feedback&expectations, Springcamp 2005
Dor
Dor
1.peacecamp 2004 was one of the most wonderful experiences I ever had.
I learnt how to improve my ability to listen and understand the other side.
2. i think that the peacecamp in Austria 2004 was a little bit to much about working
together in the shared activities instead of spending free time together. I felt that this was not less important then the activities themselves, even though I enjoyed them very much as well. But it is always about the balance between the work and the free time, and there is always a conflict.
3. To have a GOODTIME!!! and to be able to understand each other more and more.
4. Make our guests feel as good as I can make them.
I learnt how to improve my ability to listen and understand the other side.
2. i think that the peacecamp in Austria 2004 was a little bit to much about working
together in the shared activities instead of spending free time together. I felt that this was not less important then the activities themselves, even though I enjoyed them very much as well. But it is always about the balance between the work and the free time, and there is always a conflict.
3. To have a GOODTIME!!! and to be able to understand each other more and more.
4. Make our guests feel as good as I can make them.
(0 Kommentare) ... comment
feedback&expectations, springcamp 2005
Cornelia Blaschitz
Cornelia Blaschitz
It was really exciting to come to Rechberg and to get to know 18 new people. On the first day we tried to get to know the “foreign” people better by doing some activities. I was told some hobbies of the others and so on. We also drove to the Schaidersattel and it was really great to see that the Israeli people like our country, our mountains and landscape so much. One time we showed them Klagenfurt, a tour linked with searching for monuments. Somehow it was funny, but somehow it was annoying because we could not find some of them.
I learned a lot about my own identity and how I feel face to face with people who I have not ever seen before and with whom I have to stay together for one week. It was informative in terms of my own personality. The whole peacecamp procured me some new views concerning some new things.
In my opinion we had too little freetime. We had to work the whole day, but fortunately we are young and could stay awake until 2 o´clock in the morning, so we talked and sang a lot at night!
I think the discussion on the last day was really bad. I mean, it was great that we talked about certain issues, so I learned some things, but in my opinion the last day should be a wonderful and funny day and a day without tears. But it was not!
I cannot really say which expectations I have for the second peace camp. Israel is a very interesting country so I want to see parts of it and of course I want to meet everybody again.
My contribution to the peace camp will be that I will take part in the discussions as much as possible, but I think sometimes it is really difficult for us because they talk about their experiences respectively their grandparents´ experiences of the Holocaust. They also talk about the “war” in Israel. We cannot contribute to it very well because we have not been confronted with it. I think we will try the best!
Cornelia Blaschitz
I learned a lot about my own identity and how I feel face to face with people who I have not ever seen before and with whom I have to stay together for one week. It was informative in terms of my own personality. The whole peacecamp procured me some new views concerning some new things.
In my opinion we had too little freetime. We had to work the whole day, but fortunately we are young and could stay awake until 2 o´clock in the morning, so we talked and sang a lot at night!
I think the discussion on the last day was really bad. I mean, it was great that we talked about certain issues, so I learned some things, but in my opinion the last day should be a wonderful and funny day and a day without tears. But it was not!
I cannot really say which expectations I have for the second peace camp. Israel is a very interesting country so I want to see parts of it and of course I want to meet everybody again.
My contribution to the peace camp will be that I will take part in the discussions as much as possible, but I think sometimes it is really difficult for us because they talk about their experiences respectively their grandparents´ experiences of the Holocaust. They also talk about the “war” in Israel. We cannot contribute to it very well because we have not been confronted with it. I think we will try the best!
Cornelia Blaschitz
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feedback&expectations, springcamp 2005
Ben Serota
Ben Serota
1. In peacecamp 2004, which was held in Austria, 3 groups of children of different cultures were put together in a castle for a period of 10 days.
Naturally, we developed relationships of different bases.
Through the activities we participated in, we got to know each other. But the real acquaintance was through the communication outside the camp’s framework, where we bonded unexpectedly greatly.
The activities that were brought to us through the days were varied and were developing. If you’ll ask me to describe what I have learned, my best answer would be that the camp has strengthened my inner self and my character. And that stays for a lifetime.
2. I am sorry if this will not please you, but I have searched my mind and I cannot think of anything that was missing, or lacking, in the camp. That is, anything that relates to the management of the camp.
In my opinion, what should have been different is the Arab’s English verbal Ability. I do not mean to insult or criticize anyone, but I know for a fact that the Arabs felt left out of many conversations. Also, the kids from the Jewish and Austrian groups felt that they were missing an important side of the debates.
And so this contributed to the distance that, unfortunately, generated between the Arab group to the Austrian and Jewish groups.
