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About Us

  • Statement of Faith
    1. The Institute of Light Finders confesses God as Creator, Jesus Christ as Savior and is dedicated to extending the Kingdom of God by uniting youth who are committed to being disciples of Jesus Christ.
  • Our Vision
    1. Assisting youth to mature into well balanced human beings; that they might enjoy a healthy, happy and full life as leaders who dedicate themselves to God's Kingdom.
  • Catchphrase
    1. Shine His Light to the Youth!
  • Core Values
    1. 1. Deep and real relationships are priority; before educational efforts.
    2. 2. Youth are individuals with unique attributes and gifts they can offer to others.
    3. 3. Participants are the centre of all we do; program development is simply the next level towards excellence.
    4. 4. The process is as valuable as the end result.
    5. 5. To develop a positive alternative to current youth programs and culture; an alternative that is practically tested and theory integrated.
  • General Philosophy
    1. This movement requires that we as an Institution lay the foundations for others to build upon. Our programs and trainings are continually being developed and adjusted that we might become an example and resource for others. Within our current program base, we seek to have fun, encourage others, accept our differences and ultimately create an environment where people can encounter a living God and be changed.
  • Program Philosophies
    1. 1. Christ Centred - Jesus is the only one who is truly able to change lives. Our first priority is to welcome and include God in all that we do. After all it is only through Gods leading us that we will be able to make this movement and vision a reality.
    2. 2. The Campfire Effect - Start a fire small and it will grow stable with time and constant attention. This movement, our programs and our leaders are developed with this philosophy in mind.
    3. 3. Daily Community Living - Full time staff, volunteers, campers, and all our program participants are in some way part of our community. We hope to develop a strong and stable community among us as a staff, that we might have the capacity and ability to invite and include our participants in this community.
    4. 4. Echo - Our challenge to program participants is to take what they experience in our community and make their own version for themselves and the people in their life; that they too might come to know God, build meaningful relationships and gain life changing experiences.
    5. 5. Membership Longevity - Building relationships that last is important. Each program we do and each person we meet will hopefully consider themselves part of our family, we want people who are ready to go through life together and be a support system for one another.
    6. 6. Small Groups - This element of our programs is very important and yet highly unusual for Korean culture. Our focus is on the individual and building relationships which is only possible in small groups.
    7. 7. Healthy Understanding of Recreation - The importance of play and fun is often underestimated in Korean Culture. We hope to highlight some of the positive aspects of play and recreation to show it is a vital part of our lives.
    8. 8. Volunteers - Responsibility, longevity and expertise are generally not words associated with volunteers, but we feel these are all necessary. Necessary for our programs, participants and especially for the good and growth of our volunteers.
    9. 9. Servant Leadership - Our organization’s structure is less hierarchal and more circular. We believe authority is God given and meant to empower individual leaders to take responsibility and share that responsibility. Our goal is to be leaders who encourage beginners and give other people opportunity to learn and grow through their experiences with us.

