Introducing
Elements of Peace
Before schedules or logistics, we want to share what Elements of Peace actually feels like. This video offers a glimpse into the 2025 program. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
2026 Summer Program Details & Application
Dates: Monday, August 3rd 2026 to Friday, August 7th 2026
Ages: 12-14 recommended; Mature & enthusiastic 11 year olds as well as 15 year olds who may like to become mentors/counselors for future Elements of Peace programs are also encouraged to apply!
Location: Contemplative Sciences Center and field trips to other nature locations around Charlottesville.
Daily schedule: Please drop your child off at the Contemplative Sciences Center as our starting location for each day.
Values and Expectations: Elements of Peace emphasizes the values of loving-kindness, compassion, and care toward self, others, and the natural world. Please read the Program Values and Expectations. Attendance on all five days is expected given the importance we place on cultivating a safe and connected community and on the progressive learning of knowledge and skills. Please only apply if the youth is able and committed to attend all five days.
Cost: $500. Limited partial and full need-based scholarships are available. To apply, please specify need on the application below. Youth may be waitlisted for the scholarship in case we receive more funding or a spot opens up. Please apply for the scholarship only if the youth is able and committed to attending all five days of the program.
What to bring/wear:
Bag, such as a Backpack
Closed toe shoes
Reusable Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Journal (provided to youth on the first day)
Please note that Elements of Peace is not a mental healthcare provider or licensed childcare provider according to VDOE Code 22.1-289.030.
If you have any issues or questions about attendance, cost, or participation in any of the activities, please email us at elementsofpeaceprogram@gmail.com, and we will do our best to respond within 1 week. We are a primarily volunteer run organization and appreciate your patience with our response time.
Testimonials
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I feel like this was a great experience for me because the whole summer I didn’t really have time to focus on myself and my mental health, and I feel like it was a great getaway for me, especially as I am getting ready to enter high school. and i really needed this break to focus on myself and put myself in this beautiful community.
Hector, 14 years old
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You get to do a lot of fun stuff in the water, and you get to be in nature and it’s really fun to do yoga, and there are a lot of snacks, and you just make a lot of friends really quickly. If you came to this you would think that most of the people here would have known each other for years, but we met each other yesterday.
- Lucy, 11 years old
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I made so many friends, and found that spending a lot of time out in nature eating walnuts and bananas really helped to release a bunch of the stress I was holding, and made me much more confident for school. Also hammock time was awesome because we got to share about ourselves, it was awesome to get to know new people, I really found my place in the community and enjoyed this so much!
- Laurel, 14 years old