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Daily Camp Reports
The Field | December 31
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” — Rumi
For this group of 40 campers and over 25 members of staff—some traveling from Lahore, Karachi, Uttarakhand, Rajkot, Mumbai, Kashmir, and others from the United States and Sri Lanka—that field is currently located in Sri Lanka.
In true Seeds of Peace fashion, the 2026 South Asia Regional Leadership Camp is situated on the banks of a lake. As the moon reflected off the water on the evening of December 30, 2025, the Indian delegation arrived at camp to a traditional tunnel welcome, greeted with cheers and song. From there, campers were welcomed into a round of introductions and a brief orientation led by Camp Director Paul Stapleton.
This was followed by an authentic Sri Lankan welcome ceremony—the lighting of the lamp—led by our campers themselves. After a few opening formalities and a nourishing dinner, an exhausted but energized group of campers retreated to their bunks to settle in for the night.
In the early hours of the morning, the Pakistani cohort arrived, completing our group. After a quick orientation, they too settled into their bunks for some well-earned rest.
The following morning, campers and Staff were welcomed with a Sri Lankan Kandyan dance performance, officially marking the first full day of camp. The day unfolded quickly. Campers were formally welcomed by Paul, Shweta, Gale, Sara, and Zahid, and then divided into their Dialogue Groups—an essential foundation of the Seeds of Peace experience. From there, campers rotated through their first activities: tours of the camp grounds, medical check-ins, and their first dialogue sessions.
Interspersed with shared meals and moments of unstructured time, the energy on camp remained high despite the long journeys the previous day.
That evening, during our first line-up, campers and staff gathered once again. Paul then invited the community to reflect and reorient through three questions—questions that put into perspective both the day that had passed and the days yet to come:
1. Why am I here?
2. Why are you here?
3. Why are we here?
The evening continued with a spirited chorus of Hey Jude, led by Community Care Coordinator Gale, before campers transitioned into the night’s special activity: Bunk Night.
Within their bunks, campers co-created shared boundaries, expectations, and norms—laying the groundwork for trust, care, and accountability. Surrounded by snacks and conversation, these early moments of connection quietly marked the beginning of friendships that will continue to deepen over the course of camp.
With New Year’s Eve on the horizon, campers prepared to welcome 2026 in true Seeds of Peace spirit—together. As they slowly made their way back to their bunks, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air: hope, curiosity, and a readiness for the work—and the joy—that lies ahead.
The Seed | January 1
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
Day two dawned as an overcast New Year’s Day, with campers hustling to line-up, buzzing with energy and proudly sharing their newly minted bunk chants with the larger group. The WAM—Weather Appreciation Moment—led by Kumail accompanied morning announcements, setting the tone for the day. This palpable energy carried through breakfast and bunk clean-up, marking a lively start to the day.
The morning then moved into an exciting special activity block, featuring a range of sessions led by our counselors: Henna with Falak, Traditional Games with Yusra, Volleyball with Ali, Women’s Swimming with Sayojitha, and Nature Walk with Kunal. Campers signed up for one activity to explore its themes over three sessions before rotating to others. In Traditional Games, campers played Pithoo at a beginner-friendly level, while Volleyball focused on drills and mini-games. Henna and Women’s Swimming offered a more relaxed pace, with soothing music playing by the pool as the sessions unfolded. The Nature Walk created a moment of calm amidst the camp’s bustle, encouraging campers to slow down, regulate their nervous systems, and engage with nature by noticing textures and elements through touch.
A much-needed lunch break and rest hour left campers refreshed and ready for their next rotation between Dialogue, Group Challenge, and Arts. During their second Dialogue session, campers focused on building a safe space for vocalizing vulnerabilities and identifying primary and secondary emotions. Group Challenge encouraged campers to find cohesion within their teams, step outside their comfort zones, and engage in creative problem-solving—while remaining mindful of the norms and boundaries they had collectively established. The Arts session emphasized decompression and self-expression, concluding with a well-deserved meditative exercise that gently transitioned into unstructured time.
