Young Unificationists Face Challenges and Forge Bonds at Camp

For many young Unificationists, summer camps and programs are more than just a fun getaway—they are an opportunity to grow, reflect and create unforgettable memories with friends. Camps KOHOE, T2 and One Heart recently concluded another year of helping youth on their spiritual journey. Here are the latest stories from around the nation:

Camp KOHOE (Kingdom of Heaven on Earth)

Participants from all over the Midwest gathered at Benton Harbor, Michigan, for an unforgettable experience at Camp KOHOE. Through lectures, activities and time spent with new and old friends, the young people came home inspired and hoping for another chance to connect.

“What I gained from the camp was some motivation, friends, knowledge and a little bit of self-confidence,” said Josh DaBok Quigley, 14, of Champaign, Illinois. Many of the participants said that they appreciated being able to spend time with other Unificationist young people, since many live in communities with few other Unificationist families.

Rev. Toby Gullery, the Unificationist-born pastor of the Indianapolis community, gave lectures and managed the staff, many of whom were recent graduates of Generation Peace Academy (GPA) and brought a wonderful spirit to the group. With exciting activities like “Challenge Day”—a day spent in friendly competition between groups—and paintballing, the campers were never at a loss for things to do. Even with all the exciting activities, they still enjoyed the lectures and took away new inspirations.

Participant Hiro Kamata from Illinois noted: “Toby was an inspiring older brother and funny at times, and his lectures were easy to follow. To me it was clear that he really cared for each one of us and only wanted the best.” Overall, everyone was excited and longing for the next program. Sumire Minagawa, 17, of Ohio summed it up: “KOHOE is truly what it stands for, a Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. … Every year I leave camp wanting to come back again.”

Camp T2

T2 is an epic adventure for young Unificationists. From June 28 to July 4, young people spent their time camping in the mountainous woods of Washington State, away from all the distractions of life.

The camp kicked off with getting to know all of the campers and putting everyone into hiking groups. David and Mitsue Wolfenberger, a local Unificationist family, have embraced the youth and this camp experience and helped organize these hikes for many years. The next five days were spent in the wilderness with nothing but food, equipment and clothes. In the tall evergreen trees that towered over the campers along the hiking trail, participants felt enraptured by God’s creation.

Toshiaki Yamura said: “It’s these mystical and pure environments that bring out the beauty in our hearts. The beauty of God’s creation is something we wish to foster in our youth and experiencing God’s love through creation.” The hike was not just about the beautiful scenery, however. Much of the experience was a physical and mental challenge, and the hike itself became a metaphor for each participant’s own life of faith and journey toward God. “Our heavy packs and the hot outdoor weather weren’t so easy. But reaching the next rest stop, or river, or campsite was the most relieving thing,” said Toshiaki.

The third day was spent at the campsite, where participants heard educational talks about the parent-child relationship, purpose-driven heart, and purity. The next day, half the campers headed back, while the other half took on the extra challenge of hiking further.  The campers chanted to keep their spirits up: “Who are we? GOD’S LIGHT! What do we do? CARRY GOD!” This was the motto as the campers hiked the next two days, climbing twice the elevation in more hours. The packs were getting heavy as the campers neared the summit, but with a final burst of inspiration they reached the top. “I was encouraged,” said Toshiaki, “and somehow seeing [the campers] reminded me of my hope, God’s hope, that beyond the burdens we carry, gratefully I can carry them as I see His children running free and their burden light.”

Camp One Heart

Camp Seely, in Crestline, California, was the home of Camp One Heart between June 28 and July 11, 2015. This year’s program was extremely popular, with more than 200 campers from Northern and Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and even Alaska.

With the theme “The Hero Within,” participants and staff were encouraged to acknowledge that within themselves lives a beautiful person who can be a hero to someone in their lives. The workshop also emphasized the role that True Parents play as heroes whom we all could look up to and learn from.

A team of enthusiastic college student volunteers led the camp, along with local Unificationist moms who have been a big part of making camp happen every year.

Campers enjoyed longtime traditions like “Night under the Stars,” capturing the flag, entertainment night, hikes to “Heart Rock,” and other favorites. Weaved in with the fun and games were more intimate opportunities, such as prayer activities and chances to speak deeply with each other and with God. The camp finished with a “Heart Bequeathal” ceremony, in which all participants received a medal personalized by their group leader to honor and acknowledge the hero that they are.

Campers new and old reveled in the exciting atmosphere, surrounded by friends and staff that felt like family. “Always my favorite week of my summer,” commented one camper. Many agreed that camp continues to be the highlight of their year.