BWIC’s CAMP peace works to begin mid-July.

Camp is free to youth ages 13 to 17

CAMPpeaceworks is celebrating 10 years of prevention education. July 18 to July 22, the youth of Berks County will have the opportunity to attend CAMPpeaceworks, a project of Berks Women in Crisis and held at the Olivet’s Boys and Girls Club Blue Mountain Camp in Hamburg. CAMPpeaceworks is a five day summer day camp for young adults ranging from 13 to 17 years. Campers will be given the opportunity to explore issues of social and community injustices and violence under the guidance of community facilitators. The goal of CAMPpeaceworks is to empower participants with a voice in making a difference in these issues and be a part of the solution.

“Every one of these campers will bring something essential to the table,” said Mary Kay Bernosky, Executive Director of Berks Women in Crisis. “Youth from different backgrounds, ages and races are welcome with open arms. All camper experiences will be different, because every one of them is unique in their own way. By interacting with people from all walks of life, the campers will be given a different perspective about the world around them.”

Camp is free to all campers. Transportation, meals and snacks are included as well. In addition to working on social issues, campers will be able to participate in some of activities Olivet’s Blue Mountain Camp has to offer. The camp has indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, swimming and many other activities.

A reunion is scheduled for campers and families on Thursday, Aug. 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 521 Walnut Street in Reading. This is the beginning of meetings, which will be held throughout the year.

Campers will also be asked to engage in an on-going peace-promoting project at their schools or within the community itself. Again, the youth will be provided with ongoing support from their youth leaders and fellow campers. All campers will be encouraged to attend the camp reunion day and bimonthly alliance meetings throughout the school year.

Previous campers will have the opportunity to return to CAMPpeaceworks as youth leaders and facilitators for future camps and share their experiences in order for the next generation to grow.

This year as we celebrate BWIC’s 40th anniversary, camp is part of BWIC’s Healthy Village Project, which is a series of educational programs that will be presented to a variety of Berks County audiences who have a stake in promoting the healthy, peaceful and supportive coexistence of the people of the Berks community.

To enroll in CAMPpeaceworks, please contact Tasha Isaac, Director of Education and Community Outreach at 610-373-1206 ext. 125 or tashai@berkswomenincrisis.org. You may also obtain an application on our website at www.berkswomenincrisis.org.

Attendance by young male campers, in particular, is encouraged.