Waterloo, Ontario – Conrad Grebel University College invites junior youth to have fun and make a difference at this summer’s first-ever Peace Camp. With fun in the sun and a social justice twist, Peace Camp promises a five-day action-packed program that combines the excitement of summer camp with critical approaches to conflict.
The new camp pairs campers aged 11-14 with youth and adults across Ontario who promote peacemaking in their communities. Each day, Peace Camp will be joined by scientists, artists, musicians and more who will share practical strategies they are using to change the world.
Campers will engage in fun-filled games, sports, and arts & crafts that will help them understand particular conflicts and will develop action plans to better their homes, schools and communities. Participants will also have a chance to share arts, crafts, drama, foods and games from their families, cultures, religions and countries.
The Peace Camp staff team will serve as guides on campers’ journeys to peace, by helping to create a nurturing environment that puts youth first. Dante Labriola, one of four Peace Camp staff members, writes:
Because of my experiences, as a student and as a teacher, I believe that peace and justice education is fundamental to the success of life-long learning. We are able to tackle difficult issues, consider complicated questions, and the challenge of being human.
At Peace Camp, it clearly pays to play. By prizing childlike qualities and encouraging youth to problem-solve, young people can be part of a safe space where they can be themselves, overcome obstacles they face, and work toward a better world.
The summer session of Peace Camp extends from Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12, 2011. Full-day (9:00am-4:00pm) and half-day (9:00am-12:00pm) options are available with the inclusion of lunch for the full-day option. Peace Camp is committed to providing a low-cost program to make sure all interested youth can participate. This is made possible through a charitable grant from the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union. The cost for the full-day option is $150.00 and the cost for the half-day option is $65.00.
Register at Peace Camp website.
Follow us on Twitter at: UoWPeaceCamp
Peace Camp at Waterloo.
Inspiring Lives. Strengthening Ties. Making Peace Happen in Waterloo Region.
Inquiries can be direct to:
Devon Spier
Peace Camp Coordinator
peacecamp@uwaterloo.ca
519-885-0220 ex. 24291
grebel.uwaterloo.ca/peacecamp
In the news
July 14, 2011 - Volleyball, songs and social justice — welcome to Peace Camp in The Record
July 14 - 2011 - Giving peace (camp) a chance in The Woolwich Observer