Families of Peace Village Campers,
I have had a great time at camp this year and hope your kids have too. They have had a chance to move and do yoga poses, learn Bollywood dance steps, try breathing techniques, and study and apply the Yoga Sutras. Below you will find you will find some of the items we covered for their journals. Take a look and help them continue learning!
It's my hope that the yoga portion of Peace Village has taught the children ways to express themselves through movement, feel comfortable in their bodies, know ways to center their emotions, and believe in their abilities to make positive changes for the people of this earth.
Children have the innocence to be joyful and be creative. I believe cultivating these skills creates the possibility for positive change in an ever changing world.
Thank you for the opportunity to play and explore with your kids.
Namaste,
Laurie VanCott, MSPT
Yoga Instructor at Peace Village
For the journals:
Yoga Sutras- guideline to live by that include the Yamas (self restraints - attitude's towards our environment that create an over powering of negative qualities into positive ones) and Niyamas (attitudes towards our selves).
Ahimsa- Non Violence "To be non violent in our thoughts, deeds, and actions."
"Consideration for all living things, especially the innocent or those less fortunate."
Kindness and Caring
Taking care of the planet
Remember you can make a difference
Santosa- Contentment "Being happy with what we have and what we don't have.
One then discovers that true happiness and bliss are no longer dependent upon temporary
acquisitions of possessions or experiences.
Satya- Truthfulness "Right communication in speech, gesture, writing, and actions."
Think about friendship. Be the kind of friend you would want others to be to you.
May I find my own uniqueness
Know that I am special
I am able to love and care for others
May I walk in peace and harmony
Thankfulness Game- Take a moment everyday to think of all the things you are thankful for in your life.
Carry your garbage for a day!
Though there were a few hectic 'first day' moments - overall we had a great start to camp today - perfect weather, great kids, fun classes! Had you been a fly buzzing around here are a few things you might have seen:
Singing & stomping in the gym
Kids of all ages (myself included) dancing a few Bollywood moves in yoga
Learning about the aliveness of every single thing in Drumming
Storytelling in Non-violent Conflict Resolution
Nature journal making in Art
Advertising critiques in Media Literacy
Coyotes bonding together during breaks
Salamanders, Squirrels, Otters, Frogs, Bats, Hummingbirds & Turtles turning into Mosquitos, Salmon & Bear
Peacefull pottery doing it's magic in the garden
Best part for me was signing kids in at the beginning of the day - making eye contact, exchanging smiles, welcoming campers. Practicing names and checking in throughout the day was fun too. In short I love getting to know all these fabulous kids!
Here's what one mom had to say:
"I just wanted to send in some early feedback that my boys are both really enjoying themselves at Peace Village. When I dropped them off this morning they were slugging each other as they got out of the car and when they came home this afternoon they were excitedly talking about their conflict resolution class and their "homework" to point out bad advertising techniques and violence in movies as well as the pottery, art projects, journals, etc.... What a wonderful thing to hear!"
Cheers,Karen Bullard (mother of Clark & Colin Brace)
Returns for a 2nd year!
August 10-14
Mosier Community School
What is Peace Village? Peace Village is an interfaith, multicultural day camp with the mission to provide a fun, educational environment in which children can learn the messages and practice of nonviolence and peacemaking from various world traditions.
When is Peace Village? Peace Village will be held August 10-14, 2009. We will gather at 9:00 AM each morning and finish by 3:30PM. On the last afternoon, Friday the 14th, families of the children attending will be invited to join us for a closing ceremony.
Where is Peace Village? Peace Village 2009 will be located at the Mosier Community School. Driving directions will be included in camper packets which will be sent out in July.
How much does Peace Village cost? The base charge for each child is $75 for the week, which includes snacks for the week, materials for all activities and a t-shirt. We are dedicated, however, to creating a diverse atmosphere, and scholarships will be available.
Who participates in Peace Village? Children between the ages of 6 and 13 are eligible to attend. Young people aged 16 or older who are interested in participating are welcome and encouraged to contact us for an application as a teen leader. There will also be a few spots for ages 14-15 as leaders-in-training. Peace Village is an interfaith camp. Children from all spiritual and cultural traditions are welcome to apply.
Who are the adult leaders? The adults organizing Peace Village range from elementary, high school and college level educators to local artists and religious leaders. In additions, skilled adults with specialized expertise will be enlisted to teach and lead throughout the week, including yoga teachers, artists, nutritionists and health professionals.
What do the children learn at Peace Village? Children will learn about the practice of peacemaking, both by understanding the roots of violence, and by learning practical techniques to deal with violence in themselves and others. These techniques for peace making include nonviolent conflict resolution, spiritual practices such as prayer/meditation and yoga, the arts (music, storytelling, etc.), nature studies, and learning about healthy diets for body and mind. All of these experiences will be developmentally appropriate for the ages and will model a deep respect for cultural and religious diversity. We celebrate that our children are nurtured by many faith traditions and welcome this opportunity to learn from each other.
How can I apply to Peace Village and/or get more information? Sorry - Summer 2009 Camp is full.
Bill Weiler at (917)991-1174 or theland@gorge.net
Donations to Columbia Gorge Peace Village are tax deductible. If you wish to make a donation please make your check payable to Bethel UCC with a Peace Village note in the memo. Send donations to Bethel UCC, PO Box 219, White Salmon, WA 98672-0219,
Much gratitude and appreciation to all our local donors and supporters!
Bethel United Church of Christ
Gorge Ecumenical Ministry
Baha'i Group of Klickitat
Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalists
Riverside UCC
Hood River County Faith Connections Board
Small Planet Trading
Solstice Woodfire Cafe
SushiOkalani
Riggleman's Fruit
Riverfront 76
Providence Memorial Hospital
Betty Lou & Frank Hunsaker
Marylee and Dou Hattenhauer
Kristen Dillon and Paul Blackburn
Connie Serra
