If you want all the fun of camping without having to sleep outside, the United Way of Greater New Bedford has the event for you.

This Friday night, June 9, the United Way is holding its first annual Camp United Bash at Camp Massasoit at the Mattapoisett YMCA. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s got all the fun, festive pieces of going camping without you actually having to go camping, without actually having to sleep on the ground or in a tent, but you can enjoy all the fun pieces that go with it,” said Victoria Grasela, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement for the United Way of Greater New Bedford.

The event replaces the United Way’s clambake, which had been a big fundraiser for the organizer for almost 30 years. It is designed to be a scaled-down version of that event with a major focus on fun, even if the weather is a little iffy for Friday evening.

“Camp Massasoit is the perfect location for it. You’ve got that good indoorsy space up on their porch, but you’ve got that beautiful front lawn where we’re going to have some lawn games, things like cornhole, bocci ball, just some fun stuff to get out and play with your friends and family,” Grasela said. “Then of course you’ve got that great view of the water right there in front of you. We’re utilizing all pieces of their facility.”

There will be themed cocktails, live music, a silent auction that has already begun online, and more as everyone gathers around a big fire on the beach.

“The camp-themed food is going to be key, with all the barbeque food that you’re used to having when you go camping,” Grasela said. “We’re going to have S’mores, because who doesn’t love a good S’more?”

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Grasela said the proceeds raised by the Camp United Bash will go toward all of the great programs the United Way of Greater New Bedford offers and the other agencies it partners with to take care of local families.

“We know how to throw a great party, we won’t disappoint on that, but at the end of the day, all that money is getting put back into the community to ensure that kids have a bright start, their basic needs are met and that we’re strengthening families,” Grasela said.

Tickets for the event are $100 each and are on sale now at the United Way of Greater New Bedford website.

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