Peace Camp

Why Have a Peace Camp?

On November 10, 1998, the United Nations General Assembly responded to an appeal from every living Nobel Peace Laureate by proclaiming the year 2000 to "The year for the Culture of Peace" and the years 2001-2010 to be the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World."

The emphasis on "culture" grows out of a recognition that real peace is much more than the absence of overt violence or war and requires collective as well as individual change. If humanity is to move toward the vision of peace lifted up by many of the world's great religions, more than individual change is needed. At the heart of "things that make for peace" is a culture of peace-- distinctive traditions, values, attitudes, worldviews, relational roles, behavioral norms, and institutional structures that promote peace.

The way we think, act and feel as we interact with our world is not only the result of our individual characteristics and circumstances but is also shaped by the cultures with which we identify. If we are part of a culture in which diversity is affirmed, it is likely that tolerance and respect will be part of our response to differences. If we belong to a culture that regards itself as superior, we may find if difficult to regard outsiders as equal. Our personal attitudes toward violence will be deeply influenced by the collective attitude about violence in our culture.

Culture is something we learn unconsciously as children. Thus, if we seek to build a culture of peace, we need to begin with children. As the song in the musical, South Pacific, puts it, "You've got to be taught to hate and fear?.."

There are powerful influences in our culture, such as violence, competitiveness and consumerism that work against the values of cooperation, respect of self and others. Children need help in learning how to communicate effectively, especially to share their feelings honestly and look for safe ways to express anger. They need experience in solving problems peacefully. Learning to listen carefully to others, especially those who disagree, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insisting on getting one's own way, is not something that comes naturally for most children.

What Do We Do At Peace Camp?

"Children of all ages need to learn respectful, peaceful ways of resolving conflict and working together," said The Rev. Fran Hayes, pastor of the church. "Peace Camp gives us a chance to learn peaceful ways of doing things, celebrate our neighborhood's diversity, make new friends and have a lot of fun together."

Participants gather for supper, which includes halal meats in order to be hospitable to our Muslim friends. A central activity is the "community build," in which everyone works together to design, build and decorate buildings and other attractions they would hope to find in a peaceful neighborhood. In previous years, the neighborhood has included a hospital, a fire station, "Peace Park," an ice cream parlor, a mosque, and "Peace Church."

Through the community build, as well as stories, songs, games and other activities, children will learn about and practice good communication skills, especially how to listen carefully, even to those who disagree, and to share their feelings honestly. They will look for safe ways to express anger and explore ways to solve problems peacefully.

You can see photos from previous years' Peace Camps below.

Click on the thumbnail to link to a larger image. (Size in parentheses)

Peace Camp participants enjoyed singing every evening. (89kb)