Applications for National Ocean Challenge Program 2019 Are Now Open

“The ocean has been such a wonderful teacher for me in my life that I created the Ocean Challenge program
to give young people the leadership training the ocean provides.”

— SUN MYUNG MOON

National Ocean Challenge Program (NOCP) 2019 is now taking applications for youth ages 16 to 30 with an adventurous spirit, eagerness to learn, and open minds. This is the 11th anniversary year for NOCP in Kodiak, AK, and they plan to make it the best year yet!

The National Ocean Challenge Program began as a grassroots project by a group of captains who did Ocean Challenge in Gloucester, MA back in the 1980s and 90s. Passionate to share the ocean challenge experience with the next generation, they created a program with the available Good-Go boats on Kodiak Island, a location where True Parents spent a lot of time fishing, and inaugurated the program in 2009 as its official first year.

Over the years, many volunteers, staff, leaders and sponsors have helped develop and cultivate this program, making it possible each year.

This year, the program will be the well-known 21-day length from July 7 to 27, where the youth and young adults will cover basic safety, boating, navigation, oceanology, and hiking the first few days, river and deep sea fishing for 14 days, and the last few days will conclude with a service project, city tour, talent show and graduation ceremony.

For those already experienced with boating and who want to pursue something more challenging, there will be a 40-day Captain-in-Training (CIT) program from June 29 to August 7. Those applying for this position need to be at least 18-years-old, must already have taken a USCG certified boating safety course and have done CPR/First Aid training. CITs will be learning boat care, minor boat repairs and maintenance, boat operation and navigation, fishing techniques, and the responsibilities expected of a captain.

This year, NOCP is looking for four team leaders who will work directly with the education coordinator to serve as an extension of their staff in an elder brother/sister role for a team of five participants.

The internal education during the time of the program will focus on teachings from True Parents, understanding the meaning of Hyojeong, and learning the different aspects of Ocean Providence. The three weeks will provide an opportunity to develop leadership skills, experience God’s love, and deepen our understanding of True Parents’ life course and our identity.

Why did True Father often go fishing?

“When I go out to fish in the ocean, I am actually fishing the world. It is for this purpose that I fish;
it is a condition of devotion. You too have to learn to love the ocean. The fastest way to focus your mind
is by fishing. I can say this from my own experience.”
(289-122, 1997/12/30)

The application deadline is May 5th with limited space and scholarships available.