In the midst of Mideast violence and uncertainty, a remarkable initiative for children is cause for hope and encouragement. This summer, Camp Allen, in the Diocese of Texas, will host 12 Palestinian and Israeli children, ages 11-12, for a summer camp session as part of a unique "education for peace" opportunity.
With St George's College and Cathedral in Jerusalem, a group of Israelis and Palestinians committed to peace and co-existence in their war-torn area have launched "Kids4Peace." The Jewish, Christian and Muslim group believes that their children hold the key to a better future and that education leads to peace.
The trip for the children and their sponsors was made possible by an anonymous donor in the Diocese of Texas. "This is one more example of how a vision to reach out opens possibilities beyond our imagination," said the Rt Revd Claude E Payne, Bishop of Texas and president of the Americans of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
The children and their sponsors will be an essential link to connect the weeklong summer camp adventure to the challenging realities of their life at home. It is hoped that the experience of tolerance and respect the children gain can invite adults into a more peace-filled coexistence as well.
Camp Allen President George Dehan said, "Even the early planning of this visit has been complicated. Calling an airline and getting a passport is relatively easy for us, but it is a major problem to do the same thing from Jerusalem."
Activities that are fun, provide spiritual enrichment and allow the children to socialise and explore at Camp Allen will be a giant leap in every aspect from their current living conditions, Mr Dehan said. Even though these are special visitors he emphasised that they will have the same camping experience that has been a tradition at Camp Allen for 81 years.
Follow-up projects and future "education for peace" initiatives are planned.
Article from: ENS by Carol E Barnwell