The free time that we had during the camp really made the camp what it was, so for future camps I would advise to put a good deal of energy for making sure that happens.
3. In this approaching Peacecamp, I will not travel to a new and unknown land, but will host in my homeland. So my expectations do not relate as much to the geographical part of the camp, but to the social part and the activities that we will go through. I expect us to have enough free time for fun, and time for our own development. I expect the managers to give us appropriate activities that will truly develop us and will contribute to our knowledge.
Bottom line – I expect to have one hell-of-a time!
Unlike the Austrian pupils, my wishes to learn from this upcoming camp are not so much of learning about the Israeli and Palestinian history, but about the development of the connections that we made, and of our entire group’s structure. I am intrigued to see what would occur.
4. My personal contribution to the peacecamp in Israel will be my sincere obligation and devotion for the activities and their substance. I plan to give my best to minimize the gap between the Arab group and the others, and if any other gap exists I hope to resolve it, if it is deemed necessary.
Ben Serota
19/03/2005
Naturally, we developed relationships of different bases.
Through the activities we participated in, we got to know each other. But the real acquaintance was through the communication outside the camp’s framework, where we bonded unexpectedly greatly.
The activities that were brought to us through the days were varied and were developing. If you’ll ask me to describe what I have learned, my best answer would be that the camp has strengthened my inner self and my character. And that stays for a lifetime.
2. I am sorry if this will not please you, but I have searched my mind and I cannot think of anything that was missing, or lacking, in the camp. That is, anything that relates to the management of the camp.
In my opinion, what should have been different is the Arab’s English verbal Ability. I do not mean to insult or criticize anyone, but I know for a fact that the Arabs felt left out of many conversations. Also, the kids from the Jewish and Austrian groups felt that they were missing an important side of the debates.
And so this contributed to the distance that, unfortunately, generated between the Arab group to the Austrian and Jewish groups.
The free time that we had during the camp really made the camp what it was, so for future camps I would advise to put a good deal of energy for making sure that happens.
3. In this approaching Peacecamp, I will not travel to a new and unknown land, but will host in my homeland. So my expectations do not relate as much to the geographical part of the camp, but to the social part and the activities that we will go through. I expect us to have enough free time for fun, and time for our own development. I expect the managers to give us appropriate activities that will truly develop us and will contribute to our knowledge.
Bottom line – I expect to have one hell-of-a time!
Unlike the Austrian pupils, my wishes to learn from this upcoming camp are not so much of learning about the Israeli and Palestinian history, but about the development of the connections that we made, and of our entire group’s structure. I am intrigued to see what would occur.
4. My personal contribution to the peacecamp in Israel will be my sincere obligation and devotion for the activities and their substance. I plan to give my best to minimize the gap between the Arab group and the others, and if any other gap exists I hope to resolve it, if it is deemed necessary.
Ben Serota
19/03/2005
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feedback&expectations - springcamp 2005
Manuela Wutte
Manuela Wutte
The peace camp in Rechberg took place at the end of June in 2004 but for me it seems unbelievable that this was nearly three quarters of a year ago. I mean, three quarters – as time seems to pass so quickly it becomes difficult to calm down and think about what happened. However, this is what we are asked to do now: comment on this unique experience.
Well, I have to admit that after the peace camp was over I didn’t think so much about it anymore, probably because I felt that these days were a separate part of my life, which shouldn`t get in touch with the rest. Now, as our journey to Israel draws nearer I’ve again started thinking about the whole idea of peace camp, what it gave me and it probably meant to the others. I’ve simply made up my mind about everything!
As I said before the peace camp in Rechberg was a very unique experience, which can’t be compared to anything else in my life. It was so great to meet all those people. I even dare to say that during that week I got to know some of them better than I know people who have been part of my life for several years. This is probably one aspect which makes peace camp so unique: As we spent all the time together during these ten days, we really got an idea of the characteristics of the others, the good ones as well as the bad ones.
In general, I liked the whole idea of the peace camp in Rechberg. I think our program was a good mixture of funny activities and serious discussions. Sometimes, however, I felt that everything became “too much” for me but fortunately, I always had the chance to retire.
For me the most important things I learned in the peace camp were those things I learned about myself. As I’m a very thoughtful person, I’m always looking for my identity and trying to understand who I really am. I’ve got the impression that peace camp helped me to go a bit further on this long road…
In addition, I also think that some of the political discussions we had showed me new aspects and gave me new arguments to develop my own point of view.
Well, I think that I’ve brought the message across that peace camp really gave and still gives me a lot.
