Have you ever been in a place, space, or community where you have been encouraged to try something new? Have you been challenged to take risks and leap out of your comfort zone? Have you tasted the confidence that comes with mastering new skills?
At summer camp, youth often have the opportunity to take these risks in the form of tackling a high ropes course, canoeing for the first time, or performing in a talent show. These experiences at summer camp are transformative and life-long confidence builders.
At Peace Camp, jumping out of your comfort zone looks a bit different. It’s practicing a new conflict resolution strategy and learning how to advocate for an issue you’re passionate about. It’s having a dialogue with someone who has different experiences and learning that together, we can make a difference.
Whether learning from a local peace advocate, or playing a justice-themed game, Peace Campers explore how they can create peace. One previous camper commented, “I learned that lots of people create peace and that inspired me to volunteer somewhere next year.”
Campers share that their time at camp shows them how they can take steps toward change. Another camper reflected, “I learned that you can do small things to be peaceful, even though we usually think about the big things.”
Peace Camp is a week-long day camp from July 30 to August 3, 2018 for youth finished grades 6-8 at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. Designed to inspire campers to volunteer in their communities, campers learn from local peacebuilders who have found innovative ways to make a difference. Through crafts, games, guest speakers and field trips, Peace Camp is a week filled with activities and discussions to equip young people with the skills to create peaceful change in their schools, homes, and friendships.
This year’s superhero theme will invite campers to discover their own peace super powers, and learn how they can use them to build peace locally and globally.