Ocean Challenge Program Provides Priceless Training
The National Ocean Challenge Program (NOCP) 2015 kicked off on July 12 with the largest group of young Unificationists to date, and one university graduate who is also a team leader. He, among others, hopes to get hired in the marine industry, and NOCP supplies many great connections and opportunities to do exactly that.
The opening program featured Captain Chris Fiala, Board member of Ocean Providence International (OPIINC), singing with his daughter, Wendy. Naokimi Ushiroda, President of the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) USA was a guest speaker for several days and introduced top level ideas for all to consider in terms of goal setting and other leadership and management concepts.
After the professional CPR training and Coast Guard Certification program, along with a visit to a local salmon fishery, everyone was ready to head out to Chiniak and start catching fish. Participants looked forward to cooking their day’s catches over an open fire in one of the most idyllic settings in North America.
Upon their return, participants received both internal and external training. Generation Peace Academy (GPA) graduate Myoyeon Yu presented a Divine Principle lesson, after which the group received training in marine navigation, ocean knot tying, boat operations and fishing techniques. Everyone has the opportunity as well to visit historic North Garden. It has been nicely appointed and cared for by a local Korean elder, Sunny, and has been adorned with myriad photos and memorabilia of True Parents’ precious time spent in Kodiak, including photos of the big fish that True Parents caught there.
Throughout the program, the local community joins in at night. As a finale, NOCP will host an annual banquet and graduation program. All friends and guests in the area are invited to attend.
In addition to all of the education about True Parents and the ocean, many leaders will attend the program portions, fish, and have executive level strategy meetings that will influence the next seven-year course for NOCP and other aspects of the Ocean Providence.
The real challenge of ocean fishing would be the next ten days, culminating in a tournament challenge, community service projects with the local community, and a Peace Road event in early August.