Nevertheless, I also want to point out some problems of the peace camp. One of the biggest problems, for example, was the command of English of the Arab group. When they wanted to say something (and were allowed to – I’m not sure they always were…), they didn’t know how to express themselves in English. So the discussions were dominated by the Jewish and the Austrian group. As the Jewish had very different points of view concerning their government’s politics (I would describe some of them as rather conservative while others were totally liberal) these discussions were very interesting. Nevertheless, the lack of Arab points of view really disturbed me.
In about two weeks we will see each other again and, of course, I’m full of expectations but also fears.
To start with the negative things, I have to admit that I worry about our program in Israel. We haven’t got the final program yet but it seems quite… strenuous. Of course, I’m interested in discussions and I would also describe myself as a hard worker. Nevertheless, I’m afraid that too many discussions will demotivate not only me but the whole group. If people aren’t motivated, they stop being creative and discussions get boring.
Furthermore, I’ve got the impression that Arab teachers weren’t involved enough in the organization of the camp. I mean, I don’t want to blame anybody for anything and as I don’t know in detail what’s going on I can’t have an objective point of view. What I’m telling you is simply my impression. If I have a look at our program, I see many discussions about Jewish history, the foundation of the Jewish state, the Holocaust… These things are, of course, very interesting but nevertheless, for me it looks as if the Arabs are somehow left out. I really don’t want to criticize any of the organizers of the peace camp because I know that they have made a big effort to give us this great chance. So I ask you not to misunderstand me, I’m really grateful for everything that has been done for us. I also want to add that I’m far away of being totally convinced of what I’ve written above. Maybe the reason for my impression is only the lack of information I got about the peace camp in Israel.
However, I’m really looking forward to our trip to Israel. It will be great to see all the people and I’m also very interested in seeing all the famous places in Israel. Despite my criticism I’m convinced that the peace camp in Israel will be as great as the one in Rechberg. In addition, I think I will learn a lot about Jewish history and culture, a subject I’m really interested in.
I think I can contribute to the camp by registering more consciously what’s going on. In 2004 I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that I didn’t really think about the “deeper” meaning of all the discussions. Now I want to think about all those important topics more carefully. In addition, I really regret that I didn’t try harder to talk with the Arab children in Rechberg. So I want to get to know them much better during our time in Israel. On the whole, I want to make a bigger effort in all activities and hope that I will be able to contribute a lot to the camp.
Well, I have to admit that after the peace camp was over I didn’t think so much about it anymore, probably because I felt that these days were a separate part of my life, which shouldn`t get in touch with the rest. Now, as our journey to Israel draws nearer I’ve again started thinking about the whole idea of peace camp, what it gave me and it probably meant to the others. I’ve simply made up my mind about everything!
As I said before the peace camp in Rechberg was a very unique experience, which can’t be compared to anything else in my life. It was so great to meet all those people. I even dare to say that during that week I got to know some of them better than I know people who have been part of my life for several years. This is probably one aspect which makes peace camp so unique: As we spent all the time together during these ten days, we really got an idea of the characteristics of the others, the good ones as well as the bad ones.
In general, I liked the whole idea of the peace camp in Rechberg. I think our program was a good mixture of funny activities and serious discussions. Sometimes, however, I felt that everything became “too much” for me but fortunately, I always had the chance to retire.
For me the most important things I learned in the peace camp were those things I learned about myself. As I’m a very thoughtful person, I’m always looking for my identity and trying to understand who I really am. I’ve got the impression that peace camp helped me to go a bit further on this long road…
In addition, I also think that some of the political discussions we had showed me new aspects and gave me new arguments to develop my own point of view.
Well, I think that I’ve brought the message across that peace camp really gave and still gives me a lot.
Nevertheless, I also want to point out some problems of the peace camp. One of the biggest problems, for example, was the command of English of the Arab group. When they wanted to say something (and were allowed to – I’m not sure they always were…), they didn’t know how to express themselves in English. So the discussions were dominated by the Jewish and the Austrian group. As the Jewish had very different points of view concerning their government’s politics (I would describe some of them as rather conservative while others were totally liberal) these discussions were very interesting. Nevertheless, the lack of Arab points of view really disturbed me.
In about two weeks we will see each other again and, of course, I’m full of expectations but also fears.
To start with the negative things, I have to admit that I worry about our program in Israel. We haven’t got the final program yet but it seems quite… strenuous. Of course, I’m interested in discussions and I would also describe myself as a hard worker. Nevertheless, I’m afraid that too many discussions will demotivate not only me but the whole group. If people aren’t motivated, they stop being creative and discussions get boring.
