peacecamp 2013

This was Peacecamp 2013

I was so happy when I got the chance to go to peacecamp with my schoolmates and my dreams came true there. I have had the best time in Reibers.
I even enjoyed the preparation work, both the individual and the group preparation. I was the one who made a simple Hungarian folk dance coreography and I thought it to my delegation. I also made a Power Point presentation of a funny Hungarian folk song and I tried to teach it to the others in the camp. I also prepared for singing a nice Hungarian folk song and I sang it three times during the camp. It was a pleasure to make my family album too. I tried to get infromation about the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians in advance because I didn't know about it too much.
It was really memorable when the different four delegations first met at the airport in Vienna. On the way to Reibers we tried to get to know each other and I felt immediately that these children are so close to me. It wasn't a problem to communicate with them and we found that we have a lot in common.
Reibers is a beautiful, clean and tidy little village and I liked our accomodation too. All of our leaders and artists were so nice and special. They were energetic, full of life, cheerful and really enthusiastic. They welcomed us with open arms like we are not strangers. I felt I was a part of a big family and I always felt comfortable at the camp. All the activities were colourful and enjoyable. On the other hand, they were really useful too with full of information.
I especially enjoyed the culture evenings, we got to know a lot about the culture of the other countries and we could taste their national dishes. We all were treated like real talents not only in the talent show. The final show was a big succes. Everybody took part in it and we showed how we could work as a group after a few days.
The camp was proved that different cultures can work together peacefully even if their countries have conflicts with each other. We can solve the problems and difficulties if everyone wants to do that.
We decided to meet next year in Israel and we keep in touch through the Internet every day. These 10 days are the most memorable eperience of my life. It is something that I will never forget. Each one of you has made a mark in my life. I will always be grateful to Evelyn and the other leaders and artists very much. I miss you all a lot.

Dóra P. (from the Hungarian delegation)

This was peacecamp 2013:
Wow, I really don't know how to put it in words.
I've been waiting for this experience for a full year. So, when it got closer and closer, I started to worry, about, will it be the experience I expect it to be, or I would be disappointed.
I was extremely nervous, because before it even started, I didn't want it to end..
When the day of the flight to the camp arrived, I felt sad, because the experience I've been is starting, and going to end in 10 days, I was afraid from problems, obstacles, and emptiness after the camp..
The camp started, and I was surprised by the great people, the crew, the activities, it was all beyond my imagination, it was amazing, every single activity, as I saw it, was chosen carefully, to help the kids (unawarely), the team was amazing, they were sensitive and patient to every kid.
I loved the large group, I think it's amazing, because its an open discussion, where everyone can talk without fear, and explain them selves.
I was afraid of the connection with the other kids, but I was amazed to see how the activities and the place and the time together got us closer together, every single boy or girl are amazing, and this is the reason why I love this camp so much.
I think this program is amazing, because it actually gives different people, a chance to meet a people from the same age, with totally different opinions, and cultures, and thoughts, to meet together, and to simply connect.
For me, one of the greatest experience there, was the Arab culture evening, I was amazed to see the Jewish and the Arab dancing, and singing together, this was amazingly surprising because it is something that I never thought could happen, that the political opinions will stay outside of the room, and that there would be no fighting, and simply enjoying the time we were given. after that night, I felt good, and I felt like there is a hope for peace. It might sound weird, or naive, but this is the feeling I had.

The camp is one of the most encouraging , fun, enjoying, exciting of my life, I learned a lot, I met great kids, and I hope that this project will continue to grow, and to encourage kids like it encouraged me.
Thank you Evelyn and Ronny, I hope that you will be blessed with everything, because what you are doing, the cause you are fighting for, the process you are doing to make this wonderful event to happen. It's amazing.
I will repeat one of the things Angelica said during the morning meditation,
"May you be good,
May you be happy
May you be peaceful
May you be loved"

Thank you, for everything.
Itay L. (from the Jewish-Israeli delegation)