Faith, Nature, and Fellowship: 50 Gather on Norway’s South Coast for Malmøya Family Workshop
MALMØYA, NORWAY — From July 27 through August 1, 2026, an idyllic island off the southern coast of Norway transformed into a vibrant hub of community, faith, and summer adventure as 50 participants gathered for the annual Malmøya Family Workshop.
The week-long retreat brought together families, youth, and children for an immersive experience designed to deepen spiritual foundations, foster intergenerational connections, and celebrate the natural environment.
Anchored in Faith and Community
Organized with a dual purpose—to strengthen community bonds among the younger generation of “blessed children” and to foster a shared appreciation for “Heavenly Parent’s creation”—the workshop balanced reflection with active fun.
Mornings opened with Hoon Dok Hoe (HDH) study and devotional sessions, giving participants time to gather for shared learning and spiritual grounding before stepping into the day’s outdoor itinerary.
“The goal was simple yet profound: to create a space where our children could feel the warmth of community while directly experiencing the beauty of creation all around us.”
Hands-On Exploration along the Coast line
Set against a backdrop of wooden shoreline cabins, pine trees, and granite rocks, the island environment served as both a classroom and a playground:
- Marine Discovery: Children explored the tidal pools and rocky shores, catching shore crabs and learning hands-on about local marine life.
- Coastal Fishing: Group fishing sessions along the coastal cliffs gave youth a chance to test their patience and skill on the water.
- Nature-Inspired Art: Campers collected sticks, bark, pinecones, and seashells during outdoor strolls, turning their finds into natural craft displays and drawings that were showcased during an indoor exhibition.
Teamwork, Play, and Evening Sunsets
Recreation played a central role in bringing all ages together. On the spacious grassy lawns surrounding the traditional dark-timber lodge, participants joined in volleyball matches, lawn activities, and group circle games.
As evenings settled over the archipelago, families gathered on the elevated rocks overlooking the sea to watch the sun dip below the horizon—capping off a week defined by connection, shared laughter, and community unity.