Seeds of Peace International Camp

Maine has a long tradition of sleep-away summer camps. For many children, summer camp is their first experience of living away from home for an extended period, and they learn valuable ‘life skills’. The camps teach children how to get along with others, and how to swim, sail, and a myriad of other useful skills. One of the most important benefits of a Maine summer camp is an appreciation of the tranquility of the woods, the beauty of the lake, and life without the hustle and bustle of our children’s usual, programmed lives.

Do you have a picture in your mind’s eye yet? Now imagine that most of the campers come from conflict ridden countries – some that are at war with each other. That camp would be the Seeds of Peace International Camp.

Founded 15 years ago by journalist John Wallach, Seeds of Peace has had over 4,000 teenagers participate in one of its 3 week summer sessions. Participants are chosen to attend by their governments, schools or community organizations. A key offering is a conflict-resolution program designed to give the young leaders the skills they need to promote peace and open minds in their societies.

In 1993, John Wallach started with 49 campers, or ‘Seeds’ as they’re called, from Israel, Egypt and Palestine. The organization has expanded to include young people from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Jordan. The camp also welcomes a delegation of young American leaders to each camp session. To read about the American delegation, go to: Seeds of Peace America/UK Delegation.  Seeds of Peace also offers programs for the ‘Seeds’ when they return to their countries.

The personal stories and connections are very moving. Young adults who would not have believed that they could overcome the hatred that has surrounded them develop close and trusting relationships with their enemies. To read about the components of the program go to: http://www.seedsofpeace.org/programs.

The U.S. Department of State has recognized the success of this model, and assisted in expanding it into South Asia. It also offers programs in Washington, D.C. and the ‘Seeds’ home countries.

Seeds of Peace is funded through donations. To learn more about this ground breaking organization go to: http://www.seedsofpeace.org/about.

The Seeds of Peace website has videos providing personal experiences. Here is Ismail’s story.