The Ripple Effect of Peace Camp: Small actions with big impact

Between August 10^th and August 14^th, youth in the Waterloo Region will be discovering community through peace. The MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement’s fifth annual Peace Camp is a day camp run at Conrad Grebel University College. Youth aged 11-14 will experience a week packed with exciting activities, crafts, games, and field trips, all with a social justice spin that encourages youth to inspire lives, strengthen ties and make peace happen in Waterloo Region.

Last year, campers came away from Peace Camp with newly gained knowledge of themselves and their communities. One camper enjoyed “the inspiring speakers and the fun activities that make you think about how you can change the world for the better.” Another camper commented that “there are ways we can help issues that may seem bigger than us. It’s meaningful because...our opinions matter.” According to one camper, youth also have fun: “Peace Camp is great fun. You make lots of new friends. Peace Camp made me feel great about myself. I can’t wait to come back next year!!”

As a non-profit organization, Peace Camp receives a 5-year grant from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation and on-going sponsorship from Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, Josslin Insurance, and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Fund. With KWCF’s support, Peace Camp 2015 is providing 17 campers with subsidized registration.

This summer’s theme of “Ripple Effect” will allow youth to participate in activities that will teach them how their actions, no matter how small, impact those around them. Together with the dynamic Peace Camp staff, youth will learn about various issues in their local and global communities by hearing from organizations across the Kitchener Waterloo region, including Homelessness Everywhere Lacking Publicity and Food Not Waste. Campers will gain an understanding of social justice and peacebuilding, while having fun and making lasting friendships.

Peace Camp runs from Monday, August 10^th to Friday, August 15^th, 2015 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Peace Camp is committed to providing a low-cost program to make sure all interested youth can participate. The total cost per camper is $190, including lunch.

Peace Camp will be going on a field trip to one of the Patchwork Community Gardens in KW on August 12^th and visiting Bring on the Sunshine’s African Culture Camp on August 13^th­. On all other days of the week, we will be based at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo. We welcome media to photograph or report on Peace Camp. A good time to come is Tuesday, August 11^th (our “Food Sustainability” day), or the afternoon of Friday, August 1^st when we will be having a camp showcase, presenting some of the week’s projects, and reception for members of the community.