CARP Thanksgiving Retreat

The Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) hosted a Thanksgiving retreat in Las Vegas from November 21-23. Unificationists and their guests attended, taking part in discussions, sports, activities and, of course, a Thanksgiving feast. Wishing to create a relatable and insightful experience and family culture, CARP designed activities for practicing gratitude, team-building and goal-setting.

The three-day workshop opened with an entertainment night, and then toned down on the following day with a silent meditation hike to set the tone for a lecture later in the day. During the walk, participants were asked to listen to their heart and find deep gratitude in their lives, then reconvened to share their inspiration afterward. Dr. Frank Kaufmann from New York City gave the lecture on Divine Principle topics, including the Principle of Creation and the Fall.

“Dr. Kaufmann embraces guests with an eloquence that everyone from different backgrounds can relate to. Guests expressed that though they may have been doubtful and skeptical to church and religion previously, during this workshop they were able to open their hearts to study about God through godly people they met in CARP. They felt genuine joy being here as one family and feel hope for changing the world,” expressed Akira Watanabe, leader of the CARP team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

The workshop ended with a Thanksgiving dinner, during which each person served one another. They had a bonfire with testimonies, and at the sunrise of the next day, they declared their life goals. Enjoy the photo gallery and check back on our website for announcements of future CARP events!