{"id":34562,"date":"2017-08-24T08:12:48","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T12:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=34562"},"modified":"2017-08-28T14:19:26","modified_gmt":"2017-08-28T18:19:26","slug":"heaven-earth-experience-interfaith-peace-camp-builds-bridges-builds-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2017\/heaven-earth-experience-interfaith-peace-camp-builds-bridges-builds-peace\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Heaven on Earth’ experience: Interfaith Peace Camp builds bridges, builds peace"},"content":{"rendered":"

At times the scene may have looked like typical summer camp fun with crafts and art, singing and playing rhythm instruments, and sharing meals, but for 33 campers ages 7-12 and 14 junior counselors ages 13-18 \u2014 and for its dedicated organizers \u2014 the eighth <\/span>Interfaith Peace Camp<\/span><\/a> (IPC) at Eastern Mennonite University had an additional, bigger mission: \u201cBuilding Bridges, Building Peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mike Deaton leads a time of music at the Interfaith Peace Camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A program of the university\u2019s <\/span>Center for Interfaith Engagement<\/span><\/a>, the five-day camp brings together\u00a0<\/span>children from Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds to engage with each other and the three monotheistic religions that trace their lineage back to Abraham.<\/span><\/p>\n

The camp first took place over three days in 2008, and was recently cited as inspiration for a <\/span>similar event<\/span><\/a> at King\u2019s University College in London, Ontario. The ongoing mission statement reads, \u201cIn the spirit of joy and curiosity, IPC builds friendships, values differences, and celebrates similarities among diverse faith traditions, with a special focus on Abrahamic faiths.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

This year six campers were from Muslim, one from Jewish, and 23 from Christian faith traditions, and three identified outside of the Abrahamic faiths. Ten junior counselors were Muslim and four were Christian, and the two teaching assistants were Muslim.<\/span><\/p>\n

To view a slideshow of Interfaith Peace Camp photos, scroll to the end of the article.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Building bridges<\/h3>\n

The week\u2019s activities reflected the bridge- and peacebuilding theme. For example, a project with tissue boxes, rubber bands, and paper clips to build a bridge for an orange to roll across elicited encouraging comments: \u201cTry it on the other side!\u201d \u201cGive them another chance!\u201d and, in light of struggling to find a design that worked, \u201cRedo, redo, redo!\u201d In another, a version of freeze tag led by Matthew Overacker, a recreation leadership and sports studies major completing a summer practicum at the camp, students used pool noodles to partner with each other to build bridges in order to “unfreeze” other players.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But perhaps most importantly, three local houses of worship hosted midday tours and lunches.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the first day of the camp, James Madison University professor Frances Flannery<\/a> of the <\/span>Beth El Congregation<\/span><\/a>, Jeff Carr of the <\/span>Bridgewater Church of the Brethren<\/span><\/a>, and Zohaib Afridi of the <\/span>Islamic Association of the Shenandoah Valley<\/span><\/a> introduced the three Abrahamic religions by describing their shared genealogy and different ways of connecting with the divine: Jews through the Torah, Christians through Jesus, and Muslims through the Quran. In subsequent days, campers learned more specifics about each tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Campers visited the three local faith communities for a tour, a presentation about the religious beliefs and practices of each faith, and a mid-day meal. At the Islamic Center, for example, campers learned about the 99 names of God, that worshipers to show respect remove their shoes before entering prayers, and a traditional meal blessing: \u201cIn the name of God, and with the blessing of God.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dr. Nabeel Babar explains the various language and symbols displayed in the room when Interfaith Peace Camp participants visit the Islamic Center of the Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Virginia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The visits are a key element of the camp, said director Carrie Dengler Wenger. \u201cCampers get to\u00a0<\/span>visit a space that feels familiar to them, where they get to be leaders and therefore strengthen their identity in their faith. They also visit two other spaces that may not feel as familiar. For many, they are entering a Christian church, Jewish temple or Muslim mosque for the first time. Their curiosity is ignited and we encourage them to engage their curiosity by asking questions. Each house of worship welcomes us, shows us around, answers our questions, and feeds us lunch. Suddenly these spaces become safe spaces for everyone. Our fears are diminished. The \u2018other\u2019 becomes a neighbor and friend. This is a \u2018heaven on Earth\u2019 experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

People are ‘biggest impact’<\/h3>\n

Rebekah Nolt, a graduate student at <\/span>Eastern Mennonite Seminary<\/span><\/a>, prepared snacks and other meals while also helping to facilitate connections between people, the earth, and the divine, she said. \u201cIt has been so meaningful to watch the kids discover these. I love being able to help them make those connections through food, since we all have to eat!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

One goal of organizers was to help campers build meaningful relationships. Dengler Wenger told\u00a0<\/span>campers on the first day, \u201cIn this place you belong. You are going to be able to give and receive compassion. You are going to be a peacebuilder.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Just days later, Flannery said, circles of campers formed a safe space in which campers were invited to share \u201csomething that helps show the real you.\u201d The personal connections and celebrations of uniqueness were \u201cmagical,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Interfaith Peace Camp participants and counselors play a bridge-building version of freeze tag shortly after the opening ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The camp is a powerful experience not only for the campers, but also for the interfaith staff. \u201cWe are modeling what we want for the kids, but we are also getting that experience,\u201d said Mike Deaton, a Christian who has helped organize and lead music for several years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zohaib Afridi was a child when the camp began in 2008. Summer camps weren\u2019t something he liked, he thought, but he ended up attending IPC in his sister\u2019s place \u2014 then kept coming as a camper and junior counselor, and now is a staff member. \u201cThe biggest impact of the camp is the people,\u201d he said, \u201cand how friendly they are even though they\u2019ve never met each other before.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Fulfilling dreams<\/h3>\n

Staff member Rehab Mansour said that she hopes the camp will \u201cteach campers how to find ways\u00a0<\/span>to communicate and deal with others with love and respect. I hope that they can do what previous generations missed, that they can come up with a better way to fulfill our dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Interfaith Peace Camp participants work on art projects with Rehab Mansour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That openness to ongoing interfaith connection and peace takes thinking ahead and proactive\u00a0<\/span>reaching out, something that campers saw firsthand when a student asked about the construction happening in the middle of the Islamic Center\u2019s ceiling. Presenter Dr. Nabeel Babar explained that it was for a new dome that campers will be able to see eventually \u2014 \u201cWhen you come next year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope Interfaith Peace Camp helps move our community beyond mere coexistence,\u201d said Dengler Wenger. \u201cWe envision a community where our interactions are driven by a desire for understanding, mutual respect, and love. Shalom. Inshallah. May it be so!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"20170811-IPC<\/a>