From June 14-19, Koinonia Partners teamed up with an organization called the “Atlanta Peace Mobile” to present a “Children’s Peace Camp” for 25 kids, mostly from low-income homes. The Camp took place at the Koinonia Community Outreach Center (KCOC). It was an exciting week of fun activities designed to help children learn about the many dimensions of peace. The Atlanta Peace Mobile is a traveling educational museum with a wide range of interactive exhibits including arts and crafts, puppetry, computer programs, brass etching, giant puzzles and more. The Peace Camp facilitated dynamic learning experiences which encouraged the children to deepen their understanding about themselves and their relationships with others.

Four aspects of peace were addressed during the week. On day one, the theme was “Peace for Me.” The activities for this day were crafted to help children to see their unique inner beauty. They were taught that peace must first begin from within each of us. Self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotions were explored.

On day two, the theme was “Peace for Us.” Day two emphasized the daily relationships of family and friends. We engaged in activities that required cooperation and teamwork. With the help of adult “Peace Guides”, the kids participated in simulated conflict resolution, communication and mediation.

On day three, the theme was “Peace for Everyone.” Through the use of puppet shows, skits and role-playing, the children examined the possibilities for peace within groups, including those who are outside of our own social comfort zones. The children encountered a new way of understanding others and of celebrating cultural diversity.

On day four, the theme was, “Peace for the Planet.” The children learned about good environmental stewardship of God’s creation, planetary care and respect for nature. They learned that even creepy-crawly things like bugs, worms and snakes play a vital part in the health of the same interconnected ecosystem in which humans live and depend.

To culminate the week of Peace Camp, KCOC hosted an open house to the public, demonstrating the concepts of Christian nonviolence and the teaching techniques and methodology used by the Atlanta Peace Mobile. Every activity and exhibit used during the week was set up on display for the open house visitors to touch, ponder and experiment with. It seemed to be as much fun for the adults as it was for the kids!

All in all, it was a wonderful week and one of the more meaningful projects I’ve been involved with here at Koinonia. I believe that the children who participated in Peace Camp received something very special – a spiritual gift that they will take with them throughout their lives. I certainly know that my three children benefited greatly, as did I.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work and fellowship with our new Peace Mobile friends from Atlanta! To Jim and Andria Melham and Andria’s parents, Ralph and Loeda – I’d like to say, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your creative vision, your love for the children of the world, and your passion for peace was visible to all who met you. You are radiant witnesses for Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace! God bless you for letting your light shine on Koinonia.

Sanders Thornburgh