URI Europe "Seeding the Peace" interfaith youth camp, held in early August in the Hague, the Netherlands, brought together 20 participants aged 14-17 and six youth facilitators from different parts of Europe for an unforgettable five-day experience. The aim of the camp was to foster intercultural friendships, explore interfaith dialogue and promote environmental justice.
It was supported by URI Europe and co-organised by 4 organisations (CCs), part of the URI network in Europe: BRIDGES from Bulgaria, Voem from Belgium, Udhetim I Lire from Albania and Colorful Segbroek from the Netherlands, who hosted the camp in the city of peace and justice, the Hague. Sarah Oliver, URI Global Coordinator for Youth and Director Global Programs, played an important role in supporting and training the youth facilitators.
From BRIDGES, Bulgaria went a group of 10 people - 8 young people from 4 cities of the country, representatives of 3 religious traditions and two leaders of the organization - the youth leader Silvia Trifonova and the chair of the association Angelina Vladikova.
Day 1: Building Friendships of Trust
The camp started with an official opening at the Broeders van Sint-Jan Den Haag monastery in the centre of The Hague, where participants from Bulgaria, Albania, Belgium and the Netherlands were accommodated. The ice-breaking games helped the young people to get to know each other and bond. The youth leaders presented the camp's programme, dividing everyone into groups by elements - air, water, fire and earth. These groups took turns throughout the days to motivate their peers, maintain order and document their experiences.
Day 2: Creating Cultures of Interfaith Dialogue
On the second day, participants visited the Peace Palace where they learned about its history and importance in promoting peace and international justice. The visit was followed by an interfaith dialogue workshop on the Golden rule: "Treat others as you want to be treated." Through interactive games, participants deepened their understanding of each other's cultural and religious backgrounds, setting the stage for meaningful interfaith discussions.
Day 3: Environmental and Social Justice
The third day was a mix of cultural exploration and environmental education. Participants visited a Hindu temple (New Mandir) where they gained insight into the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Hinduism. This was followed by an environmental workshop where they discussed the importance of sustainability and practical steps they can take to protect the environment. Guest speaker for the eco-justice workshop together with youth facilitators was Dimitar Borumov. The day ended with a self-reflection activity in which participants wrote postcards to their future selves reflecting on their goals and aspirations.
Day 4: Peace and the Arts
A day full of energy, participants explored The Hague, visited famous landmarks and enjoyed a fun activity on the beach. The afternoon session was led by His Highness Prince Boris of Bulgaria, who came to support and contribute to the idea of intercultural and interfaith dialogue among young people. As he is the same age as the youth facilitators. He accepted with great joy the invitation of BRIDGES Association to be part of the leading team and to deliver a workshop. "Seeding the Creativity" was the title chosen for the session. The idea of peace and environmental justice was beautifully translated into a work of art made by all participants under the guidance of the Prince. The day ended with a lively evening of cultural exchange where participants shared their cultures through music, dance and food, creating lasting memories and deepening their bonds.
Day 5: Celebrating Peace in Action
The last day of the camp was marked with a visit to a Liberal synagogue where participants engaged in meaningful dialogue with the rabbi. The day continued with a creative workshop entitled "Express Your Freedom" led by Carol Goodwin. Through painting, the youth expressed their understanding of freedom and human rights, culminating in an impressive exhibition of their artwork. The camp ended with a special dinner, reflection on the experience and discussion for future.
The interfaith camp in The Hague "Seeding the Peace" ended successfully. The past 5 days, filled with an intensive program, intercultural exchange and new dialogue skills acquired, ended with a special certificate ceremony. All 20 participants received their certificates of active participation and URI badges personally from HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and the chair of Bridges Angelina Vladikova. Young Facilitators from 4 countries from partnering organizations were also awarded with certificates by URI Director of Global Programs Sarah Oliver and URI Europe President Duncan Welsen. As a token of appreciation for their participation in the youth camp, certificates and badges were also presented to our guest speaker Dimitar Borumov and HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg Gotha.
