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Winter Student Camp & Elementary Winter Vacation Camp 2025
A Heartwarming Collection of Memories From Winter Break
In January, when a new year begins, countries in the Northern Hemisphere experience winter, while those in the Southern Hemisphere enjoy summer. Despite these seasonal differences, the atmosphere of the Church of God’s student camps around the world remains largely the same. Regardless of the weather, students of the Church of God gather to study the Bible, explore cultural sites and nature, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen friendships.
The Winter Student Camp & Elementary Winter Vacation Camp 2025 took place across South Korea from early January to late February, with each local church hosting programs lasting one to two weeks. Similar camps were also held in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, and Peru, following their respective school vacation schedules.
Student Camp: A Fulfilling and Meaningful Break
Student camps, held both in South Korea (hereinafter refer to as Korea) and abroad, are centered around Bible education and include character development programs, hands-on learning experiences, visits to cultural sites, and volunteer activities. These well-structured schedules help middle and high school students maintain a disciplined lifestyle during their break, set goals, and achieve them. In addition to regular classes, students participated in various engaging activities, such as Bible reading, foreign language studies, and practicing a bright smile. They also wrote letters to their future selves, set goals for the year, and created time capsules, making the learning experience both fun and meaningful.
At the churches in Yullyang (Cheongju), Dalseo (Daegu), Korea, and the Bronx, New York, U.S., guest speakers were invited to provide character and vision education, inspiring students to dream big and cultivate a selfless mindset. Experts such as Professor Yang Dae-woong of Seoul Media Graduate University and Dr. Seong Yong-gil, Director of the Korea Nobel Science and Culture Institute, emphasized the power of positive thinking and shared diverse paths to achieving one’s goals. They also gave insights on the qualities necessary to become valuable members of society. In Orange County, California, students attended a school violence prevention education. Dr. Seong Yong-gil supported the Church’s student education programs, stating, “It is crucial for young people to receive character education from an early age so they can grow up with upright values.”
They also had time to broaden their perspectives and acquire perspectives through the field trip. They visited the National Museum of Korea, Oktokki Space Center, and Gwacheon National Science Museum, gaining insights into history and science. They also received safety training at the Daegu Citizen Safety Theme Park and the Busan 119 Safety Experience Center, where they learned how to respond to various emergencies.
No student camp would be complete without ASEZ STAR volunteer activities to serve neighbors and local communities. Members in Huaraz (Peru), Gwangju Dongbu Church Region and Gangwon Church Association (Korea) cleaned senior centers, delivered briquettes to elderly residents living alone, and conducted street cleanups near schools and busy areas. In Buin, Chile, students collected 80 kg (176 lbs) of trash from major roads, while in Gyeongnam Dongbu Church Region, volunteers cleaned up the area around Gimhae Seo Middle School.
Park Eun-seong from Busan shared her thoughts on the camp, saying, “I learned the importance of respect and consideration by spending time with students of different ages. Next summer, I want to invite my friends to join me.” Goh Jae-chang, Chairman of Taebaek City Council, who participated in the Gangwon Church Association’s briquette delivery service, expressed gratitude to the students for their efforts, saying, “Following their previous environmental cleanup, the students have now come forward to deliver briquettes to those in need. I sincerely appreciate their dedication, and I hope to collaborate with the Church of God on more community service activities.”
Elementary Camp: Nurturing Young Dreams
Elementary students develop their emotions in early childhood and learn to express themselves while interacting with friends at school. The Church of God holds elementary school camps and provides programs for them to openly express their feelings and manage their emotions. Through emotion-focused lessons, students drew pictures of different situations based on emotions they often experience and shared their thoughts with one another. This activity helped them articulate their feelings while also learning to understand others. They also combined illustrations of various eyes, noses, and mouths to create different facial expressions, enhancing their understanding of a wide range of emotions.
Hands-on activities that stimulated the senses—such as making cupcakes, sandwiches, and pizza, educational field trips, and role-playing—were especially well received. Learning to play instruments like the kalimba and recorder and preparing for a mini concert brought joy not only to the children but also to their parents, creating lasting memories.
Kim Sun-woo from Incheon, Korea, shared, “There were times when I felt frustrated because I didn’t know how to express my feelings. I used to hide because I was shy, but from now on, I will try to share my emotions just as I learned today.” Parent Song Young-won from Pyeongtaek, Korea, also expressed appreciation for the camp, saying, “My child used to struggle to express what they liked, but while preparing for the concert, I saw a big change in him. I believe that if these camps continue, they will help children grow up to be confident and bright.”