Camp Kogape Owns It

The Midwest Region held their second region-wide summer camp, Camp Kogape, from June 30 to July 6. More than 80 high school and middle school students attended at the new camp venue, Camp Wyoming, located in Wyoming, Iowa.

The theme for the summer was “Own It” in order to empower kids to make their own choice to live an intentional lifestyle which will benefit them in reaching their greatest potential. The theme’s topics included understanding the value and power of making one’s own choice, identifying how the Unification movement’s culture and lifestyle is the most powerful to reaching one’s greatest potential, and sharing practical examples on how to take ownership through living a Unificationist lifestyle.

Campers started to “Own It” from Day One through a week-long activity called “My Sprout.” Each camper received a plant sprout from their team leader, which symbolized their God-given potential. Later in the week, teams brainstormed what they envisioned their greatest unique potential to be and painted their sprout pots according to that vision. Through taking responsibility to nurture their sprout, even beyond camp, students would come to experience the greatest sense of capability and happiness from the blooming of their plant through their own volition. This resembles maturity.

One powerful internal challenge activity, the Tunnel of Triumph for middle schoolers and Owning My Conviction for high schoolers, had campers reflect on what their greatest potential is and to recognize anything that may be holding them back from reaching that potential. Through challenging physical activities and obstacles, they were given the opportunity to symbolically overcome those limitations.

Other activities included building a cardboard boat, bubble soccer, Challenge Day, Team Skit Night, and Brothers & Sisters Night. Camp Kogape concluded with a talent-packed Entertainment Night, which was followed by an abundant sharing of meaningful experiences from the week. Campers expressed a feeling of security between one another in taking the leap of faith to own their greatest potentials.