Staff

Picture Position Name Introduction
President Kuk Jai Chun Mr. Chun or “KUK” as most English speaking people call him, is the founder of ILF. He has led the charge and kept the torch high. These days Kuk’s focus is on developing leaders who can and will cary the torch of ILF beyond what he has been able to do. He sees the purpose and holds the vision behind all that we do. ILF is a trail blazing organization, and it all started with Kuk over 20 years ago. Mr. Chun spent a good deal of time training and preparing for ILF and his list of degrees gives an idea of his accomplishments and knowledge. Kuk has a Masters from Wheaton College in Christian Education, a PHD from Yonsei University in Counselling and Physiology as well as a Masters of Divinity from the Methodist Theological University Besides being the ILF President Kuk is an established author and guest professor at Presbyterian University and Theological Syminary. He has also been the Korean Campers Program Director at Wheaton College Honey Rock in Illinois and an intern at Camp Forest Springs, and Camp Dudley(YMCA).
Senior Researcher Young Sook Woo Young Sook takes the vision and dreams of ILF and helps to make them reality. She sees the details and works towards making sure what needs to happen does. Young Sook has steadily worked alongside Kuk and is dedicated to the vision and dream of ILF. She has a PHD from Seoul Women’s university in Social Work and well as lots of great hands on experience at various camp programs in Korea and the US. The most impacting internships she participated in where with Camp Forest Springs in Illinois, Inspiration Centre Special Camping Internship in Korea and Camp Dudley(YMCA). Leadership training at Kimball Camp(YMCA) and Camp DuNord(YMCA) Resource Staff were also meaningful experiences. She has a Korea Social Welfare Licence (Level 1). Some of the positions Young Sook holds include; ILF Senior Researcher, Part time professor at Seoul Women's University(SWU), Guest professor at Handong Global University and Part time professor at The Catholic University of Korea.
Researcher Jung Eun Lee Jung-Eun worked directly with ILF as a program director from 1992 to 2007 and since then has continued to assist in lots of background work, research and academic publications. Jung-Eun has a PHD from Chonnam National University in Education, a bachelors and masters from Ewha Women's University in Social Work. Jung-Eun has a Korean Social Welfare Licence(level 1), and was the english camp director for Korean 3rd generation immigrants to Canada camp program.
Researcher Kyeong Ho Park Besides providing quality work for ILF, Kyong-Ho is a KSPE Design Member, Member of the Korean Association of future Education Study Editing. Kyong-Ho has a Masters and PHD from Yonsei in Education and a Bachelors from Yonsei in Economics. In 2011 he was the Evaluation Staff for a “University Special Needs Students Educational Welfare” program and was the expert Korean committee member for the “Ministry of Education”.
Director Jai Seung Huh Over the past 10 years Jason has worked with ILF and has come to know the workings of all the programs we have to offer. These days Jason is workings as the International Relations/Program Developer, which means a number of things but mostly that he is making great advances with our sponsorship initiative program. Jason Graduated from Sung Kyuan University with a bachelors in Public Administration and and masters in Social Welfare. He has a Korean Social Welfare Licence(Level 1) and completed the International YMCA Training Program. A few years ago Jason and his family moved to Camp Fitch(YMCA) and for a year and a half worked at camp as a Program Staff and Outdoor Educator.
Director Da Jeong Jun Currently Da jeong oversees ILF’s continuing education program and is leading the way for a family membership program. 12 years ago Dajeong joined our ranks as a counsellor, two years later she became a senior counsellor and the year after that became an ILF Director. Beyond ILF work Dajung is married to Jason Huh and has three children two girls Jeun, Geun and a one year old son Chung. Dajung’s undergrad degree is from Soon Chung Hyang University and is a degree in Youth Education Counselling. Dajung has a Continuing Education Licence (Level 2) and a Youth Life Coaching License (level 2).
Director Hee Sung Chung Hee-Song has been connected with ILF for the past few years and has participated from time to time in various programs. Last year Hee-Song joined the ILF team full time and has been a great addition as the head of the Business Support Team. Hee-Sung’s undergrads is from Handong Global University in Mass Communications and his graduate degree is from Wheaton College in Christian Education. He has spent much of the last few years in the states working, furthering his education and participating in the Camp Forest Springs LTD internship.
Director Naomi Chun Naomi has served ILF and been part of our work for years in a non official way, but now that she and her husband Hee-Song have returned from the states she is working with us regularly as well as raising her son Ian and daughter Jessie. Naomi went to Handong Global University and double majored in Theater Arts and English. While in the states Naomi completed the Camp Forest Springs LTD Internship and graduated from Wheaton College with a graduate degree in Intercultural studies (TESOL).

What We Do

  • Summer/Winter Camp
    1. ▶ Why Camp?: We believe the camp atmosphere is highly beneficial to anyone but especially helpful for Korean youth. It gives them an opportunity to unwind and be themselves in a safe and non-competitive environment. They have the opportunity to get to know great leaders who are not their to make money but rather to experience camp along with them. They are able to try new things and be a in a place where uncomfortable situations can turn into something amazing. At camp the kids discover they have a second home, a family and people who want to encourage and support them.

    2. ▶ Resident Camp: Each Summer and Winter we offer four age specific camp programs. Camp programs range from 4 to 7 days for elementary to high school students. These camp programs are held at a campsite where we eat, sleep, play and live together. (Note: Korean ages will be one to two years older than their international age depending on when their birthday is. A child is considered one when they are born and everyone turns a year older on each new year).
      Younger Elementary Camp (8-10)
      Older Elementary Camp (11-13)
      Middle/High School Camp (14-19)
      First Year Middle School Camp - Winter Only (14)

    3. ▶ Why Adventure Camp?: Along with all I mentioned above, adventure camp has a few additional benefits. Adventure campers have an opportunity to push themselves, to accomplish something they might feel is impossible. Adventure camp is also generally a smaller number of students thus they have more potential to grow closer in a short period of time and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    4. ▶ Adventure Camp: During the winter vacation adventure camp is a mountain hiking adventure. In the summer, programs may vary. We usually have hiking camp and offer one other option such as canoe camp or a sort of wilderness multi-sport camp.
      Middle School (12-13)
      High School (14-19)
  • Year Round Programs
    1. ▶ Meari Nature School: Bi-monthly saturday day camp program that is focused on getting students out in nature.

