Peace Camp

It has been a joy to hear the laughter of children at Peace Camp this past week and to see 62 happy and enthusiastic children from Buckingham community, Beacon House, and UUCA playing together and learning the skills of reconciliation and peace. Peace Camp is one of the best programs in our church, and I'm thankful to Topher Dunne and Jason Powell and their committed and talented team of volunteers for their leadership and dedication. I'm afraid the church will be much quieter for the rest of the summer. How was Peace Camp for those of you who volunteered?

Tags: Camp, Peace

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Comment by Sue Browning on July 16, 2011 at 9:53pm: Chantel, thanks so much for your leadership at Peace Camp. Making the commitment to this major role (especially not knowing all it entailed!) was a wonderful gift to the children that attended and to the volunteers. And thanks to the other leaders Peace Camp!

Comment by Chantel Aberdeen on July 16, 2011 at 1:54am: This year, I had the opportunity to serve as Volunteer Coordinator for UUCA’s Peace Camp. In February, I volunteered to take on the role while still a “newcomer” to UUCA, as I only began attending service at UUCA three months prior. Therefore, I had never experienced Peace Camp. Furthermore, I had no experience as a Volunteer Coordinator.

Admittedly, if I had known how much I did not know, I would have chosen another option. The job turned out to be far more challenging than I imagined. However, the rewards were also far greater than I imagined. In the most challenging moments, it was Peace Camp’s mission of teaching peacemaking and conflict resolution skills to counter systemic violence, support from other members of the steering committee, and the large number of volunteers and quiet contributors who gave so unselfishly that gave me the inspiration to continue. Seeing the joyous and happy faces of the campers, and hearing large numbers of people of all ages express appreciation for the opportunity about the experience was the icing. I agree with Rev. Mike, Peace Camp is one of the best things at UUCA.