OTISFIELD | Campers and educators from countries divided by conflict will celebrate the start of Seeds of Peace Camp by raising their flags and singing their national anthems at an opening flagraising ceremony on July 1.
The ceremony recognizes and honors the different nationalities of everyone attending Camp while also acknowledging the shared humanity that extends beyond geo-political borders.
Second-year campers from each delegation will address their peers, stressing the importance of seeing Camp as a place to try something different—to listen and engage with others, some they would even consider their enemy, as individuals deserving of respect and empathy.
Following the ceremony, the campers will walk back into Camp, understanding that nationality is just one part of their identities and striving to honor the fullness of themselves and others around them—as a first step towards creating change in their communities.
WHEN & WHERE
9 a.m. on Sunday, July 1
Seeds of Peace Camp, 183 Powhatan Road, Otisfield, Maine 04270
ABOUT THE SEEDS OF PEACE CAMP
The flagraising ceremony kicks of Seeds of Peace’s 26th summer and its first session of Camp, which will see over 180 Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, Egyptian, Indian, Pakistani, and American youth and educators come together across lines of conflict to engage in facilitated dialogue sessions, leadership development, and relationship-building, while taking part in traditional summer camp experiences.
For many this type of interaction is impossible at home, and Camp may be the first time they will encounter peers from the “other side.”
During the three-week session, Seeds (as the campers are now known) share their own stories of identity, loss, trauma, and hope, and in doing so develop new perspectives and empathy.
The second session of Camp, which begins on July 25, will bring together 170 youth from across the state of Maine, and from Syracuse (New York), Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. The campers will explore issues around identity, privilege, power, and community, working to address conflicts within their schools and communities.
“Seeds of Peace began 25 years ago with the goal of creating rare spaces—spaces filled with people who wouldn’t otherwise find themselves in the same room together, let alone in the same room working together, learning together, and leading change together for a different future. Today we have nearly 6,700 alumni all around the world who are actively working to improve their communities and bring about the conditions essential for peace.” –Leslie Lewin, Executive Director of Seeds of Peace
Media interested in covering the July 1 flagraising ceremony, or visiting Camp this summer, should contact Director of Maine Seeds Programs Tim Wilson at tim@seedsofpeace.org or at (207) 458 0417
ABOUT SEEDS OF PEACE
Seeds of Peace inspires and cultivates new generations of global leaders in communities divided by conflict. We equip them with the skills and relationships they need to accelerate social, economic, and political changes essential to peace.
Our network now includes nearly 6,700 alumni throughout the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the United States who are uniquely positioned to lead change.
The nonprofit was founded in 1993 and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Watch this short video to learn more about our journey and impact.