The state trooper who checked us in, stationed at the gated entrance was a visual reminder that this is not just any summer camp. There is radical work going on under the pines.
To see the pairs of 13 -15 year old teens from conflicting countries and cultures navigate the high ropes course together, each depending on the other to get to the top was very moving.
When they got to the top and everyone below cheered, they sang out, laughing... "I am a seed of peace, yeah!!"
I do believe that the hope for our future is with the youth of the world!
Carrie with dialogue facilitators from Israel and Palestine.
From the web site:
Set in the woods of Maine beside a lake, Seeds of Peace International Camp is worlds away from the daily scenes of bloodshed. The Camp provides an escape from the explosive rage and violence spilling over in the Middle East and South Asia. This neutral, supportive setting makes it possible for hundreds of young leaders from both sides of major conflicts to meet their enemies face-to-face, often for the first time in their lives. Here they confront their hatreds and deep-seated fears and tackle the issues that fuel the conflict back at home.
The 3 week conflict resolution program is designed to open young minds to the possibility of a new reality. Every aspect of the program fosters trust, challenges assumptions and narrows the psychological distance between the participants. The program’s intensity is deliberate. Each Seed shares a bunk with the very people they have been conditioned to hate. Athletic, artistic and cultural activities scheduled throughout the days deepen the bonds between Seeds. Daily dialogue sessions form the center of the program. During hours of discussion, conducted by professional facilitators, they are forced to confront their differences. By the end of the program each Seed has achieved a new threshold for tolerating ideas and understanding perspectives that were once beyond comprehension.
Each year, Seeds of Peace welcomes nearly 350 Afghan, American, Egyptian, Indian, Israeli, Jordanian, Pakistani and Palestinian participants to the camp. These young leaders are chosen by their governments, schools or other community organizations in their home countries after a very competitive application and interview process..
4 comments:
What an incredible place, and an incredible experience for Carrie. I can't wait to hear more about it from her when she next comes up for air! I've known about Seeds of Peace for a while, but never knew I'd have an insider's perspective. What an amazing place.
Thank you Carrie for all that you actually do that the rest of us always say we'd like to do.
I know this is a tough time of life as you look for a permanent track, but I am SO admiring of your extraordinary talent and your ability to throw yourself with such vigor into such exceptionally complex issues.
When are Laura and George coming up for the photo op? Or is this one reserved for Condi??!!
Carrie, you're the best!
I used to think, a star looking for a galaxy. Now I think, a star building a galaxy.
Wow, Don, your comment gave me a lump in my throat.
When we went around the table the other day asking what everyone would do if they had unlimited money and time, Carrie said she would assemble a group of super-smart people, pick a problem in the world, and tackle it.
What is that if not a star building a galaxy?
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