    2. ▶ Youth Club : Bi-monthly saturday relationship building program that gives students the opportunity to plan and organise their own programs.

    3. ▶ Leadership Development Classes: This is a once a week for 12 week program focused on teaching, experiencing and discussing all sorts of programs, games and team building activities.

    4. ▶ Training Seminars: One day seminars offered upon request to businesses, schools and social service organizations.

    5. ▶ Internship/Leadership Training Development (LTD) Program: Typically internships range from a semester to a year. We have just begun a new internship program that is more structured and full of great learning and growing opportunities

    6. ▶ Specialty Camps: Includes family camps, family adventure camp, siblings of students with disabilities camp etc.

  • Consultations
    1. Over the last 20 years we have been researching and compiling data as well as gaining first hand experience working with and for the youth. It is our privilege to take what we have learned and share it with others. Mostly we get connected with organizations, churches and social welfare services through word of mouth and direct connections. Beyond just meeting and sharing our knowledge and expertise we generally commit ourselves to the various programs we help create. Some organisations are not in a position to run their own programs so they ask us to step in and we work with them throughout the whole process.

    2. A major aspect of our consultation work in recent months has been the development of our sponsorship program. Instead of waiting for others to realize they could do something for the youth and that we could help them, we have been developing large scale programs and asking companies and organisations to sponsor these programs. It has also become apparent that other social service organizations have ideas and lots of youth they serve, but don't have the resourced needed to do a meaningful camp program. Our part is to help find sponsors to back other organisations program ideas as well as help them make their programs a reality.

  • Publications
    1. Over the years the founder of ILF Chun Kuk-Jai has written over 30 books on all sorts of topics related to camp and youth. Along with Dr. Chun’s books a number of ILF members have written books, published articles and translated other books into Korean all with the same goal in mind. We believe these books and articles are a key aspect of making our vision a reality.

  • International Exchange Programs
    1. Jesus commanded his followers to take the good news and shine his light first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, Samaria and the rest of the world. Our vision to start a youth movement has begun here in Korea but we hope to spread the light to all of Asia as well. We see the need for camping ministry, we see how building relationships and all the values of camping are vital to healthy living and we want to spread this light to whoever is ready to receive it.

    2. From the start ILF had a vision bigger than Korea, Kuk dream was to build a youth movement that would impact Korean culture and all of East Asia. He could see a glimpse of the challenges that were and are facing the youth of Asia. Kuk desires for people to find they own way, to have their own dreams that he might support them and together change the world. He has been working to develop a foundation of strong leaders these last 20 years and plans on continuing to build up and strengthen leaders who are ready and willing to be sent our to other countries that need camping ministry.

    3. Through the years we at ILF have been blessed with opportunities to meet people from all over the world, to build relationships, to develop connections and partnerships. These partnerships are continually evolving and developing and many of our international relationships are beginning to develop into active partnerships. We are hoping this is the year when our international outreach becomes a reality or at least more concrete steps are taken. In truth we realize that relationships take time and effort and our hope is not to get things established over night but to at least take a first step and see where it leads. To see where God leads us and what he has for us.

Partners

Logo Name President Introduction
Forest Springs Camp&Conference Center Pet Pakau For the last 20 plus years we have been strongly connected with Camp Forest Springs(CFS) as a means of camp training as well as leadership and spiritual development in our staff and volunteers.
www.forestprings.us
Fitch Brain Rupe Each Summer a group of students led by Young Suk and one or two other volunteers travel to “Sunny Camp Fitch” for an international camp experience. Their trip involves two weeks of resident camp with a home stay in-between. Before taking students to Camp Fitch we enjoyed camping at Camp du Nord(YMCA) in Minnesota where Mr. Rupe was director at the time. Over the years, many ILF volunteers and a number of staff have spent months working at these YMCA camps thanks to Mr. Rupe and his understanding of our vision leadership development and our vision in Korea.
www.campfitchymca.org
The East Jerusalem YMCA Rehabilitation Program Nader Abu-Amsheh The EJ-YMCA Rehabilitation Program is the only program in Palestine applying a holistic approach in providing rehabilitative services. As we constantly strive for professionalism in every sphere of service and based on our belief that in order to achieve the desired objectives at the psychosocial and vocational levels, a suitable environment needs to be provided to the beneficiaries in order to facilitate the rehabilitation process. Customized to each individual beneficiary, our group of professional staff provide a comprehensive intervention plan that takes into consideration all the different needs and obstacles ranging from education to mobility and accessibility. Our focus is on ability and not disability so that our beneficiaries become active members in their communities and are reintegrated into society, thus contributing to mobilizing and utilizing the community resources as well as to the reconstruction of the Palestinian society. Our services are provided either by the field workers who cover all areas of the West Bank, at the surroundings of the beneficiaries, or at the Program's main office in Beit-Sahour.
www.ej-ymca.org/rehab/en/
Global Civic Sharing Hyun Ju Cho GCS is currently working in Mongolia, Rwanda, Kenya and Vietnam. The programs in each country are unique and special but all with the same ultimate vision; “Supporting self-reliance of developing countries through community based development, education(participatory activities) and advocacy(based on our work in the field)”
www.gcs.or.kr
Jesus Abbey Ben Torrey Jesus Abby is a community of Christians committed to loving God and each other while serving the world. It is also place for praying.
www.jabbey.org

