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Purpose
To
reach out to children in our community of Avondale. To enable the Center
for Peace Education to offer a summer Peace Camp for young children in the
Avondale community.
Background
Since the 1980's, the Center for
Peace Education (CPE) has provided youth and adults in school communities
with the training, resources and strategies needed to appreciate
differences and resolve conflicts constructively. Peace Camp is an
additional program, started over 10 years ago in collaboration with the
Inter-Community Justice and Peace Center (now Cincinnati Bridges
for a Just Community). Prior to 2007 the program had been operating
in three inner-city neighborhoods. Each of these two week summer programs
serves approximately 50 children between the ages of 6 and 12. Camps are
free of charge. Professionally trained staff use experiential activities
to promote self-esteem, positive communication, cooperation, appreciation
of diversity and conflict management skills.
Recent Activity
In 2006, the Social Justice
Committee of First Unitarian Church approved the allocation of funds from
its budget to open a new Summer Peace Camp in Avondale. The camp was held
during the latter part of July, 2007. The response on the part of campers
and parents was overwhelming and enrollment exceeded all expectations.
Current and Future
Plans
Plans are in the making to
continue this successful venture in the summer of 2008. The committee
intends to apply for appropriate grant monies to expand the Avondale
program. We are looking at the possibility of lengthening the camp
session from two to three or four weeks andproviding a similar camp
experience for area teens or for more youth. These ideas and others will
be part of our joint discussion and negotiations with CPE.
Contact
Joy Haupt
221-7726 joyhaupt@fuse.net
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