2018 CIIP Program Book CIIP Booklet 2018

Three deep breaths. Freeze focus. Peace prayer. Each morning, my supervisor Nawal led our whole camp in these three exercises, a routine I quickly came to appreciate after realizing how hectic peace camp could actually get. When I was first informed that I’d be interning at By Peaceful Means, I imagined daily meditations and reflective discussions with the kids as we explored different kinds of non-violent conflict-resolution strategies. What else could a peace camp be besides, well, peaceful? Boy, was I wrong. Take three deep breaths. I’d instruct my class these words at times when everyone was getting restless and butting heads and talking way past indoor-voice levels. With the help of an expe- rienced, supportive staff, especially my co-teacher Willah, I gradually learned how to refocus a group of rambunctious ten and eleven-year old campers. It seemed too simple at first, but three deep breaths, I discovered, did wonders for our chaotic classroom. Remember to be patient. I’d repeat this to myself more than once throughout camp, referring to our morning ritual of freezing our focus on one positive thought. If I have strengthened one weakness prior to this summer, it has been my patience. Working with hyper-energetic kids and a schedule prone to change, I became adept at troubleshooting unanticipated problems while keeping a level-head. Peace camp taught me how to put aside my exhaustion and prioritize patience so that I could be fully engaged with the campers all day. I am peace, surrounded by peace, secure in peace. I’d channel these mantras from our daily peace prayer whenever I had to pull a camper to the side for using unkind words. Our prayer says that each person at camp can be peaceful, that their communities can be too. I often used those affirmations to remind campers in conflict that being hurtful was out of character, that being peaceful was who they were instead. Three deep breaths. Freeze focus. Peace prayer. Leaving peace camp with these exercises under my belt, I can confidently say that this summer has been one of the most rewarding and tiring experiences I’ve ever had. I could not be more grateful for the many ways it has deep- ened my love for and understanding of Baltimore’s children. • Co-instructed 20 elementary and middle school campers for five hours/week • Led a STEM/Coding studio in which students learned basic coding logic using Code.org as well as fundamental principles of design using Legos • Organized camper applications and rosters for more efficient access Community Partner: By Peaceful Means Intern: Claire Zou Site Supervisor: Nawal Rajeh What is By Peaceful Means? By Peaceful Means’ mission is to inter- rupt physical and structural violence by empowering youth through peace educa- tion, advocacy, and employment. 14

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