Seeds of Peace

• How to Become a Seed
  
• Employment Opportunities
  

Overview

Dates for Summer 2010:
Session One: June 21 - July 13
Session Two: July 18 - August 9 

Set in the pristine woods of Maine beside a shimmering lake, Seeds of Peace International Camp is the picture of serenity and unspoiled beauty. Worlds away from the conflict, the International Camp provides an escape from the explosive rage and violence spilling over in the Middle East and South Asia. This neutral, supportive setting makes it possible for hundreds of young leaders from both sides of major conflicts to meet their "enemies" face-to-face, often for the first time in their lives. Here they confront their prejudices and deep-seated fears and tackle the issues that fuel the conflict back at home.

The three-week conflict resolution program is designed to open young minds to the possibility of a new reality. Every aspect of the program fosters trust, challenges assumptions and narrows the psychological distance between the participants. The program’s intensity is deliberate. Each Seed shares a bunk with the very people they have been conditioned to hate. Athletic, artistic and cultural activities scheduled throughout the days deepen the bonds between Seeds. Daily dialogue sessions form the center of the program. During hours of discussion, conducted by professional facilitators, they are forced to confront their differences. By the end of the program each Seed has achieved a new threshold for tolerating ideas and understanding perspectives that, for many, were once beyond comprehension.

Each year, Seeds of Peace welcomes nearly 350 Afghan, American, Egyptian, Indian, Israeli, Jordanian, Pakistani and Palestinian participants to the camp. These young leaders are chosen by their governments, schools or other community organizations in their home countries following an extensive andcompetitive application and interview process.

Another unique element of the camp program is the inclusion of young leaders from the State of Maine. This is an initiative that focuses on relevant issues facing the entire state. During the summer, students from around the state discuss topics such as the economy, race relations, and education reform. By exploring these issues, the end result will bring a sense of community to the students, as well as a unified effort to help develop solutions to Maine’s challenges.