Great Facts about Peace Camp Canada
1. We produce real results. Given the relatively small number of campers selected to participate in our program and the quality and scope of our dialogue facilitation, we are able to create a safe environment that engenders real transformation, growth, and development on the part of our Palestinian and Israeli youth. Thus, instead of conducting a ‘regular camp’ experience consisting mainly of sports and recreational activities, we have designed a unique program that pushes our campers towards mutual understanding, trust, friendship, and the re-evaluation of their stereotypes and preconceptions vis-à-vis the other.
2. Indeed, we look to pre-select campers that are not necessarily inclined towards a peaceful two state solution, and have found that it is precisely these campers (those who are the most extreme in their views) who become the most ardent proponents of peace and co-existence following their camp experience.
3. Unlike many other peace initiatives, we work hard on sustaining the dialogue and friendships we begin in Canada back in the region. We therefore strive to conduct 2-3 annual reunions with our campers and camper alumni, and have partnered with the ‘Golda Meir Training Facility in Haifa, as well as the Jerusalem Foundation in order to do so. Our last reunion and regional follow up program took place February 8th 2007 at the Jerusalem Foundation.
4. Given the success of our work in recent years, the government of Canada has been openly supportive and interested in our initiative. Indeed, former Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew visited our camp in 2005, while Bill Graham met with our camp leadership in 2004. Minister MacKay has also expressed great interest and support for the camp.
5. The work and vision of Peace Camp Canada has been openly endorsed by the Israeli and Canadian governments, as well as by the Palestinian authority. (Official letters of endorsement can be viewed on our website).
6. The National War Museum in Ottawa is interested in showcasing the work of Peace Camp Canada and its campers, in an exhibition scheduled for 2008.
7. The work of Peace Camp Canada is nationally recognized, and has been featured in news paper and media publications such as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and Ottawa Citizen, as well as CTV, CBC, and local Ottawa television channels.
8. Peace Camp Canada graduated it's 60th camper at the closing ceremonies August 2007. Ashbury College and the City of Ottawa combined to create a truly unique Canadian experience for young peacemakers. Peace Camp Canada serves as an inspiration and platform for all Canadians to engage in dialogue and seek understanding to create more compassionate and peaceful communities.
9. Peace Camp Canada is not affiliated with any group, organization, ideology or political party. We simply believe in the need for open dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, Muslim and Jews, and hope to cultivate a new generation of leaders in the Middle East that can succeed where our own generation and those that came before us have not. We want to create a path towards peace by walking it, one step at a time.