Introduction to Korea

  • Overview
    1. South Korea is located in East Asia, it is a small peninsula country in-between China and Japan. It is a country with a long and rich history. Korean people are known for their work ethic, resilience and strong culture of respect. South Korea was separation from North Korea when Japan was defeated in WWII and left South Korea desolate and impoverished. In spite of all the challenges and obstacles that have faced the people of South Korea they have advanced and improved rapidly as a nation. South Korea has gone from broken and desolate to technologically advanced and a land full of abundance spreadings its culture to the world. Korean music, technology, medicine and cosmetics are some of the most influential aspects of Korean culture that are sweeping the world today. Korea may be a small country but its packed with many good and kind people, beautiful mountains and numerous resources. If you are interested in learning more about Korea and its culture, history and people feel free to take a look at the following links. www.english.visitkorea.or.kr, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Confucianism

  • Challenges
    1. South Korea has come through a lot, the people have had struggles and challenges that have left scars. These scars are not all harmful but it has become clear that some of these scars need to be addressed and the issues faced in order to help the youth of Korea to grow up whole and balanced. For example while Japan had control of the Korean people they forced them to change their educational system and some of those changes did not disappear when Japan was defeated. Korea is highly influenced by confucianism due to historic connections with China and over the years a unique Korean culture has evolved. The confucianism theology and ideology introduced so long ago is now a foundational element of Korean culture and way of life. Knowing this foundational information is helpful for understanding the issues that face the Korean people and how his Institute hopes to assist in making things better for the youth and for the future.

  • ILF Addresses
    1. In Korea and many Asian countries education is a highly competitive field. More than ever students are pressured to perform and only noticed when at the top of their class. This competitiveness has its advantages, such as, students apply themselves and working harder than most students in western countries. Tests and evaluations often show Korean, Japanese and other asian students with much higher overall results than the western world. Yet, the cost for this academic advancement is damaging on a very foundational level. From Middle School on most students have some idea of what a successful life is. Success is generally seen as fame and fortune just about everywhere in the world yet the added push of the collectivist culture for everyone to be the same can cause high stress in students.

    2. These days students often form beliefs and dreams based on the current culture more than they own abilities and desires. As you can probably guess, this is not ideal for students and causes an unbalanced life and education. Many students get little to no time for exercise or play on a regular basis and often times force themselves to work harder on subjects that they may never excel in just because that is what is expected of them. As it turned out some youth are not into this performance race and end up lashing out. The number or “troubled youth” in Korea is increasing and this has caused many in the world of education to give more time and attention to youth and the education system. May people see a problem and believe something should change, yet most people are unable to do anything. Currently the popular theories tend to imply that the problem is with the youth. Many leaders in phycology and education tend to lean towards seeing youth as the problem rather than the system as the problem.

    3. The heart of the issue is human nature and sin. Every culture has problems and issues that can only be fully solved when God is put first. Here at ILF, we believe God has given us a call and a love for the Youth of Korea. He has and continues to help us see and understand what is going on that we might do our best to create a new kind of youth culture, one that is based on Gods Kingdom. The only real way to help students is to give them a real relationship with God. We are working through the mediums of camp, games, community and fun to open students hearts and minds that they might come to know who God is and who they are.

A Voice from an International Staff

    1. Over the past few years a new *volunteer staff member from America has joined our work here in Korea. Sarah Rupe is our first international full time volunteer director and she has a vision to take the idea of camp and use it as a tool to reach out to people and countries all over the world. Bellow is a letter from Sarah sharing her vision and how she came to Korea and to work alongside of us.

