Each year, the Seeds of Peace brings children from nations at war and inner city American children to a summer camp in Maine where they learn how to become partners in building a brighter future together. This summer 200 Israeli, Arab children from the Middle East and inner city American children are experiencing a month-long program which equips them with the skills to break down the barriers of hate and empowers them to make peace where past generations have failed.
Now is a particularly exciting and challenging time in the five year history of the Seeds of peace. This innovative coexistence program for four summers was located at different camps in Maine. However, this summer is the first time that the Seeds of Peace International Camp has a permanent home for this pioneering effort in Otisfield, Maine.
Tim Wilson, former Commissioner for the State of Maine Department of Energy, educator and successful coach of sports in Maine and recently the State of Pennsylvania is the Camp Director. Congratulations are in order for the excellent job pulling the camp together in the final two weeks prior to receiving the first campers on July 21, 1997.
The Dedication Ceremony celebrating the opening of the new facility in Otisfield, ME was held August 9, 1997. International, national, state and community leaders were invited for this special occasion to witness this innovative program by President and founder of Seeds of Peace, John Wallach. Mrs. Merle Nelson, Chairperson for Friends of Seeds of Peace in Maine, assisted with the dedication.
The camp will close on August 18, 1997. To the “SEEDS OF PEACE,” Asalamu A Leikum, Shalom and farewell from this training ground for peace.