With speakers in hand and dancing shoes on, campers and staff enjoyed lighter moments together—bonding over board games and Bollywood music—before heading to line-up. Led by Zahid, campers were briefed on the schedule ahead, and a few chose to share personal experiences that led them to join the Seeds community. The somber mood was quickly lifted by hearty laughter as bunk inspection results were announced by Arshid, along with a clear explanation of marking parameters by the staff. With some truly hilarious bunk inspection moments that left the room in splits, the announcement of the evening activity—Movie Night post dinner—kept excitement levels high as the day wound down.
Campers swapped diaries, pens, and water bottles for blankets, pillows, and pajamas as they settled into the Big Hall to watch Kung Fu Panda. Their laughter, snacks, and shared anecdotes filled the space as the day came to a close. Campers returned to their bunks with anticipation for what lay ahead, as the spirit of unity and togetherness prevailed—watering the seeds of friendships that have now begun to grow.
The Soil | January 2
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock.” — Lao Tzu
Another overcast morning ushered in Day 3 as the campers gathered for line-up, clouds hanging low as if listening in. The Weather Appreciation Moment predicted scattered thunderstorms and cooler temperatures, marking our first rainy day since arrival. Bunk chants rang out louder than ever, impressive in volume and creativity, with competitive spirit growing right alongside bunk pride. Community Care Coordinator Gale set the tone, singing a sailing song and inviting everyone to follow along with actions.
With campers laughing and slightly breathless from the performance, morning instructions gave way to an electric breakfast. Reenergized and buzzing, the campers moved on to bunk clean-up before dispersing to special activities. Those signed up for women’s swim were introduced to the elements—fire, earth, wind, water—meeting water as both teacher and mirror. Just as water takes the shape of whatever holds it without losing its essence, campers were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences at the camp.
Kunal’s nature walk echoed this exploration, inviting campers to notice how emotions surface and settle in the natural world. Using found elements, campers created quadrants of importance and urgency, sorting their daily concerns and burdens and learning tools to better tend to them beyond camp. Traditional games with Yusra brought everyone together for Kho-Kho, a familiar schoolyard game shared across cultures and countries.
After lunch and a well-earned rest hour, the afternoon unfolded through rotations of Group Challenge, Arts, and Dialogue. Arts became a pocket of quiet creativity, offering space for reflection through collective painting. Campers worked on shared sheets of paper, passing them along each time the buzzer sounded—an exercise in letting go, trusting others, and building something together.
This flowed seamlessly into Dialogue, where campers explored culture by mapping its roots, trunk, and branches, sharing stories and listening closely to “the other.” Group Challenge carried these ideas into movement, aptly described by Dialogue Facilitator Saumya as “Dialogue in action.”
Following another round of hilarious bunk inspection results—and a decisive winner—evening line-up returned to Paul’s opening question from the first day: Why am I here? The space softened with somber smiles, quiet nods, and moments of shared recognition as campers acknowledged one another’s journeys.
Dinner followed, tables alive with speculation about the evening’s plans. For many, this marked their first encounter with The Mostest—an activity curated by staff members Ali, Falak, and Arshid, featuring playful prompts ranging from the most dramatic cry to the most motivational speech, and the most accurate mimicry of a beloved staff member. With Camp Director Paul behind the DJ console, the Big Hall soon swelled with laughter, cheers, clapping, and fearless encouragement.
As the day came to a close, a steady sense of belonging settled in. What began as cheers for teammates transformed into applause for everyone. In that shared joy—in every hug, laugh, and cheer—the seeds of friendship were gently watered, beginning to take root through encouragement, care, and collective warmth.
Building Community | January 3
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” — Lao Tzu
As campers and staff awoke to Day 4, the sun finally made its appearance, spilling warmth across the grounds and ushering sunscreen and sunglasses into the morning line-up. Community Care Coordinator Gale set the tone for the day by speaking about community, inclusion, and the quiet warmth of togetherness.
With this spirit in mind, we celebrated camper birthdays amid the rumble of bunk chants and shared cheer. The Weather Appreciation Moment, led by Kumail, predicted scattered clouds and an overall warm day, gently reminding everyone of the importance of staying hydrated.
This was the final day of the first set of Special Activities. Kunal led the nature walk, weaving in a series of smaller pauses within the larger journey and inviting campers to slow down and truly be present. Gratitude, empathy, and unity in diversity emerged as central themes. As Kunal shared, “The aim was to teach the campers about coexistence without the use of political language, and letting nature do the diplomacy.”
