The camp is free, but registration is required. The deadline to register is Friday, May 22.
Peace Center executive director Christina Walters finds this year’s theme, United for Peace, fitting for the times.
“We want people to realize we will not shut down this year, but we’re relying 100 percent on digital. I think it’ll be good,” she said.
Ironically, Walters found out about the state’s restrictions and shutdowns the same day she had 10,000 registration forms printed. Those go out each year to area elementary schools, but she also realized quickly it would likely mean a change if Peace Camp were to continue.
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“I kind of knew we wouldn’t have a regular camp near the end of March and started to think we could do it digitally. I talked to our mediators and peace teachers and we went through everything and said let’s try it,” she said.
Participants will need internet access and a device to stream the content such as a computer, tablet or Smartphone with a microphone and camera.
The goal is to approximate the live Peace Camp experience with the same format, with a happy dance to start the day along with puppets and the Peace Fairy, signatures of the camp, and lessons on peaceful conflict resolution and self-esteem. The campers in preschool through second grade will receive video links and recorded lessons.
Grades 3-6 will use an online meeting platform with music from local DJ Chill to start and lessons broken into 15-minute segments on things like yoga, crafts and role-playing.
Working with the City of Springfield Mediation Services, there will be seven mediators, 10 online helpers and numerous volunteers. Project Woman will contribute for the second consecutive year with a lesson on internet safety.
Walters is hoping the local libraries can help with hot spots for kids who don’t have computer access. Part of the registration will include a resource bag to be dropped off to campers.
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An added incentive each year is a can-march, in which campers can bring cans of food to donate. Instead, the public can sponsor a camper for $5, with proceeds donated to Second Harvest Food Bank for those struggling with hunger due to the pandemic.
“We want to keep giving back and keeping it in our community,” Walters said.
Walters sees virtual activities being a continued means of reaching kids. Many campers have asked why Peace Camp isn’t longer and there could be an extension of the camp in later weeks after the actual camp ends in future years.
Walters can also see Peace Center’s classroom work continuing in digital and virtual ways when classes begin in the fall.
So far, about 27 kids have signed up for Peace Camp. The camp usually draws an average of 186, but Walters will be satisfied with 50.
“We have no idea what to expect. It’s a new growth for the Peace Center but great,” she said.
To register a child for Peace Camp, go to www.facebook.com/springfieldpeacecenter.
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