Generous donation made to help camper attend Wilkes-Barre Peace Camp this year
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The Peace and Justice Center will hold its annual Peace Camp in person from June 21 to June 25, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church on South Franklin Street.
To help a camper in need of assistance attend the camp, the Kiwanis Club of Wilkes-Barre says they made a scholarship donation of $125 on March 15.
The camp released the following:
Peace and Justice Center and Kiwanis Club member Bill Browne spoke of the $125 donation as a “match made in heaven” since both organizations are concerned with enriching the lives of children.
The camp will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and be split between two separate age groups: K-3rd grade and 4th-8th grade. Through age-appropriate themed lessons, children will learn how to be empathetic peacemakers and foster diverse communities that treat everyone with dignity. Activities will include learning communication strategies and about different cultures through storytelling, collecting trash, swimming, creating group crafts and practicing inner peace through yoga.
To brighten another child’s day outside of the camp, campers will also create “Caring for Friends” packages that will contain snacks and thoughtful notes to be distributed to children in need of good nutrition and encouragement.
These activities and lessons are designed with the goal of having campers at the end of the week know that they are worthy of love, respect others who are different from them and realize they have the power to change lives and resolve conflicts through simple acts of kindness.
“By laughing, learning, and playing together, kids can reduce the prejudice, oppression, resentment and misunderstanding that surrounds them,” explained Peace Camp 2021 Director Joli Mattia.
The week ends with a trophy presentation to congratulate each camper for completing the camp. Trophies are awarded with an eye towards each child’s unique gift or kind behavior during camp.
“Some Peace Campers have never received trophies before and are thrilled to take home these physical reminders of the fun and friendship they enjoyed at Peace Camp,” said Mattia.
Adults and high school and college students are welcomed to volunteer to help facilitate the activities and games.
“This is my second year volunteering with the camp. It’s rewarding because throughout the week I get to see the kids take on the lessons they have learned and apply them to their lives. In turn, I also learn just as much from the kids,” Peace and Justice Center member Marissa Jason remarked on the value of being a Peace Camp volunteer.
To minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19, all volunteers and campers will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Cost per child for the week is $125.00, which includes meals and snacks. Scholarships are still available for campers who need assistance and donations continue to be accepted.
For more information, to register, or to volunteer, please visit peaceandjusticecenter.com/peacecamp or call 570-823-9977, preferably before June 14. Questions can be emailed to peacecamp@peaceandjusticecenter.com.
