Summer Camps Build Fun, Authentic Communities

Nothing says summer like roasting marshmallows around a campfire, and for Unificationists in the tri-state and surrounding areas, two long running programs—Camp Shehaqua in Pennsylvania and Camp Sunrise in upstate New York—are the destinations of choice for this quintessential summer experience. Take a look at what participants had to look forward to at this summer’s programs:

Fun for the Whole Family at Camp Shehaqua

Grandparents, parents and children created their own “little slice of heaven” this year at the Shehaqua Family Camp from July 19 – August 8, 2015. In the serene setting of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, 326 participants had the opportunity to go hiking and swimming and enjoy time with family and friends. Main activities included an open mic, a dodgeball tournament, family fun night, candlelight prayer, s’mores, education and a bonfire. 

“Family Camp was an amazingly accepting and supportive environment that I think everyone could benefit from,” said Simona Brkic, who attended with her family.

Here’s a short video of some games from Family Night of Shehaqua’s Week 2:

Shehaqua stands out amid the many youth camps as a camp not just for kids, but for the entire family. Their mission—to build an authentic community where families can experience God’s heart through self-discovery, principles, relationships and the purity of nature—was reflected in each week of camp. This year’s program included three full weeks and a weekend program. Each week welcomes new participants and a mostly volunteer staff, where children and parents participate in running the education, helping with cleanup and cooking meals.

The communal spirit adds to this experience of an extended family that participants come back for year after year. Participants gained quality time with their loved ones in a spiritually and emotionally safe environment, and also had a lot of fun! Parent Lena Yasutake said, “It is such a beautiful, family friendly environment in such a lovely place. My kids never want to leave.” Cheonnam Hunter agreed, saying, “Shehaqua Family Camp is something I’ll always come back to.”

Shehaqua Family Camp is organized by Shehaqua Family, an independent, grassroots organization inspired by the life and ministry of True Parents. Beginning with just a core group of families, the organization has grown over the last twenty years to include the children of its founders now taking on major leadership roles. The majority of the leadership team devotes their time on a volunteer basis in order to produce quality programs year round.

To find out more about Family Camp and other programs, visit their website and connect to their Facebook page. Also, save the date for their next program: the Harvest Festival on September 18-20 is a seasonal favorite. Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens.

Campers Discover God and Themselves at Camp Sunrise

“When I hear the words Camp Sunrise,” said one camper, “it usually makes me think about the most happiest memories in my life.”

Camp Sunrise sleep-away camps have been welcoming children for the past 20 years. Every summer they host three different programs at different times: Elementary, Jr. High, and High Schoo, each uniquely designed according to age-appropriate learning and developmental parameters. This year’s program ran from July 4-August 4, 2015.

In each camp, lasting seven days for elementary and 10 days to two weeks for Jr. and high school, children have the opportunity to meet and interact with other young Unificationists from around the country as well as non-Unificationist children whose parents choose to participate in this educational program. Camp staff are trained, young adult Unificationists. They supervise a team of approximately seven to 10 children each.  A supervisory core staff of three or four people with professional training as teachers and many years’ experience at camp oversee the overall program.

The educational program is activity-based and seeks to engage children on their level with True Father’s core teachings. Teams are called “families” and so the day begins with family Hoon Dok Hwe, reading and discussion. “This approach seeks to engage children in discussion of the content of True Father’s words as well its relevance for their lives,” said one staff member.  

After breakfast, the mornings are devoted to education in a small group, active-learning context. In one such session, the teacher divided the Divine Principle into different sections, assigned a different section to each family and gave the counselors the responsibility to teach this section to their campers. They also developed a skit based on their reading that they presented to the entire camp the next day as a way to teach that section. At the end of each presentation, the program director then provided a brief summary talk or lecture which summarized the campers’ presentation and drove home the key points of the Divine Principle. “I learned to really take what I have been given and to share that; to take ownership for my faith and serve and love all people, no matter who they are,” said one high school participant.

In addition to Divine Principle content, the camp also focused extensively on internal guidance. Through the team structure and special programs such as Brother/Sister Day, and Blessing Day for the high school program, campers were encouraged to open up to their counselors and staff. Counselors are trained to deal with a wide variety of issues and concerns, while the programs are designed to focus on key issues connected with faith and lifestyle. Together, they provided an opportunity for campers to find answers for important life questions. The education doesn’t stop with the campers either, as one counselor stated: “Even though I never went to Camp Sunrise as a camper, I still got to experience the joy and happiness being part of the Camp Sunrise family. I discovered my worth and value here in camp, which I believe the same can be said for all the campers of Camp Sunrise.”

“At Camp Sunrise we attempt to build the Cheon Il Guk (heavenly) culture in our everyday life. We practice living as God’s children and work hard to improve children’s faith habits and life skills over the course of their time with us,” said a staff member. The director and staff work hard to make sure the program is fun as well as educational. They believe that children can best learn about God and True Parents when they are engaged in fun, purposeful activities that challenge them to think, feel and act in the knowledge of who they are as God’s children.

For more information about each individual program, please contact the camp online.