Petrozavodsk, Russia—UPF, together with the organization Islamic Education, organized a unique summer camp for children and teens in Russia’s far northwest Karelia region.
The Lodestar camp, held from June 2 to 4, 2015, was unique in that the program for future Youth Ambassadors for Peace included both religious aspects and the standard program of a public social organization.
Tatiana Krasnosumova, secretary general of the UPF Northwest Russia chapter and an Ambassador for Peace, spoke about the history of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance as fundamental rights and freedoms. She read the principles of tolerance to the participants.
The program alternated indoor and outdoor activities and games, so that the children had no time to get bored. Children participated in all the activities, and many of them discovered new qualities within themselves. Even the most timid and shy could gradually feel more and more confident.
The camp was organized for only a few days, but the program was so rich and fascinating that it would have been enough for a month. On the last day, there was a festive dinner with homemade pizza. All the children were awarded certificates as Youth Ambassadors for Peace.
A testimony from a Lodestar camp participant
The event helped us to see new possibilities of building world peace. The camp helped children learn to respect other people’s worlds and other views. It is this quality — tolerance — that is the key to successful development of the future generation.
The participants realized that the most beautiful world can be constructed when we consider its great diversity.
In conclusion, we can say that the principles of life in Islam and the principles of the Universal Peace Federation are very similar. This camp was very helpful for both children and adults. We realized that there are many people who seek peace in the world!
We hope that our cooperation will be constant and fruitful.