises, yoga, and dance - all for bigger bodies. Nourish yourself with delicious, hearty food!
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Listen to Your Soul
Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Share your experience with others and open yourself to be transformed.
FAQs
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We've got you covered! We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to the retreat house.
You will be responsible for handling your flight to Portugal - but we’re here to help you find the perfect flight.
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Yes! We have an in-house bear chef who'll prepare all of our meals during the 5 nights at the retreat house. Breakfast will be casual, buffet-style - and then lunches and dinners will be group meals at the house or out at local traditional restaurants.
Also included will be coffee, refreshments, etc. Please note: although we'll host one happy hour, the majority of the retreat will be alcohol-free (or at least very light on alcohol).
When we travel to the city for our hotel stay, your meals will be covered there as well.
Note: when you register for the retreat we'll ask for your food allergies and sensitivities so we can work with them.
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First off, expect a very welcoming, supportive environment. Your comfort is our number one priority.
We all know how it feels to be at an event where there are cliques or where people are standoffish. Not at Camp Bear Hug! We will be bonding and supporting each other.
We will facilitate events and activities - like beach trips, games at the pool, workshops, etc - but we also want you to have lots of downtime to relax, get to know each other, or enjoy things like reading and moving your body. Think of this as a choose your own adventure - with the only thing that's mandatory is eating dinner together and check-in meetings with your small group.
So, expect to explore intimacy and bonding with like-minded people in our community, likely some laughs, Portuguese sunshine, good food, and a connection with yourself and others.
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Nope! The retreat itself will be held in English. Plus, we will have two Portuguese-speaking people on staff who can translate anything for you while we are on outings.
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Good question, friend!
Here are the steps:
At coachcub.com/retreats click on “Schedule Call.”
You will select a day and time for a Zoom or phone call with Coach Cub.
As long as you meet our very inclusive, short list of criteria you will be accepted.
An acceptance email will be sent to you with a code for you to use to officially register on this website. (instructions will be included in that email). This is when you'll select your room!
Done! We'll see you in Portugal!
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No, proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is not required. It is, however, highly recommended.
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Up until 45 days prior to the retreat start date, if you must cancel, we will refund any amount paid minus your $250 non-refundable registration fee.
Any time after 45 prior to the retreat start date, there are no refunds, but you may transfer your paid spot to another person, sending a friend to the retreat in your place for a $150 admin fee (to be paid by the original attendee).
Any time after 30 days prior to the retreat start date, no refunds or transfers will be allowed.
In the rare circumstance that the retreat does not “make” (if we don’t get the minimum number of people needed to hold the event), 100% of the monies paid to Camp Bear Hug will be refunded to you. The latest this decision will be made will be 75 days prior to the retreat start date.
Important: We are not responsible for the cost of flights or other transportation you may have booked, or any cancellation or change fees that result from the retreat being canceled. We recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover any travel plans.
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Yes! The retreat is divided into two phases. Phase 1 is the nights at the retreat house. You cannot schedule in advance to leave early during this period. It is for 5 nights.
Phase 2 is our travel days where we stay at a hotel in a city. If you wish to opt out of this phase in advance there will be a discount. But you will miss lots of fun!
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Yes, if you are from the United States you can apply for a 6-month interest free plan through PayPal.
Additionally, we offer manual 6 and 9 month payment plans with one-time fees.
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The primary intention for this retreat is for you to feel connected and supported, and to feel comfortable in your body.
Although this is not a nude event, most of the retreats allow for you to go naked at the pool if you wish. Again, it’s all about what you feel comfortable with.
This is not a typical bear event that’s focused on sex. So any nudity at the event is more about celebrating your body and feeling liberated.
Schedule a call with us to learn more.
A call is the best way to learn more about the retreats, ask questions, and get a sense of the vibe. We love hearing from you!