Furthermore, I’ve got the impression that Arab teachers weren’t involved enough in the organization of the camp. I mean, I don’t want to blame anybody for anything and as I don’t know in detail what’s going on I can’t have an objective point of view. What I’m telling you is simply my impression. If I have a look at our program, I see many discussions about Jewish history, the foundation of the Jewish state, the Holocaust… These things are, of course, very interesting but nevertheless, for me it looks as if the Arabs are somehow left out. I really don’t want to criticize any of the organizers of the peace camp because I know that they have made a big effort to give us this great chance. So I ask you not to misunderstand me, I’m really grateful for everything that has been done for us. I also want to add that I’m far away of being totally convinced of what I’ve written above. Maybe the reason for my impression is only the lack of information I got about the peace camp in Israel.
However, I’m really looking forward to our trip to Israel. It will be great to see all the people and I’m also very interested in seeing all the famous places in Israel. Despite my criticism I’m convinced that the peace camp in Israel will be as great as the one in Rechberg. In addition, I think I will learn a lot about Jewish history and culture, a subject I’m really interested in.
I think I can contribute to the camp by registering more consciously what’s going on. In 2004 I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that I didn’t really think about the “deeper” meaning of all the discussions. Now I want to think about all those important topics more carefully. In addition, I really regret that I didn’t try harder to talk with the Arab children in Rechberg. So I want to get to know them much better during our time in Israel. On the whole, I want to make a bigger effort in all activities and hope that I will be able to contribute a lot to the camp.
(0 Kommentare) ... comment
feedback&expectations, springcamp 2005
Lia
Lia
1. Peacecamp 04, the best 10 days in my life! The best camp I’ve ever been! In that camp we learned about ourselves and about the others identity. That was really fun and interesting. We made many different games, were we had to trust each other and were we had to work together. We had many different discussions and it was very interesting to hear what other kids with other traditions and other religion think. I think that every body had al lot of fun, and got a new way to think about what happens to the other and I hope that it won’t be the last camp like that…
2. I don’t think that anything was missing… Maybe a bit more time for us to sit down and chill out together and talk…
3. Well I hope to learn more about the others, I hope that we will learn more about the other traditions… And I hope, no I think that we will have a lot of fun together!
4. I will participate in every workshop or in every activity… And I will try to get to know everybody better than now
See you all soon!!!! Your Lia
2. I don’t think that anything was missing… Maybe a bit more time for us to sit down and chill out together and talk…
3. Well I hope to learn more about the others, I hope that we will learn more about the other traditions… And I hope, no I think that we will have a lot of fun together!
4. I will participate in every workshop or in every activity… And I will try to get to know everybody better than now
See you all soon!!!! Your Lia
(0 Kommentare) ... comment
feedback&expectations, springcamp 2005
Sophia Hörmann
Sophia Hörmann
The
time I spent in Rechberg was an experience which has changed me in my
personality a lot. Some days ago I went to Rechberg again and when I was
standing there in front of the castle it gave me so much energy and for
me
this place is really a magic place which I probably will show to my
children
and grandchildren one day! I can remember when in July I first came to
Rechberg, I was a bit late and all people were already there so I
couldn´t really check what was going on around me but soon I found out
that this place with these people will play a big part in my personality.
During the week every day was special and I thought how wonderful it
would be to stay like that forever! And now, half a year after it I read
a mail in which
an Arab boy says that he also had bad experiences in Rechberg and that
the Arabs got hurt. This makes me very sad and gives me the feeling of a
big emptiness. For the Arabs it should have been better and I feel really
sorry that they didn´t feel comfortable. I hope that we can change this
in our second peace camp because we all have the right to have a
wonderful time .
2.)
I had the chance to be part of something which doesn´t happen very often.
A camp where young people from different countries and cultures meet and
care about what´s happening in the world and are ready to
tell the public their opinions (not all). There was hardly anything that
was missing or what should have been different during the week in
Rechberg.
But in the next peace camp I want to participate in activities with the
Arab group more!
3.)
It´s really amazing that there will be a second peace camp this time in
Israel! I haven´t yet realized that I will come to Israel but at least
when I´m
sitting in the airplane I will realise what happens to me!
Rechberg was a calm and lovely place and Israel isn´t always calm and
safe so it´s somehow especially for us a new experience!
We were talking about the conflicts between the Arab and the Jewish
people, and
Israel is the country where these people live.It´s absolutely great to
have the chance to learn more about it!
4.)
