PROGRAM DETAILS
NOCP offers 3 different programs to select from for young adults ages 18+*
*Due to COVID mitigations, for 2021, participants must be age 18 or older
Participant
21-day Program
NOCP offers a unique hands-on immersion experience of God's Creation for youth ages 16+* in remote Kodiak, Alaska. With the ocean as the training ground, come develop character and confidence through seamanship, experience the heart of stewardship, and cultivate faith through experiencing God’s love through nature.
NOCP seeks to continue Father and Mother Moon’s tradition and legacy of growing the character and faith of young people through leadership training on the sea. Through internal guidance and connecting to their words and experience, participants have the opportunity to walk in Father and Mother Moon's shoes and experience all the lessons that the ocean has to teach.
Each morning begins with morning devotion and a morning service introducing the day's theme. Days are filled with activities in nature including full day son the ocean learning the basics of boating and fishing, and how to jig and troll for Pacific salmon, halibut, rockfish, and ling cod. Throughout the program, participants will rotate to each of our four boats, learning from the senior captains who spent many years with Father and Mother Moon. They'll share their stories and lesson and also their unique fishing styles. Each senior captain is supported by a captains-in-training (CIT). Evenings are filled with testimonies from local members, educational activities, and personal reflections. On Sundays, NOCP joins the local Kodiak Family Church for service and fellowship.
As part of stewardship training, participants will also receive certification on "About Boating Safely" offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and be certified in CPR/First Aid.
Other highlights of the program include river fishing, team reflection beach bonfires, a service project, hatchery tour, a Kodiak City tour, and an end-of program fishing tournament - with prizes!
There are only 20 participant spots available for 2021 so apply soon!
Team Leader
35-day Program
This year we are seeking four team leaders who will work directly with the education coordinator to serve as an extension of our staff in an elder brother/sister role for a team of five participants.
Prior to NOCP they will join weekly calls to help develop educational themes, design the program's schedule, and plan out program activities. On-site, team leaders will facilitate team bonding activities and lead team sharings each evening, checking in with the core staff after. The goal is to help provide personal care and support to the participants during the program.
We ask that team leaders come a week before the program starts to orient and help prepare and stay a week after to debrief and connect in gratitude as staff.
Team leaders are primarily participants in that they will participate in all the activities and fishing. Priority will be given to team leaders who are alumni of NOCP. Having prior team leading experienc e is highly recommended.
Captain-in-Training (CIT)
35-day Program
Each year, four CITs have the opportunity to attend an extended 35-day Captain-in-Training Ocean Challenge program, coming a week early and staying a week after the program.
The primary intention of the CIT program is to provide a leadership training opportunity where the elder captains can pass on the heart and legacy of captaining to the younger generation, sharing their wealth of spiritual and technical experience. CITs will spend their prep-week beginning each day with morning devotions and guidance from their elders. Themes include the heart of being a leader, stewardship, and faith training on the ocean. CITs will also be instructed in the basics of boat preparation, safety, maintenance, maneuvering, as well as charts, navigation, and fishing techniques. CITs will also enjoy an overnight fishing trip with the senior captains and staff in preparation for the program.
Prior to the program, CITs will be given prep materials to study and become familiar with. During the program, CITs will be paired with a senior captain whom they’ll assist with boat preparation, maintenance, safety, and navigation. They’ll also play a key role in teaching and supporting participants on the water. On land, they’ll serve as an extension of our staff team, supporting the team leaders, activities, and education.
After the NOCP program, CITs will assist in hosting a local Family Ocean Challenge Day, learn how to winterize a boat, and share reflections on the program.
It is preferred that CITs:
• Have attended NOCP previously or have boating/captaining experience
• Have already taken the USCG Boating Safely course or equivalent
• Have their CPR/First Aid certification
COVID MITIGATION for 2021
HSA-UWC Family Fed has approved our staff's NOCP 2021 COVID mitigation plan.
The safety of our participants and staff has been and will continue to be our top priority.
The city of Kodiak, AK is currently in the "green," allowing for large group gatherings.
All staff and participants will be asked to agree to the NOCP 2021 COVID mitigation plan and take all required precautions before, during, and at the conclusion of the program.