In henna with Falak, campers tested their skills on one another’s hands, some experimenting with basic Arabic and Devanagari scripts to write names alongside their designs. Volleyball with Ali proved especially popular, with a full-fledged match unfolding within the span of an hour. Traditional games with Yusra concluded on a playful note with a crowd favourite: musical chairs. With Gale, Paul, Shweta, and Laila joining in, the game ended triumphantly with a large fallen coconut presented as the winner’s trophy.
After lunch, campers transitioned into Dialogue, Group Challenge, and Arts. Dialogue explored emotional mapping, self-awareness, and guided meditation. A shared realization surfaced around the apprehension some campers felt when expressing emotions or ideas, particularly when worried about conflict or perceived offence. Facilitators responded by modeling honest self-expression, especially when navigating moments of difference or discomfort.
Group Challenge carried this inquiry into motion, encouraging campers to rethink ideas of winning and losing. Groups were given tasks to complete within set parameters, prompting reflection on how teamwork can look different across contexts. As assumed roles were challenged, campers began to examine their own relationship with winning and how it intersected with the collective.
Arts offered a creative release through zine-making and pour painting, allowing imagination and intuition to take the lead.
Following unstructured time—spent making friendship bracelets and playing board games—campers arrived at dinner full of anticipation. The announcement of Lip-Synch sent a ripple of excitement through the room. Whether quiet or boisterous, every camper brought their energy forward, and a palpable sense of walls lowering filled the space. Cheers of the camp-favourite “Oh My God!” echoed through the hall as the night unfolded in dance, laughter, and celebration. Campers ended the evening adorned with friendship bracelets, carrying the joy of shared expression with them into the night.
The Branches | January 4
“All that you touch, you change. And all that you change, changes you.” — Octavia Butler
The day began on a humid note, with campers sweating it out on the terrace during morning line-up. At the Weather Appreciation Moment, Kumail declared it a day for hydration, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Community Care Coordinator Gale followed with a body activation exercise, gently waking up sleepy limbs and energizing the group for the day ahead. We celebrated Camp birthdays with gusto, filling the air with bunk cheers before campers headed to a hearty breakfast and the promise of a new set of Special Activities.
Post breakfast and a quick bunk clean-up, campers dispersed to their respective activities. Zahid led the boys for a morning swim, beginning with warm-up laps before diving into a lively game of water polo—an energising break from routine. Kumail guided campers through an arts session that built on themes explored earlier in dialogue, particularly emotions and self-reflection. With minimal instruction, campers were encouraged to choose their own medium and work patiently. Some turned to clay modeling, others to zines and collage. Poetry and writing with Taqwaa offered space for expression through slam poetry, while karaoke with Ahat brought campers together through shared songs and favourite tunes, revealing the music that united the group. Yoshi’s dance session rounded out the morning, with campers learning routines to catchy, familiar tracks.
Following a talkative lunch break, campers moved into rest hour before transitioning into the afternoon activity blocks. Dialogue groups explored how culture permeates individual and collective belief systems, examining personal identity and their relationships with the cultures present in society and at home. Campers engaged in peer sharing around the belief systems of the ‘other side,’ reflecting on both similarities and differences. With Group Challenge suspended for the day, we gave Dialogue groups a block of unstructured time—an opportunity to unwind, connect with new friends, and slow the pace. The afternoon unfolded through bracelet-making, board games, reading, shared snacks, and music. Groups also rotated through Nature Play with Kunal, and sports including volleyball, badminton, and jump rope, led by Yusra, Ali, and Falak.
Evening line-up carried a quieter tone, as Paul invited campers to share their favorite quotes in the language they felt most comfortable using. For the evening’s activity—the Trashbag Rampwalk—we divided campers by dialogue group and gave them scrap materials to dress one male and one female model, working within the theme of Superheroes and Supervillains. With the added challenge of not using any existing characters, groups presented original creations, describing their designs as the models walked the ramp to endless cheering and applause.
As the day drew to a close, we could see the campers’ confidence. Strong and sure branches have begun to emerge—reaching outward, intertwining, and connecting campers more deeply to one another.
