Since 1993, Seeds of Peace has cultivated and inspired new generations of leaders who refuse to accept the world as it is and sets them on a path to creating the world that could be.
These young leaders, called Seeds, first come to the Seeds of Peace Camp in Maine to engage with each other across lines of conflict and difference—sharing meals and living spaces, and taking part in traditional camp activities.
Central to the Camp experience are daily facilitated dialogue sessions. Dialogue creates spaces for campers to find the courage to share their stories, experiences, and beliefs. The sessions also help campers develop essential leadership qualities: strengthening one’s voice and critical thinking, fostering respect and empathy, opening one’s mind to new perspectives, and learning how to genuinely listen.
Following Camp, Seeds from all delegations actively translate their experiences back to their schools and communities through local leadership development programs. These year-round activities allow Seeds to continue to build on the relationships started in Maine, gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the divisions their communities face, and hone their critical thinking and communication skills.
The ultimate goal is to develop leaders who are able to imagine a shared future and take action having spent time understanding themselves and their interconnection to each other.
We have two opportunities for American and UK students wishing to participate in our Camp Program in Maine each summer:
Session 1. Middle East, South Asia, American/UK
June 27 – July 18, 2019 in Otisfield, Maine
• For students from the United States and the United Kingdom
• Grades 9-11 (with a strong preference for grades 9 & 10)
Youth from across the United States and the United Kingdom join peers from Egypt, India, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, and Palestine to engage in a Middle East or South Asia dialogue program at Camp.
American and UK campers are participants in the program in every sense, from bunk life to activities to daily dialogue sessions. Their identities, relationships, and opinions concerning the Middle East and South Asia are an important part of the conversation, and they learn first-hand about the lives and realities of their peers from these places.
The knowledge and skills American and UK Seeds gain at Camp apply as much to their own communities as to communities around the world.
Learn more about the 2019 American/UK Delegation to Camp ››
Session 2. United States
July 24 – August 11, 2019 in Otisfield, Maine
CAMP 2019 APPLICATIONS CLOSED EXCEPT FOR SYRACUSE
• For students from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Syracuse (New York), or the State of Maine.
• Grades 9 and 10
Youth from select cities and states across the country will engage in dialogue around divisions within the United States, exploring concepts of identity—including race, religion, gender, and culture—as well as community, power, and privilege. The program fosters self-reflection, self-growth, and interpersonal learning which allows campers to acknowledge and move beyond the stereotypes, prejudices, and mistrust of others and difference.
They also gain valuable leadership skills they can use to engage their peers and lead change within their schools and communities.
If you are from Maine, learn more about this program ››
If you are from Syracuse (New York), learn more about this program ››
If you are from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, learn about this program ››
Students may only apply for one of the two sessions, but will have the opportunity to express an interest in the other. Students should apply for the session that they are most interested in.
Seeds of Peace strives to create delegations that are diverse, with participants from different cultural, political, ethnic, social, religious, geographic, and educational backgrounds.
Programs: American/UK | Maine | New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago | Syracuse