"Peace in the Middle East looked a little closer as 24 Jewish, Muslim and Christian kids from the Toronto area and Galilee region of Israel hugged, laughed and said tearful goodbyes. For 10 days they had participated in the Kids4Peace camp. This is the fifth summer that children from Israel have come to Canada for the Kids4Peace camp, a project that began at St. George's College with co-operation from St. George's Cathedral, both in the Episcopal diocese of Jerusalem. The Rev. Samuel Barhoum, an Anglican priest in the diocese and director of Kids4Peace in Galilee, says that 11- and 12-year olds are at a very good age to come to such a camp because they don't have preconceived ideas". "The camps began in the U.S. in 2002, and Toronto Anglicans David Ross and his wife, Cathie, helped found a Canadian chapter in 2004. Ross and a group of volunteers raise about $75,000 a year, allowing the camp to operate at no cost to the families".
Colour photo with caption: "Camp Hyanto, Lyndhurst, ON. Why go to summer camp ? - tons of fun; - values-based learning; - environmental stewardship; - recreational challenges and activities; - leadership skills; - individual growth. AFC [Anglican Foundation of Canada] provided funding for a canoe trailer and septic system upgrades at Camp Hyanto [in the Diocese of Ontario] to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all campers." [Text of entire article.]
The first "justice camp" - an ecumenical gathering of young people will take place in Winnipeg 15-21 August 2005. It is an initiative of the Eco-justice committee of General Synod.
The Dr. William Winter School for Ministry "draws faculty from the Saskatoon-based College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and from other colleges in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. More than 70 people have participated in the program since its inception in 2003, including clergy". The school offers a Diploma in Indigenous Anglican Theology. "Students attend eight 14-day residential summer and winter sessions at the Mission House built for the purpose by the people of Kingfisher Lake, Ont. In the summer, students and their families go to the Big Beaver Bible Camp. Students complete a total of 900 hours of contact time, and between sessions do practicum work in their home and neighbouring communities".
The motion regarding Focus on Youth was lifted from the table.
Text
Friendly amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to add a new section 5. The amended motion now reads:
That the Council of General Synod, in response to Framework's call for work in the area of youth ministry:
1. Commend the Primate for the establishment of an Anglican Youth Network and endorse this initiative
2. Enter into partnership with the Ask & Imagine youth leadership program and support the program wherever possible, mindful that no funds are currently allocated for youth work
3. Endorse the concept of Justice Camps and request the Eco Justice Committee to continue its exploration of this idea
4. Ask its members to survey their diocese as to present youth and young adult programs being carried out, and to report with brief descriptions of each to the next meeting of the Council
5. Authorize the Officers of General synod to appoint two persons to the National Advisory Board of the Ask & Imagine program.
The amended motion was put and CARRIED #32-11-04
Notes
Members were instructed to speak with Mr. Peter Irish, Chair of the Nominating Committee, if interested in serving on the Ask & Imagine Board.