The Canopy | January 5
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.” — Rabindranath Tagore
A particularly sunny morning greeted campers. Morning line-up opened with an engaging Weather Appreciation Moment led by Kumail, reminding campers to beat the heat by staying hydrated. Alongside the familiar rhythm of bunk cheers and morning announcements, one long-awaited reveal captured everyone’s attention: the announcement of Cultural Night.
Campers headed to breakfast with an extra spring in their step before moving swiftly through bunk clean-up and into special activities.
Yoshi’s dance session saw campers learning routines and building confidence for the performances ahead. Karaoke with Ahat took on a gentler tone, exploring nostalgic songs and creating space for slowing down through music appreciation and shared listening. Boys’ swim brought moments of joy in the pool, with campers reluctant to leave the water even past shower time. In Kumail’s art session, campers continued to explore emotions and cultural obligations tied to identity, translating these reflections into visual expression. Taqwwa’s and Nikita’s poetry and writing activity shifted focus from identity to lived experience, encouraging campers to create original pieces rooted in the present moment.
While the energy of the day ebbed and flowed, excitement for the evening ahead remained constant.
Following lunch and rest hour—much of which was spent quietly practising choreography, refining routines, and finalising cultural outfits with friends—campers moved into the afternoon activity block. Some attended an open Hindu religious service, where Group Challenge Facilitator Yash offered a brief introduction before inviting questions and observations. Yash and participating campers led the group through Ganesh Aarti, after which fruits were distributed as prasad to those who wished to partake. With a chandan tika marking the moment, campers left with a deeper sense of curiosity and understanding.
Group Challenge facilitator Mustafa explained the distinction between imagining an ideal world and grappling with actions and consequences in the real one. Through activities centered on vulnerability, observation, judgement, and bias, facilitators guided campers in bridging the gap between their ideal selves and their lived realities. These themes continued into Dialogue, where groups explored a key aspect of regional culture via gender norms, dynamics, and representation. Through guided exercises, peer sharing, and collective reflection, campers engaged thoughtfully with difference. Team-building continued through sports sessions, where counselors led activities such as jump rope, volleyball, and badminton.
With unstructured time dedicated to Cultural Night preparation, campers took ownership of the evening. Smaller groups formed across delegations, rehearsals intensified, and time seemed to accelerate as dinner came and went in a blur. Soon, organized chaos filled the camp as bunks buzzed with outfit changes, shared makeup kits, and the soft click of polaroids capturing fleeting moments. By the time the last campers arrived in the Big Hall, the space was alive with anticipation and joy.
In a sea of color and movement, distinctions between delegations melted away. With camp staff dressed in their cultural best, the evening opened with a delegation ramp walk—outfits displayed, expressions bold, and cheers ringing out from every corner. Performances followed, each one met with wholehearted appreciation and calls for encore. Dance, music, and storytelling filled the room, embodying the spirit of Cultural Night. Just as the evening seemed to draw to a close, a surprise performance by camp staff delighted the campers, who quickly joined in for a final moment of shared celebration. Campers returned to their bunks carrying the warmth of the night—a lived reminder of what shared culture, held together, can create.
The Roots | January 6
“No one educates anyone else, nor do we educate ourselves; we educate one another in communion.” — Paulo Freire
With camp reaching its midpoint, staff checked in with campers during morning line-up about concerns and debriefed the previous day’s Group Challenge and Dialogue sessions. Familiar rhythms followed: a Weather Appreciation Moment led by Kumail and bunk cheers, now louder and more confident than before, filled the morning air. With daily updates complete, campers made their way to the dining hall for breakfast.
After a scrumptious meal, campers returned to their bunks for clean-up before heading into special activities. Options for the morning included bracelet-making with Taqwaa, Cricket with Hilal, Bollywood dance with Arshid, Theatre and Spoken Word with Sara, and Yoga with Kumail. As camp has progressed, bracelet-making has taken on a new fervor, with campers working at impressive speed. Yet, despite the pace, the activity created a gentle pocket of stillness—campers huddled together, making bracelets for one another and for friends back home. Cricket with Hilal, a South Asian favorite, offered campers a comforting taste of home. Bollywood dance and theatre allowed campers to tap into flair, drama, and performance, with many beginning to rehearse for the upcoming talent night. Yoga with Kumail offered a quieter counterbalance, focusing on breath and meditation, grounding participants in mindfulness and presence.
