Experience the Magic
“It’s so nice to see so many workshops happening in person this year!” said YAYAM National Coordinator Katherine Anglin. “Some of these workshops are in person and region specific, others are for anyone who would like to attend, and some are online.”
This winter, young Unificationists across North America can experience the magic of 10 different camps happening this holiday season. Anglin and her team of regional coordinators have organized winter workshops for middle and high schoolers, as well as young adults. Logistics and program details are still being developed for some camps, but general information is available to save the date and your spot!
The Los Angeles winter workshop is available for high schoolers from December 26 to 29. The early registration deadline is Sunday, Dec. 19. In the Bay Area, the workshop “My God is a Living God” will run from Dec. 28 to 30 for high school students.
A workshop in Washington will run from Dec. 28 to 31 for middle and high schoolers under the theme, “God is With Me, and Working With Me.” Meanwhile, participants of the Utah and Colorado workshop, running from Dec. 27 to 30, will enjoy a program theme that focuses on True Parents’ life course.
In Hawaii, the workshop “Let Us Grow Our Roots” will be available for elementary, middle and high school students from Dec. 29 to 31. The workshop will explore what it means to be a child of God, as well as building healthy relationships and self confidence.
The Georgia True Family Center will host its winter workshop from Dec. 27 to 31 for middle and high school students. The theme “God’s Love is My Love” will explore the different elements of love through lectures, discussions and activities. “We have some fun outings planned for our youth including hiking, bowling, and other outdoor sports and activities,” said an organizer for the Georgia community.
In the Midwest, Camp KOHOE and Camp KOGAPE have partnered to host a special Harry Potter-inspired “TriDistrict Tournament.” From Dec. 28 to Jan. 1, the workshop is available to middle, high school and young adults from all regions of the U.S.
“It’s an in-person Divine Principle workshop for growth, learning and fun,” said Camp KOGAPE coordinator Christelle Carlson. “Participants can share a talk, present a slide, perform a skit, create a song or a dance to discover the Divine Principle and feel it come to life in their own unique way.”
Carlson said campers, who will stay at the recently renovated KOHOE grounds in Michigan, will also enjoy activities such as snow tubing, a boba tea “potions class,” Quidditch, House Cups, and compete for prizes totaling $2000. Registration is almost full and closes Friday, Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m.
In the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, the winter workshop from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 is open to high school students from all regions as well. Held at Camp Mar Lu Ridge in Maryland, the workshop’s theme is “God, Here I Am.”
“Our hope is that through this workshop, youth will be able to have a lot of fun, connect with each other, and learn more about God's heart and how to develop a deep bond with God,” said a local organizer. Participants traveling by air must arrive by Dec. 27, and a negative COVID test administered within 72 hours must be submitted to staff before arrival.
Likewise, a negative COVID test is needed for all participants of the young adult workshop “Beyond [Found]ations,” which will be held at the Concord Retreat Center in West Virginia from Jan 4 to 9. The six-day Divine Principle workshop is an opportunity for those who are 18+ to “renew personal direction and clarity, build a sense of hope and purpose, and experience deep reflection and connection with other brothers and sisters,” said an organizer. “The theme provides a focus on not just unpacking our spiritual foundations but concretely building upon what we have found to be valuable in our lives.”
Participants will engage in lectures, reflection, discussions, and other activities, as well as receive guidance from workshop staff and guest speakers who will share life experiences and insight on application of the Divine Principle.
“We hope to see each of our young people at one of these fun and educational workshops this winter,” said Anglin.
A workshop in Canada is scheduled for Dec. 27 to Jan 1. You can find more details on the winter camps here, including registration, deadlines and pricing. For all other information, please contact your local youth and young adult pastor or regional coordinator.