Seeds of Peace
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Spending nearly seven weeks in the serene environment of Seeds of Peace has been the most meaningful experience of my life. As an American camper and peer support, I was often able to act as a liason between Arabs and Israelis. But my role at Camp was so much more than that.
- Joey, American Seed
The selection process to become a Seeds of Peace camper is very competitive and varies by country.
International Seeds
Typically, applicants to Seeds of Peace apply through the school systems in their home country. Applicants aged 14-16 must demonstrate proficiency in English and leadership skills, as well as motivation, based on a written essay and a series of interviews. Most of the first year campers are chosen by the Ministries of Education or community organizations in their respective countries.
Currently, Seeds of Peace and regional governments recruit campers for the following delegations:
- Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian
- Afghan, Indian, and Pakistani
While there are many countries and regions of the world which we would like to incorporate into our programming, funding and organizational priorities are focused for the time being on the regions mentioned above so that we can provide thorough, well-run year-round opportunities.
For more details about the specifics of each participating delegation’s selection process (from the list above), please e-mail camp@seedsofpeace.org. Please be sure to include the city in which you live so that we can direct to the appropriate person.
American delegates at Seeds of Peace have an incredible opportunity to learn about international conflicts and cultures first-hand, by living with and participating alongside their peers from the Middle East, South Asia, the United Kingdom, and throughout the United States. American youth are participants in the program in every sense, from bunk life to activities to daily dialogue sessions. As "Seeds", they act as friends and supporters, helping to create links between campers from regions of conflict. American campers often provide a vital sense of perspective especially in the daily coexistence sessions where discussions of history, identity, and politics take place. American youth are encouraged to engage in all discussions and share their own views on such issues. They play an important role in creating an atmosphere conducive to trust-building and dialogue. Aside from their work with the international campers, American Seeds also focus on issues of multiculturalism and racial conflict within the US and the UK; they often learn as much about their own communities as they do those around the world. For this reason, Seeds of Peace strives to create a culturally and ethnically diverse American Delegation.
American participants demonstrate leadership, a willingness to learn, and an interest in international affairs. After Camp, they actively bring their personal experiences into their homes, schools, and communities. In the United Kingdom, our active Steering Committee builds local programming that aims to sustain Seeds’ engagement. In the US, Seeds work together to build the relationships, skills, understanding and influence they need to advocate for local and international peace initiatives by attending Seeds of Peace events and conferences throughout the year. They also have the opportunity to participate in Seeds of Peace events and conferences throughout the year. Seeds of Peace strives to create an American delegation that is representative of the population it represents.
Our preference is for campers 14-16 years of age who possess both an open-minded attitude and a high level of maturity. The quality of the application essays and a possible interview will be factored in to the selection process. The Seeds of Peace International Camp traditionally hosts a total of 165 campers each three-week session, 20 of which make up the American Delegation, the rest comprised of delegations from the Middle East, South Asia, and Maine.
Dates for Summer 2012
Session One: June 25 through July 18
(American Delegation orientation begins June 24)
An orientation program for American Delegates will take place in Portland, Maine, prior to the start of each session with travel to Camp provided following upon conclusion. More details will be provided following selection.
Please note that there is $6,000 tuition fee for American Delegates. Limited scholarship money is available. The application for financial assistance is available in Part Five of the application.
Thank you for your interest in the American Seeds program. Unfortunately the application deadline for the 2012 American Seeds Application was January 4th, 2012. Check back in the fall for information on the 2013 Camp program. Please feel free to be in touch with American Seeds Program Director, Ashleigh Zimmerman, at Ashleigh@seedsofpeace.org with any further questions.
Reflections from Previous American Campers
"Being part of the American Delegation was an eye-opening experience. My adventure has opened my eyes to not only how lucky I am, but also how unfortunate others are. Leaving Seeds of Peace was the hardest moment of my life; I saw those who had become my friends crying, realizing that they were leaving the utopia of our camp and going back to the gunshots, bombings, pain and torture. But when they left, I also saw hope for a future generation that will have the compassion and power to end thousands of years of hatred." — Tamra, New Jersey
Read an article by a 2003/2004 American Delegation camper »
Read an article by a 2002 American Delegation camper »
"Seeds of Peace is greatly contributing to the cause of peace. If these young people represent the next generation, then I can only be more optimistic regarding the future. You are the true builders of peace."
