Judy Chamberlain and her husband, Bill, took a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2010. There, they learned about an interfaith movement called Kids4Peace. Judy was so inspired by what she saw: people of different faiths and backgrounds with plenty of divisions among them coming together to build bridges and create community. She knew Cincinnati needed Kids4Peace. To quote her directly, “There is racism and misunderstanding that lead to myths that build untruths and lead to the development of hate. We could benefit from teaching our kids a different way.” When asked how she got Kids4Peace started she says, “I just started talking to people… to anyone who would listen.” Over time, people did listen like Rabbi Abie Ingber, Rev. Gail Greenwell, Michele Young, Sarah Weis (founder of the Holocaust and Humanity Center), Jackie Congedo of the Jewish Community Relations Council, and nationally recognized Islamic leader Shakila Ahmed, among others. Together with Judy at the helm this interfaith team offered the first Kids4Peace Interfaith Camp in 2016.
Today Kids4Peace in Cincinnati is a year around program committed to developing courageous leaders who work to create more just and inclusive societies. Kids4Peace is doing just that and is set to grow its programming around the city to empower even more kids to create more peace! Their flagship program, Interfaith Harmony Camp, is going strong and will take place this summer from July 31 – Aug. 4th. Kids4Peace expects to see more students involved in camp this year than ever before.
Part of the special sauce is that Kids4Peace strives to be student-led. Last summer’s camp was facilitated by an incredible group of high school students. One leader, Jack Fechter, has been with Kids4Peace since that first summer in 2016. He has attended every camp since and has been on the leadership team throughout his time in high school. He is currently studying international relations at Dickinson College and directly credits Judy and Kids4Peace for how he sees the world now. “When I started at Kids4Peace I had no idea it would change me in the way it has. I don’t think I would see the world the way I do now. I wouldn’t be approaching my life the way I do now if it wasn’t for Judy and Kid4Peace.”
It is not just Jack either. Kids4Peace is starting to see its impact as students graduate high school and explore Kids4Peace related studies. Judy Chamberlain is to thank for all these new young leaders who are entering the work world having been taught that “different way.” That way is one of listening and empathy, of seeing the “other” as partners and friends.
Will you help us honor Judy and Kids4Peace? Please plan to attend the Kids4Peace Potluck on Thursday, August 3rd at St. Barnabas Epsicopal Church (10345 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242) at 6 p.m. We will hear from kids involved in the week long Interfaith Harmony Camp as well as have some time to honor Judy. To register for the dinner text or email Adam Hayden at 812-430-4464 or ahayden@seedsofpeace.org.
To register for the annual Kids4Peace Interfaith Harmony Camp visit www.seedsofpeace.org/cincycamp