Campers then moved into their first activity rotation of the day. During Dialogue, groups explored family trees and identity, delving into how conflict is navigated within families. Through peer sharing, stories passed down across generations were exchanged. Given the complex histories of the two nations represented, conversations often revealed two sides of a deeply familiar coin. Facilitators also guided an exercise on common ground, where campers responded to questions around identity, family struggles, and personal orientation, visually mapping both difference and shared experience. Group Challenge complemented this exploration by reintroducing the emotions wheel, encouraging campers to identify and map their feelings. Discussions expanded to include gender and orientation, examining how these aspects shape group dynamics. Through a series of activities, campers reflected on what teamwork meant to them—considering ability, skill, and proportional contribution—while engaging through a framework of respect and clearly held boundaries.
Following evening line-up, staff announced a Seeds of Peace classic as the evening activity: Gaga! Dinner was finished in a flurry as campers rushed to the Big Hall, where the pit had been set up for the game. A fast-paced take on dodgeball, Gaga quickly ignited the room. Counselors explained the rules and demonstrated a round before campers jumped in. Bunks first faced off against one another, before the game shifted into dialogue groups and table-based teams. Match after match unfolded with energy and determination, as cheers echoed through the hall and campers encouraged friends still in the pit. In a final, highly anticipated round, campers faced off against all staff. After a nail-biting finish, Camp Director Paul emerged as the unlikely winner—remarkably, in his very first game.
As the day came to a close, something steady had taken hold. Beneath the noise and movement, bonds were forming—quietly anchoring campers to their stories, to one another, and to the shared ground they were learning to stand on together.
The Leaves | January 7
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” — Khalil Gibran
Campers, now acclimatized to the rhythm of camp, arrived at morning line-up to an unexpected gift: a cloudy, gentler morning. As if mirroring the pace of camp itself, the Sri Lankan weather felt still and subdued, lighter than the sultry days before, yet quietly rebellious as the sun made brief, teasing appearances through the clouds. The day began with the usual announcements and a boisterous display of bunk pride through cheers that echoed across the grounds. Knowing one another’s pace by now, campers filled in for each other instinctively, ensuring that those still waking up or feeling weighed down were quietly supported. Kumail led the Weather Appreciation Moment, advising campers to stay mindful of the possibility of rain and to enjoy the shifting skies from a distance.
Breakfast was followed by bunk clean-up and then special activities, and as campers moved up and down the wide, winding staircases of the campgrounds, a sense of surety and warmth seemed to echo through the corridors. Subtle check-ins with friends, directions offered without being asked, and shared smiles spoke of friendships that had taken firm hold. Camaraderie defined the morning. Bracelet making once again brought campers together in tight circles, fingers moving with practiced rhythm. When ideas ran out, names of pets, friends, parents, and loved ones were offered freely, ensuring no one was left out. The activity became an exercise in patience and cooperation, as campers learned to rely on one another’s strengths to create bracelets that carried both memory and meaning.
Those participating in Bollywood dancing and spoken word refined their flair, carrying the energy of their sessions into the rest of the day. Spontaneous dance huddles emerged during transitions between activities, laughter spilling into hallways and stairwells, lifting spirits with ease.
After lunch, campers gathered in the lobby to make calls home. Tearful conversations followed as voices from beyond camp filtered in—updates from the outside world, reassurances, and expressions of longing. As campers returned from their calls, the community responded instinctively. Hugs were offered without question, shoulders squeezed gently, and smiles shared in quiet solidarity.
The next block brought Dialogue, Group Challenge, and Arts. Facilitators guided campers through deeper conversations on gender identities, posing more difficult questions with care and compassion. Campers were invited to reflect on inclusion and exclusion in their own lives, responding through lived experience. The space was held with respect, boundaries clearly honored, and vulnerability met with quiet acceptance.
