by Teeebone

As the Hump entered its third year of operation, about half of the original founding volunteers had left the roster for various reasons. We were fortunate that we were able to find people who shared the same kind of enthusiasm and dedication to the party as the initial team members. I’ve mentioned this before: keeping your party well staffed is a challenge that every Party Champion must face.

In late February, the Hump celebrated Mardi Gras with a King Cake, complete with a "Find the King Cake Baby" contest since it was so much fun the year before. The Hump theme selected by the winner of the contest was a "Hot Buns Night" which was held in July. This event also saw the debut of TK as one of our resident DJs.

In March, the Hump and a few other events got canceled for a week while the CSPC negotiated with an insurance carrier, though we were back online by the next week. During this month we also held a fundraiser to buy and replace the old futons.

In mid-June, there was some discussion about moving the Whump from third Wednesdays to first Wednesdays of the month. The push for this was that while the Whump was held in the RAW Dungeon, the monthly CSPC Board Meetings were being held in the Annex in approximately the same time slot. With a buffer of only 10 feet or so between these two spaces, music and noise would occasionally be heard during the meeting, so it was decided to move the Whump over to first Wednesdays starting in July.

In September, Cuddle Huddle was introduced as a regular feature during the cooler months of the year during the social on third Wednesdays. This event became very popular, bringing in 12-20 attendees wanting to experience and learn more about cuddling. Also included were discussions about touch, intimacy, consent, and boundaries.

By the end of the year, the Hump was scheduling fewer special features than it had in its previous two years. This was due partly to staff (and talent) exhaustion, but also the recognition that the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture (now the Pan Eros Foundation) was better suited for providing workshops and classes for the education of the membership in general. Cuddle Huddle continued, but special features became less frequent from now on.

On January 2nd, 2011 it was formally announced that the Hump had tied the Grind for the Members Choice Award for the 2010 Volunteer Awards. In the space of three years, the Hump had become a well-known fixture at the CSPC. Here are some of the compliments:

"I love the vibe and the people running and attending it."

"There are so many things I haven't tried yet. This party gives me and other new folks an opportunity to try new things in a safe place."

"Social time, good food, dancing, great music, great sex!"

"It's cool, laid back, sensual, conversational, intimate and not too kinky."

"I can actually hang out and talk because the music isn't too loud, but I can also play in the back. Nice having both a social and a play party together."

"Fresh, variety of themes. Excellent party hosts, first rate ambassadors, social and welcoming to everyone. The music is not overpowering. The variety of social-hour "mini workshops" on dance, community issues, etc. They have a better-than-a-cheese-plate food selection usually."

It took us three years to get there, but the Hump had managed to break all expectations in terms of attendance and partygoer experience. And 2011 was just getting started…

Until next time... :^)