'Peace' comes to Westlake!

Dover Congregational United Church of Christ will once again host a community-wide interfaith peace camp for children entering grades two to 12. Peace Village Day Camp will run July 16-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the last afternoon, July 19, families are invited to the closing celebration at 3 p.m.

The peace education day camp was developed by First Congregational Church of Mount Vernon, Ohio, in collaboration with Peace Village Inc. The purpose is to teach and expose children to peaceful practices through fun, outdoor adventures, classes, music and interfaith stories of peace and fellowship.

Peace Village is funded through resources provided by Dover Congregational United Church of Christ. Families are also asked to contribute a donation of $25 per child to help to cover some of the costs. If you can give more, we will gratefully receive it. If the cost is a hardship, scholarships are available.

The camp is available to 50 child participants. We expect to have Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Christian teachers. Children of all religious/spiritual traditions are encouraged to apply. Registrations are accepted on a first come basis.

Mrs. Cynthia Stuart, a licensed educator, oversees the camp. There will be representatives from Dover Congregational Church, as well as interfaith representatives from the community, volunteering at this camp. They will supervise the peace campers, attend activities and lead peace-related classes, circle gatherings, songs and stories.

Children will learn about “Peace and the Planet” (environment, ecology, nature); “Peace and Culture” (responsible thinking, media literacy, compassionate communicating, movies, TV, internet, bullying); “Peace with Others” (non-violent problem solving, role playing, peace advocacy); and “Peace Within” (centering, calming the mind and body, meditation, breathing, concentration, movement). There will also be singing, story-telling, art projects, nature walks, outdoor games, service projects and field trips.

Children are expected to bring their own healthy lunch each day and will enjoy an extended lunch period for eating, talking and playing together. Healthy morning snacks will be provided. (Note: If there is an economic need we can provide lunch for a child. Just let us know.)

To register, go to doverucc.org or contact the church office at 440-871-1050. Dover Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 2239 Dover Center Road in Westlake.

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Volume 10, Issue 11, Posted 10:04 AM, 06.05.2018