Group Challenge continued to embody Dialogue in action, exploring the distinction between “teams” and “groups” within the broader framework of teamwork. Campers were given the choice to work as a large collective or in smaller units, prompting reflection on cooperation, structure, and shared responsibility. Each group took a different approach, experiencing varying outcomes, which became the foundation for thoughtful debriefs and reflection.
The Arts block, led by Kumail, offered stillness amid the emotional intensity of the day. As thoughts of home lingered and the realization dawned that camp was nearing its final stretch, this pause allowed campers to process, reflect, and simply be.
During evening line-up, Camp Director Paul brought focus back to the core of the program: understanding, empathy, and the responsibility of leadership within one’s community. He reminded campers that while Dialogue invites them to imagine an ideal world, Group Challenge grounds them in the realities of the one they inhabit. He encouraged them to carry the lessons learned within the controlled environment of the camp into the wider world, with kindness as the root of their actions.
Dinner was followed by the announcement of a campers versus staff trivia contest, immediately igniting competitive spirits across the hall. Hosted by Kumail and Nikita, the contest unfolded over multiple rounds—audio, visual, and general knowledge among them. Campers eagerly nominated participants, mindful of the rule that every member would take part in at least one round. Referees were appointed to maintain order as enthusiasm tipped toward chaos. The night closed with laughter echoing down hallways well past dinner, until a firm lights-out brought another full day at the 2026 South Asia Regional Leadership Camp to a close.
The Heartwood| January 8
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin
Today opened on a bright, almost insistent note, with the sun making an aggressive appearance at morning line-up. Campers, now alert to the night’s long-anticipated special activity, appeared energized and ready to take on the day ahead. Beneath the excitement, however, lingered a quiet realization that this suspension from reality was nearing its end.
The heaviness was quickly dispersed by loud, proud bunk cheers from all four bunks, grounding the group in shared momentum. Campers were briefed on the day’s activities and weather through the Weather Appreciation Moment, and warmed up, they made their way to breakfast.
Following bunk clean-up, campers headed into special activities. Bracelet-making kits were strewn across coffee tables as campers turned their attention outward, crafting bracelets for their favorite staff members. Others, seeking a change of medium, picked up henna cones—teaching one another Hindi and Urdu as they traced traditional designs onto waiting hands. Bollywood dancing and theatre saw lively, dramatic displays, while cricket players brought familiar rituals and rhythms to the field. Yoga with Kumail helped campers center themselves, offering calm and balance in preparation for a full and emotionally demanding day.
As the first activity block began, campers rotated through Dialogue, Group Challenge, and sports. In Dialogue, facilitators introduced the concept of the Pyramid of Islands, exploring how humor and jokes can normalize violence within everyday environments. Campers reflected on biases they carried into camp, and those that had been imposed upon them long before arrival. Stories surfaced of being told to avoid the “other,” to not share food, to believe inherited stereotypes.
Using visual tools—particularly commonly circulated memes—facilitators guided campers to trace the origins of these beliefs. A powerful realization emerged: that the biases on both sides of the divide were strikingly similar. In a poignant moment of collective awareness, campers acknowledged how inaccurate their assumptions about one another had been. Group Challenge pushed campers into deeper reflection through an exercise centered on accountability in words and actions. Facilitators simulated a scenario in which all campers shared a disability while completing a task, shifting leadership toward voices that are often unheard. The exercise prompted campers to reflect on power, accessibility, and empathy, highlighting how group dynamics transform when faced with differing levels of difficulty.
Following the activity block, campers gathered for delegation meetings and to sign up for the much-awaited Talent Night. Campers were encouraged to perform freely—alone or in groups—and soon every corner of the camp grounds buzzed with movement as friendships crystallized into creative partnerships. Campers formed groups effortlessly, laughter echoing as rehearsals unfolded. The atmosphere felt warm and full, a clear reflection of the seeds sown and nurtured over the past nine days. Dinner passed in a blur of anticipation before campers streamed into the Big Hall. Cheering was treated with the same seriousness as performing, and encouragement flowed freely: high-fives, pats on the back, and knowing smiles passed between performers and audience alike.
The stage came alive with a dazzling range of talents: singing, dancing, poetry written at camp, lightning-fast Rubik’s cube solving, fearless lemon-eating, animal impressions, caricature sketches, and gravity-defying gymnastics. Each performance was met with roaring applause and shared pride.
