“This experience in general is like one of the most amazing things I’ve done in my life. Like, yeah, I’ve volunteered, but this really showed me what I want to do, what I want to be, and how I can get there. You never imagined you come to camp and you learn more than you ever thought you would.”

“TFP was a very rewarding experience for me. It taught me ways to make changes in the world, and within myself. After all, global peace cannot be achieved unless we first find peace within ourselves.”

“We live in an environment that’s destroyed – nasty, anger, all violent in the streets where people die almost every single day…I’m gonna miss this camp because you guys made me feel special. When I first got here, it was in my mind that I wasn’t gonna get along with no one. Because where I come from, I’m very aggressive. Everything I’m doing here, I can’t do it over there… Just looking at everybody, makes me feel like I’m in a family – the beats, the campfires, the singing, the having fun – it’s a really big thing. To tell the truth, this is my first time crying. Can I tell you something? It feels really good. It makes me feel special, comfortable. For me it was hard because everything was new. Like yoga – I’ve never experienced it. And all of you guys supported me. Learning about new stuff is the happiest thing – the happiest week of my life…. That’s why I’d like to thank you for letting me be here. I hope that this stays in the heart and that we never forget this, and that this camp keeps on rolling, and that we do it next year, but even funner and better. Thank you.”

“I learned how to be happy with myself and how to see the good in people. This has been the best experience I could have, because I know more about myself. The personal mandala helped me figure out stuff in my own view, and showed me that it wasn’t just myself and my own needs. It opened up my emotions.” Jose Soza, 8th Grade

“Tools for Peace was life changing, and allowed me to reflect back on my own self. The meditations allowed me to reflect and forgive. I think the earlier you can learn this stuff the better. I learned how to control myself, and in the real world I can now trust people.” Kennia Hernandez, 12th Grade

“Tools for Peace camp is a safe relaxing peaceful place to reflect about oneself, to learn how to make peace within yourself and the world.” Elizabeth Rodriguez, 12th Grade

“Tools for Peace has helped me face the hard facts of life.. I find myself going, ‘STOP. THINK. BREATHE’ all the time now. When I’m about to do something that might not be right, I find myself pausing to think about what I’m going to do, and if it’s worth the effort.” Program Alumnus