Elements of Peace
Summer Program 2026
Nature immersion * Yoga & mindfulness * Art * Music * Storytelling
Be yourself * Lead with peace * Love over ego * Have fun!
August 3rd -7th at Contemplative Sciences Center, Contemplative Commons
Welcome to the Elements of Peace Summer Program
Our program offers youth a unique and transformative experience that combines nature immersion, contemplative & creative arts, community building, and peace leadership development. With a focus on cultivating resilience, fostering authentic connections, and empowering teens to become agents of change, our program provides an unforgettable opportunity for personal growth, exploration, and fun!
Why this Program?
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Disconnect from screens and immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature! From nature walks and Hammock Hangs to earth art and the Great Fire Release, youth will experience the serenity of nature and how we can harness the power of the natural elements for enhanced creativity, resilience, and connection. Youth will also learn wisdom stories and uses of nature’s magical gifts such as local plants, herbs, and gemstones.
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Join us for restorative, fun and enlightening contemplative practices & creative arts from diverse cultures to help de-stress, enhance self-awareness, and promote well-being! Examples of practices may include:
Iyengar yoga & partner yoga
Mindfulness & meditation intro
Afro-Brazilian drumming & dance
Tibetan nature mandalas
Chinese tea ceremonies
Japanese rock balancing sculptures
Mindful eating (surprise snacks included!!)
Gratitude letters & Zulu beadwork
Journaling
Origami
Archery
Practices are encouraged, but always optional! Enthusiastic participants will also get a chance to learn how to lead mindfulness practices in a group setting!
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Come make new friends and strengthen connections with old ones! Our social meditation practices and authentic relating games are designed to foster meaningful connections and spark friendships between youth from all walks of life. At Elements of Peace we learn how to reduce insecurity, increase confidence, and foster a sense of connection in unique and fun ways!
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At Elements of Peace, we believe in giving you skills that you can take with you to find inner peace amidst the chaos of life and to be a leader of peace in your community and in the world. We provide youth opportunities to learn about & lead:
Intention Setting & Personal Vision Board Creation
Gratitude & Manifestation Practices
Nonviolent communication, peaceful conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies & *Breathing practices*
Elements of Peace vision for co-existence
Greater Community Vision Board & Intention setting
Loving-Kindness & Compassion Practices
Haudenosaunee Seventh Generation Principle
Teens will learn valuable leadership skills and explore what it means to be a force for good in our community and in the world. From leading group activities to serving as advisors for future camp programs, teens will have the opportunity to develop their leadership potential and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Nature Immersion
Immerse yourself in the natural world and enhance your awareness of your inner and outer nature. We explore how to support, not just our own resilience through time in the great outdoors, but the resilience of our planet!
Contemplative & Creative Arts
Get your self-care on through rejuvenating yoga sessions and contemplative practices from all over the world! Re-treat your self!
Real Connections
Laugh, be goofy, be YOURSELF and make connections that make your heart and soul sing! Learn social meditations, games, and authentic relating practices that give you courage to be you because YOU are awesome just the way you are!
Leadership & Peace
Become leaders in peace and mindfulness! Learn and lead community intention setting, mindfulness exercises, and nonviolent communication/de-escalation strategies, strengthening their peaceful leadership skills. Become cherished advisors for our future programs!
What past participants loved about the Summer Program:
“Eating slowly”
“Food Bravery”
“Ways to Calm Down”
“I learned how to use a hammock”
“Communication over conflict”
“I loved yoga and stretching”
“It’s been laughter non-stop.”
“Mindful eating”
“It’s Really Easy to Make Friends”
“Help to connect with School Friends”
“Be more smart with my decisions”
“I like the mindful breathing thing because that’s something that I can use in every class.”
“Mindful listening, and finding peace amidst the chaos of school life, yoga will help to release some of the stress from cross country.”