As chants of the camp-favourite “Oh My God” echoed through the hall, the lights suddenly went out. In a moment of dramatic flair, the Commissioners of the Color Games—Counselor Falak and Group Challenge Facilitator Mustafa—burst forth with the surprise announcement of Color Games. Camp-wide teams were formed, cutting across dialogue groups and delegations alike. With the grand entrance of the team coaches, all other activities were suspended. Only one thing remained: joyful chaos, ushering in the final chapter.
Color Games | January 9 & 10
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” — Albert Camus
After the excitement of the previous night—and team meetings that stretched far beyond the usual lights out—campers arrived somehow even more energized. The morning was cloudy and breezy, with just a hint of humidity, but nothing could dampen the spirit that had taken hold of camp. Morning line-up was suspended. Counselors had swapped roles, becoming team coaches and referees, while Commissioners Falak and Mustafa presided over camp with full authority. Campers ditched their Seeds of Peace green t-shirts in favor of green or blue team colors, worn with pride and unmistakable anticipation. Within hours, a wave of emotion—now joyfully redirected into team spirit—flooded camp, filling the air with a powerful, collective roar.
The day began at 7:45 a.m. with group cheers, each team unveiling chants prepared with gusto that could rival a marching battalion. The first main event of the day was a tug-of-war. After a shaky start caused by an uncooperative rope, the competition surged ahead with boys versus boys, girls versus girls, and finally a mixed match. While campers strained and pulled on the field, a parallel competition unfolded among the audience. Cheers grew louder with each bout, pushing players forward on waves of confidence and belief. An energetic breakfast followed, with campers finishing in record time before moving on to the next events block.
Sports took over the morning as campers competed across multiple games, accompanied by coaches and teammates who seized every moment to encourage one another. Kho-Kho, refereed by Yusra and Kunal, was followed by volleyball with Zahid and Taqwaa, badminton with Kumail, and the camp favourite, Gaga, refereed by Arshid and Yash. With a few scratches earned along the way, campers remained full of josh, giving their all to earn points for their teams. A hearty lunch followed, and exhausted campers finally rested—only briefly—before being woken for practice for the evening’s Variety Show.
We replaced evening unstructured time with an arts competition focused on collage-making. The theme, “Reflections of My Pre- and Post-Camp Self,” invited campers to visually explore their transformation. Designed by Kumail and refereed by Monica, Leila, and Ahat, the activity yielded striking results. One team worked with the metaphor of an ornate mirror, while the other presented two canvases depicting the breaking of chains and biases. Both collages stood as powerful homages to growth, introspection, and change.
The Variety Show closed the night with energy and laughter. Events included a dance-off between teams, original singing performances, spoken word pieces drawn from campers’ lived experiences at RLC, and a comedy skit portraying a day in the life of a counselor—leaving the audience in stitches.
The next day brought Message to Hajime, a large-scale relay race spanning the length of camp, with pit stops designed around skills and lessons developed over the previous ten days. Teams prepared runners to move between stations, carrying green and blue batons while referees awaited them. Tasks ranged from tossing water balloons and making beds, to flying paper airplanes, drawing the Seeds of Peace logo from memory, and concluding with a recitation of the Hajime message to Camp Director Paul. Both teams completed the relay in record time, with coaches and teammates running alongside, cheering each participant on. In moments that captured the spirit of RLC, campers began cheering for the opposing team as well, regardless of time or score.
By lunchtime, deliberations were complete. Campers and staff gathered by the swimming pool, flanking either side, aware that the winning team would earn the privilege of jumping in first. Anticipation hung heavy as campers looked up toward the first-floor balcony, where Paul stood alongside Falak and Mustafa. With ceremony and cheer, the Commissioners announced the winners of the Color Games 2026: Blue Team.
After a well-earned lunch, rest, and some packing, campers returned to the Big Hall for evening line-up. Reflections were shared, and the realization that this was their second-to-last line-up settled quietly over the group. Paul spoke of the Color Games, noting the compassion and empathy he witnessed across both teams. He reminded campers that despite differences—whether at camp or at home—the relationships they had built, grounded in respect, would continue to exist beyond camp.