Visit the website of Kids4Peace Vermont THE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM: WEAVING OUR STORIES Imagine a place in the Middle East, in the midst of daily violence and fear, where the children of Israel and Palestine, the kids of the Holy Land, can feel safe. Imagine an open place, where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim children can speak from their hearts and tell their stories. A place where their faces may be seen and their voices may be heard. Imagine a place where the children of the United States can discover the common heritage they share with the children of the Middle East. Imagine a place in which children learn respect tolerance, and understanding. Imagine a world in which these children become the leaders of the future. Imagine peace. Visit the Web site of Kids4Peace USA.

Kids4Peace Vermont will hold its annual interfaith camp this summer, July 15–July 24, 2011, at the Bishop Booth Conference Center in Burlington.

Twenty-four campers—12 girls and 12 boys—ages 11-13 from Jewish, Christian and Muslim families in both Vermont and Israel/Palestine come together for 10 days of camp, fun and interfaith understanding. We provide a full schedule of regular summer camp activities (games, music, hiking, swimming, trips, bonfires, crafts) with a healthy dash of cultural flair plus daily opportunities for respectful observation listening, experiential learning about peace-making and child-led discussions of faith practices.

Interfaith advisers from both VT and Israel/Palestine are highly knowledgeable about their own traditions. They are skilled at dialogue facilitation and in fostering genuine friendships between children of vastly different cultures and experience. These relationships are continued throughout the year both in VT and in Israel through various follow up activities. Each child has a Peace Pal of a different tradition and from across the ocean.

The application process includes:  1) a short questionnaire on the child's understanding of peace and interest in participating in this program and 2) a family and child interview with camp directors/advisors. Upon acceptance into the program, each family will be asked to make a firm commitment to participate in several pre-camp orientation meetings through the late Winter/Spring months. Over the following year, there will also be opportunities for post-camp activities which will further deepen the recognition and depth of each child's camp experience.

Tuition is $500, inclusive of pre and post camp activities.

To learn more and to find an application form, visit www.kids4peacevt.org.