DEARBORN — The 2011 interfaith “Peace Camp,” a
free, fun activity for children ages 6-12 plus parents and other adults, will
be held from July 19-21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Littlefield Presbyterian Church.

The camp seeks to build bridges and to help build a
“culture of peace” between children and others of all faiths in the
area including Christians, Muslims and members of any other faith who wish to
attend.

“Children of all ages need to learn respectful,
peaceful ways of resolving conflict and working together,” said The Rev.
Fran Hayes, pastor of the church. “Peace Camp gives us a chance to learn
peaceful ways of doing things, celebrate our neighborhood’s diversity, make new
friends and have a lot of fun together.”

Participants gather for supper, which includes halal meats
in order to be hospitable to the church’s Muslim friends in attendance. A
central activity is the “community build,” in which everyone works
together to design, build and decorate buildings and other attractions they would
hope to find in a peaceful neighborhood. In previous years, the neighborhood
has included a hospital, a fire station, “Peace Park,” an ice cream
parlor, a mosque and “Peace Church.”

Using the community build, as well as stories, songs, games
and other activities, children will learn about and practice good communication
skills, especially how to listen carefully, even to those who disagree, and to
share their feelings honestly. The participants will look for safe ways to
express anger and explore ways to solve problems peacefully.

For more information on Peace Camp which will be held at
Littlefield Church on 7560 Littlefield Blvd. in Dearborn, visit
www.littlefieldchurch.org or call 313.933.3740 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. M-F.