Winter Camps 2021: Let’s Talk About Love

“This was my first workshop that I've ever done,” said Ujin Ubas. “I honestly had no idea what to expect but it was the best experience ever.”

For Ujin, a Unificationist teen from Florida, attending a YAYAM camp over winter break was the perfect opportunity to grow and connect with more young people, as well as recharge for the new year.

“Not only did I make lots of friends, but I learned self-confidence and how to get out of my comfort zone,” said Ujin. “I was really shy with my team in the beginning, but when I started to learn and understand everyone, I started to have so much fun... One of my favorite talks was from Andrew Love. He really went into detail on the purity of our hearts and I was able to learn and really focus on the importance of this subject.

YAYAM regional coordinators organized 10 different camps across the country in December and January for middle school, high school, and young adults. Amid the pandemic, many participants were excited to participate in person while following Covid-19 guidelines. 

“This was my first workshop after not being very active for a while,” said Anju Crawford. “I didn't have many expectations, but I would say that the camp exceeded all of them... The topics covered were really relatable, especially as a senior in high school, having to reach higher maturity levels. I feel like I can now grow as a person a lot better, both spiritually and mentally, due to the wisdom of the speakers and the content they shared.”

Though the winter camps featured a range of themes and topics, as well as various guest speakers, a number of campers said they were able to explore their faith in a much deeper way and felt discussions about love were particularly insightful and helpful.

“One talk focused on the Marriage Blessing process,” said Ujin. “I never truly understood it, but now I recognize what an amazing opportunity it is as you closely connect with another person.”

“Discussing lasting love helped me see that actual love is built off of the Four Great Realms of Heart,” added Anju. “Even if we weren’t able to receive love in one of those realms, we should still give it to others and have that love within ourselves. We have to love and value ourselves like God does before we can pass that love onto others. Practicing this kind of unconditional love can change the world.”

The workshops also included outdoor activities, group discussions, and reflection time. While some camps were held on familiar grounds, like Camp KOHOE in Michigan, others were held at retreat centers like Mar-Lu-Ridge in Maryland.

“I really enjoyed all the talks, games, and the food was amazing,” said one 8th grade participant. “I was very sad when the workshop ended and tried not to cry. I felt a lot of God’s love from everyone there.”

“It was a lot of fun interacting with people and doing activities based around the themes of the workshop,” said Anju, “but it was also nice to know that we could always sit down and have heart-to-heart talks as well. The workshop environment was just really welcoming and heavenly, and I hope I can participate again next winter.”

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