Summer Camp Peace News
BeGee | 30.07.2011 19:30 | Anti-militarism | Birmingham
A participant in a “Using Indymedia” workshop at the “Peace News” Summer Camp writes and posts his first article to Indymedia, giving some of his impressions of the camp.
“For nonviolent revolution” is the slogan for “Peace News”, this year celebrating its 75th birthday. Recently, “Peace News” arranged its third 5-day summer camp, for some 120+ participants, all learning, and practicing, people power, sharing work and workshops in a pleasant environment. And ageism banned: campers were of all ages, from tiny tots to senior adults – it was certainly family friendly. This camp, held on Crabapple Community’s fields near Shrewsbury, was, possibly, the best summer camp yet.
Programmes, very varied, included militarism, home education, revolutions in Egypt and beyond, public speaking etc. Kids were well looked after too.
So, what did the Summer Camp mean for me, personally, certainly no spring chicken? Of course, I participated in various activities, even including “Resistance in Harry Potter”! One of my favourite sessions, “Using Indymedia”, was learning how to become a citizen reporter, i.e. writing about topics of interest to (hopefully!) a radically aware readership. Not to emulate the great bards of this world, however worthy, rather “grassroots-speak”, no more, no less. Now, would you please excuse me, comrade reader, I’ll just put the finishing touches to my humble Indymedia article. Oh, and happy 75th, dear “Peace News”!
Programmes, very varied, included militarism, home education, revolutions in Egypt and beyond, public speaking etc. Kids were well looked after too.
So, what did the Summer Camp mean for me, personally, certainly no spring chicken? Of course, I participated in various activities, even including “Resistance in Harry Potter”! One of my favourite sessions, “Using Indymedia”, was learning how to become a citizen reporter, i.e. writing about topics of interest to (hopefully!) a radically aware readership. Not to emulate the great bards of this world, however worthy, rather “grassroots-speak”, no more, no less. Now, would you please excuse me, comrade reader, I’ll just put the finishing touches to my humble Indymedia article. Oh, and happy 75th, dear “Peace News”!
BeGee
Comments
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errr
30.07.2011 23:20
acab
REad This!
01.08.2011 20:53
Mr Happy
another camp report
01.08.2011 22:50
Five days of workshops and analysis - on subjects including the current wars, anti-militarism, horizontal and community organising, resistance and anarchy (call the cops!) all happening in a temporary community putting sustainable living into practice - merit our attention if you ask me, and everyone's impressions are valuable.
The atmosphere at the camp was inspiring - I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who made it happen: The Peace News folk who co-ordinated the event; Crabapple Community who provided the fields and facilities; wonderful Veggies of Nottingham and their merrie band of helpers for their fantastic meals and cakes; Nigel and Margaret who made the welcome tent so welcoming; the people who looked after our kids so parents could take part in workshops; everyone who brought structures; the bar organisers; Patrick's power provision; the washer-uppers, toilet monitors, facilitators, wood gatherers, musicians... just everyone.
I did get to attend some of the workshops, which were interesting and informative and sometimes inspiring, but at least as valuable for me were the conversations had over breakfast, lunch and dinner, while chopping vegetables and washing up, and round the fire in the evening with friends old and new. It's so easy to feel isolated when you're focused on just one or two things, working on a single issue campaign or in one locality for instance. Hearing about other people's activism in so many different fields and all over the country and beyond inspired feelings of solidarity, positivity and hope. For me, the camp was a major battery recharge.
Some of the issues which came up during discussions at the camp and which I'm still reflecting on are:
- how to promote inclusivity in our campaigns and how to work together on things we agree on rather than allowing ourselves to be divided by our differences
- how to support those who are suffering as a result of trauma experienced during their activism
- how to make the connections so my activism is integrated and connected rather than fragmented
- how to avoid despondency and burn-out
I'm hoping the spirit of optimism I've come home with lasts til next summer!
Be interesting to hear what other people got from the experience. As Mr Happy says, the personal is the political.
PNC'er
Read All About It...
02.08.2011 17:50
Thanks from this Veggies Crew helper...Veggies next port of call ARUK 5-8 August in Northampton...
Peace in ,my opinion knows no boundaries...
Mr Happy