Summer Camps A ‘Lifeline’ for Young Unificationists
It’s a beautiful summer day with the sun shining brightly. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air. For a group of young Unificationists, it’s been a blissful few days as they revitalize their faith at Camp Lone Star in Blanco, Texas.
“I felt like I was able to really connect myself with God and develop a closer relationship with Him, as well as with the rest of my team,” says one camper.
At the Morgan family ranch, just west of Austin, some 80 participants from across the US came together for a spiritual camp retreat in July. “The activities and lectures not only made me feel closer to God—which was a great experience—it also enabled me to truly understand God’s heart for us as our parent,” says the camper.
The group, who wrote personal letters to God, bonded over a range of inspiring exercises organized by local camp leaders. The weeklong program, which featured guest speakers, reflection time and outdoor excursions, was one of several similar camps happening nationwide.
“Our summer camps are really a lifeline for our young people,” says Katherine Anglin, who oversees camps year-round as the national coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (YAYAM). From June through August, 11 summer camps were offered in person and online—depending on local Covid guidelines—which Anglin says were just the respite needed for many youth.
“Throughout the year they’re up against a lot in a world that doesn’t really understand the purpose and meaning of life: to serve and love one another,” says Anglin. “So the summer camps really root our young people in their faith. They help them feel a sense of community, purpose, and togetherness; and I’m grateful to all the regional directors, team leaders, and creative minds who made it happen.”
Anglin says the camps are a valuable experience designed to reach participants at any level of faith. At Camp Journey in Garden City, Utah, 25 middle and high schoolers enjoyed the mountainous landscape of the Rockies in late June. There, they learned more about God and how our mind and conscience connects with our Heavenly Parent.
“Before this workshop, my spiritual life was nonexistent,” said one Camp Journey participant. “Even at times when God touched my heart, I rejected the thought. But this workshop was like a startup for my faith and I learned to take baby steps while doing it.”
For some, these life-changing experiences and epiphanies bring about a bold new sense of self and direction. In Los Angeles, dozens of Camp One Heart participants ventured to Camp Mozumdar—a temple modeled after the Taj Mahal in the San Bernardino Mountains—where they discussed topics such as “The Bold Generation” and having strong faith.
On the East Coast, more than 30 participants at the EPIC Workshop in Gloucester, Mass., learned more about the Unification movement’s founders, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. They were encouraged to actively synthesize the Divine Principle in their lives. The Divine Principle is the core teachings of the Unification movement.
“It’s comforting to know God hasn’t given up on humanity and is still actively working to help us,” said one participant. “My goal coming to EPIC wasn’t just to learn the material that was shared, but also to teach it and internalize it; and to live by the phrase, ‘living for the sake of others.’”
Several campers connected online as well, with 32 participants joining Camp Kogape based in the Midwest. They enjoyed fun virtual activities and discussed topics under the theme “A Life Worth Fighting For.”
“We wanted to address and acknowledge that the path of faith can be a difficult one,” said Unificationist guest speaker and instructor, Gerry Servito. “By gaining a deeper understanding behind the practices of our faith, we hope participants can make the conscious decision to willingly fight for a life of true love and happiness that God envisions for each of us.”
“I made the decision to fully invest in my faith,” said one participant from Camp Shehaqua in Pennsylvania. She and her family were among 254 people who joined the rustic family camp, which ran three back-to-back programs in the Pocono Mountains in July. “I think one of the most beautiful and enriching things about this camp—and our faith—is that it’s something that connects all generations.”
