Peace Camp

Each year, the Modesto Peace/Life Center organizes a Peace Camp held over the last weekend in June at Camp Peaceful Pines in the Sierras. 2010 marks our 27th year. The weekend offers workshops, hiking, campfires, singing, a talent show, children's activities and often thought-provoking speakers. Join us for great discussions, stimulating community and fun for people of all ages.

About Camp Peaceful Pines

At the 6,200-foot elevation in the Stanislaus National Forest on the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River, Camp Peaceful Pines rests 25 miles above Pinecrest off Hwy 108. Surrounded by tall peaks, the camp has a creek running through it. The Clark Fork and Sunrise Rock, with views of the river valley, are short walks from camp.

The camp features kitchen and bathroom facilities, rustic cabins and platform tents (unheated) and a cabin for those with special needs. Campers share in meal preparation, cleanup, and other work.

Families and individuals are welcome.

The usual $70 fee covers program, food and lodging for the weekend. Young people are $50. Early registration, before June 1st, entitles registrants to a $10.00 per person discount. Because of all the volunteer work, the cost of camp is reasonable, having increased only $5 since 2001. Partial financial aid and day-rates are also available.

When ready, registration forms are available at www.stanislausconnections.org and can be printed and mailed.

Registration before May 15 will also get you a cool peace bumper sticker.

Campers may arrive any time after 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The camp opens with supper on Friday and closes at noon on Sunday. Directions and information will be mailed to participants before camp.

For more information contact Ken Schroeder: PeaceCamp@peacelifecenter.org, or call the Center at (209) 529-5750.

Social Justice Youth Leadership Conference

The first annual Social Justice Youth Leadership Conference was held in the fall of 2009 and was attended by 60 area high school students. The keynote speaker was Bonnie Kay, a representative of the international organization Free the Children. Free the Children built a school in the rural village of San Miguel, Ecuador, this last year with funds ($10,000) earned through fundraising efforts by area students. The Conference also allowed over a dozen area organizations such as the NAACP, PFLAG, Sierra Club, Tuolumne River Trust, and the ACLU to explain how area youth can be involved in their endeavors. Make plans to attend or participate in next year's conference. The next Social Justice Youth Leadership Conference is scheduled for Saturday, September 25th, 2010.