Peace Camp: Peacemaking Across Borders

(3/26) Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice (ICPJ) is now accepting applications for Peace Camp, to be held June 18-22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Gettysburg Area Middle School. ICPJ has presented this summer day camp since 1988 as part of our mission to promote awareness and activities related to peace, social justice and environmental balance.

The theme of this summer’s camp, for children ages 6 to 12, is "Peacemaking Across Borders", offered in cooperation with Project Gettysburg-Lebn, Gettysburg’s sister city project with Lebn, Nicaragua (www.gettysburg-leon.org). Campers will explore and experience a variety of "borders", including those separating nations and those separating people within the same community, on the basis of such differences as race, religion, nationality, ability, and age.

This year’s campers will participate in interpretive storytelling, improvisational theater experiences, "south of the border" interactive presentations and games, arts and crafts projects, non-violent conflict resolution, international exchanges, a black history walking tour, ability-challenge games, music, dance and more!

Our program coordinator for "Peacemaking Across Borders" is Paulette Lee, a Project Gettysburg-Lebn volunteer who has visited Nicaragua, traveled extensively and lived abroad. She has created and led peacebuilding programs in Iraq and elsewhere. Special camp guests will include additional Project Gettysburg-Lebn volunteers, actress Ann Griffith, historian Deb McCauslin and folk musician Tom Jolin.

To provide the best camp experience possible, ICPJ intentionally accepts only a limited number of campers. The deadline for applications is April 15th and ICPJ will notify campers accepted into camp by May 1st.

Families are asked to pay a camp fee in amounts they can afford. ICPJ suggests a sliding scale fee up to $35 per family (regardless of how many children). Registration forms are available in all branches of Adams County Library, and at the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County. Forms may also be requested by calling 717-334-0752 or e-mailing peacecamp@icpj-gettysburg.org. .

Teens are encouraged to attend as junior counselors. This is a great way to fill school requirements for community service. Parents are also welcome to volunteer on an as-available basis.

ICPJ, a member organization of the Adams Unity Coalition, is a non-profit group based in Gettysburg and working to encourage thinking and action related to peace, social justice and environmental balance. ICPJ activities include Peace Camp, the Heritage Festival and the Peacemaker Awards honoring local residents who have been distinguished in the pursuit of peace and justice. For more information, visit www.icpj-gettysburg.org and www.adamsunity.org or call 717-334-0752.

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