  • In the beginning
    1. My Story, The last three years have been quite the ride, full of new challenges, ups and downs. What holds me steady is the knowledge that I am where God has lead me. My confidence in Gods directing my life grows with each day. It feels like a lifetime ago that I was in University and thinking about what internship I should do. At the time there were a large variety of options and my interests where mostly concerned with what I could afford and what was adventurous. As I was looking/thinking through my options I remembered that I had given my word to some Korean friends over the summer that I would try to go to Korea and work with them.

      My Internship in Korea ultimately became a reality and It was a summer I will remember for years to come. Towards the end of the summer things settled down and I had more time for thinking and praying. My head was full of questions for God about what I should do after graduation and all I was sure of was that I wanted to do only what God lead me to. One morning I felt God turn the light on in my head and heart. All of the sudden I could see it, my whole life has been preparing me for a life of ministry but not simply being a “missionary” or pastor but rather as someone who would share “camp” and all it means with others.

      For me camp is more than a few weeks in the summer away from home. Its a place where people can come together authentically, a place where we interact with one another on a deeper level, a place where God uses his creation and our time together to open our spirits and speak to us. Camp is a second home for may people and a place where lives are changed forever, doing camp is another way to spread Gods Kingdom and his love to the world.

  • After that first summer
    1. I had no intention on returning to Korea at least not for a long stay, I felt God directing me to gain experience where I could in the US. I returned home, graduated with my Recreation Administration degree and was working full time at Camp Fitch with Outdoor Education. The next summer I worked at two other camps doing numerous jobs and tasks, meeting many great people and experiencing camp in new and meaningful ways.

      When I was at Camp Fitch working as an outdoor Educator I spent lots of time with Jason Huh and Dajung Chung who were living and working their with me. Jason spent lots of time sharing his vision for Korea and I enjoyed getting to know him and his family. Honestly I am not really sure how it happened, but during this time I agreed to return to Korea and work as a director with ILF for one year. I was anxieties about leaving for a whole year yet, it became clear the God was opening the door and all that was left was for me to follow.

      2013 feels a bit like a blur. It was only last year however, it was far from what I had hoped for or imagined and was a year with lots of struggles both in my heart and in my surroundings. My struggles where with myself, with God, with co-workers, with ILF and with Korea in general. I often wanted to just get away from it all and leave Korea altogether. Part of my problem was not wanting to stay any longer than necessary in Korea and thus not giving God enough time of day or night to tell me he had more for me to do and that he wanted me to stay. God only knows how he changed my mind, I think a big part of it was realising I have no desire to walk away from the path God has prepared for me. Thus my choice was simple and my fervent prayer, that God would help me like it.
  • For God and His Kingdom
    1. I don’t always like where I am(physically and spiritually), but I do trust and I do know God is faithful and that gives me joy. When I was considering staying in Korea for another year, I selfishly made a list of conditions and then proceeded to see God address each item in my list. To be honest, God meeting my conditions was not really what I wanted or the point in making them, yet God in his patience and goodness did it anyway. One “condition” that was important to me was returning to Korea with supporters and financial backing that I might be more of a co-worker and give more to the work of ILF. I don't yet have all the money that I figured would be needed, but I am still receiving donations and my lack or existence of money is yet another way I can determine what God really wants me to be doing and where he wants me to go.

      This year I came to Korea with a few major goals and focuses. If Korea is where God wants me for a while I need to learn the language and now is the best time to do it. Studying and learning Korean has moved up on my priority list and thankfully I have been learning faster than last year. The second thing I feel God directing me to do is be open and ready to build relationships in Korea and anywhere I might be. The idea of having the opportunity to travel to other Asian countries this year is one part of being here that gets me excited. I am looking forward to meeting new people, learning about other cultures and planting seeds for Gods kingdom. Its an exciting idea and dream to be able to learn about other peoples, see their needs and hopefully use camp as a way to introduce them to a loving God and Heavenly Father.
    1. * Intern and Volunteer Program: University students have been and continue to be the main force behind our seasonal camp and club programs. We have been blessed and great full for the dedication and hard work of many volunteers over the years. Kuk’s mother in law has been are longest volunteer, she has served with heart and loyalty for the past 20 years in the Kitchen and is heartily appreciated for every meal. Over the last 20 years ILF has brought in and sent out many volunteers and we find our work and our programs are for the volunteers as much as they are for the participants and students.

Information

    1. Address: 6-13 Gungchon Street, Wabu-eup, Namyangju-si, Kyeonggi-do, South Korea
    2. Phone: +82 31 577 7179
    3. Fax: +82 31 577 7178
    4. Email: ilf@ilf.or.kr
    5. Website: www.ilf.or.kr