Peace Camp is a free summer camp program. Donations are always welcome. ICPJ suggests a donation of $50 per family for participating families to help us cover costs; however, no child will be excluded from Peace Camp for financial reasons. Children with special needs may be accompanied by a sign language translator, TSS, or other adult helper. We ask children to pack a brown bag lunch and water bottle for each day.
The Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice (ICPJ) held Peace Camp 2026, a week-long youth experience centered on social justice, community healing, and youth empowerment from June 22-26, 2026 at the Unitarian Universalist of Gettysburg. This year’s theme, “Carry the Light—Courage in Action,” invited young people to explore how individuals and communities have practiced courage in the face of injustice—and how we can carry that light forward today.
Peace Camp 2026 offered an immersive learning journey rooted in Gettysburg’s layered history and its continued relevance to present-day justice movements. Participants engaged in Gettysburg-based learning walks and site visits, guided discussions, interactive workshops, and creative projects that connect history to action. Camp programming included practices that support emotional resilience and community care, including mindful movement and somatic regulation tools.
Key highlights of Peace Camp 2026 included:
- Gettysburg-Based Site Visits & Learning Walks — Explore local places connected to freedom struggles, community resilience, and ongoing efforts toward justice.
- Workshops & Facilitated Discussions — Youth-centered dialogue on justice, courage, belonging, allyship, and community responsibility.
- Mindful Movement & Somatic Healing — Practical tools for grounding, self-regulation, and collective care.
- Creative Activism & Youth Leadership — Art, storytelling, and youth-led projects that transform learning into action.
- Special Living-History Experience (planned) — A guest program that brings history to life through powerful storytelling and interactive learning.
Who Should Attend Peace Camp?
Peace Camp 2026 was open to youth ages 6 to 14 who are curious about history, justice, community, and leadership. The camp welcomes participants who want to learn, ask big questions, build relationships, and grow skills for creating positive change.
How to Get Involved
Community members interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or partnering are encouraged to reach out.
For more information, please contact: Melissa Rosenberger ( LCSW, director of ICPJ Peace Camp) at 717-398-1536 or m78rosenberger@gmail.com.