Now I´ve got the chance to learn more about people from a very special
country. This chance I really want to take seriously and want to learn as
much as possible about Israel! My personal contribution to the second
camp will be to show as much interest as I can. When I go home I want to
tell my family and friends about what I´ve learned and what
wonderful/awful experiences I had.
time I spent in Rechberg was an experience which has changed me in my
personality a lot. Some days ago I went to Rechberg again and when I was
standing there in front of the castle it gave me so much energy and for
me
this place is really a magic place which I probably will show to my
children
and grandchildren one day! I can remember when in July I first came to
Rechberg, I was a bit late and all people were already there so I
couldn´t really check what was going on around me but soon I found out
that this place with these people will play a big part in my personality.
During the week every day was special and I thought how wonderful it
would be to stay like that forever! And now, half a year after it I read
a mail in which
an Arab boy says that he also had bad experiences in Rechberg and that
the Arabs got hurt. This makes me very sad and gives me the feeling of a
big emptiness. For the Arabs it should have been better and I feel really
sorry that they didn´t feel comfortable. I hope that we can change this
in our second peace camp because we all have the right to have a
wonderful time .
2.)
I had the chance to be part of something which doesn´t happen very often.
A camp where young people from different countries and cultures meet and
care about what´s happening in the world and are ready to
tell the public their opinions (not all). There was hardly anything that
was missing or what should have been different during the week in
Rechberg.
But in the next peace camp I want to participate in activities with the
Arab group more!
3.)
It´s really amazing that there will be a second peace camp this time in
Israel! I haven´t yet realized that I will come to Israel but at least
when I´m
sitting in the airplane I will realise what happens to me!
Rechberg was a calm and lovely place and Israel isn´t always calm and
safe so it´s somehow especially for us a new experience!
We were talking about the conflicts between the Arab and the Jewish
people, and
Israel is the country where these people live.It´s absolutely great to
have the chance to learn more about it!
4.)
Now I´ve got the chance to learn more about people from a very special
country. This chance I really want to take seriously and want to learn as
much as possible about Israel! My personal contribution to the second
camp will be to show as much interest as I can. When I go home I want to
tell my family and friends about what I´ve learned and what
wonderful/awful experiences I had.
(0 Kommentare) ... comment
feedback&expectations, springcamp 2005
Andreas Wieser
Andreas Wieser
The week at Rechberg was really nice and the last camp was a really cool
experience, but all in all I can't say that it changed my life or my
opinion. I learned a lot about different cultures and about the problems
in Israel, but the sad thing is that I didn't learn to find solutions for
problems!! Sure, probably the camp was a little step to peace but for me
it seemed like The Jewish and Arab people talked against a wall. Nobody
really talked with someone- everybody was just talking against someone
else. Everybody has his or her opinion, and of course that's good but if
you really want to understand other people you don't have to talk all the
time and tell everybody what you think, first of all you have to listen to
the other part. It seemed like nobody really tried to form a new opinion,
all just wanted to protect their own ones!! But that's just my point of
view....
There was also a lot of work and stress at the last camp but I really
cant's say if it would have been better without the whole discussions,
excursions and workshops. All in all the last peacecamp was really nice
and if there should be a next peace camp in Austria one day it should be
like the last one!!
I am really looking forward to the time in Israel. I hope that I will see
a lot of the country and it will be also great to meet the members of the
camp again. Just to be in Israel and see how people live there will be a
wonderful experience.
And what will be my personal contribution?? Well, I really don't know..I
think the only thing I can try to do is being a good guest...
experience, but all in all I can't say that it changed my life or my
opinion. I learned a lot about different cultures and about the problems
in Israel, but the sad thing is that I didn't learn to find solutions for
problems!! Sure, probably the camp was a little step to peace but for me
it seemed like The Jewish and Arab people talked against a wall. Nobody
really talked with someone- everybody was just talking against someone
else. Everybody has his or her opinion, and of course that's good but if
you really want to understand other people you don't have to talk all the
time and tell everybody what you think, first of all you have to listen to
the other part. It seemed like nobody really tried to form a new opinion,
all just wanted to protect their own ones!! But that's just my point of
view....
There was also a lot of work and stress at the last camp but I really
cant's say if it would have been better without the whole discussions,
excursions and workshops. All in all the last peacecamp was really nice
and if there should be a next peace camp in Austria one day it should be
like the last one!!
I am really looking forward to the time in Israel. I hope that I will see
a lot of the country and it will be also great to meet the members of the
camp again. Just to be in Israel and see how people live there will be a
wonderful experience.
And what will be my personal contribution?? Well, I really don't know..I
think the only thing I can try to do is being a good guest...
(1 Kommentar) ... comment
