GENERAL INFO
The page on the right is the text of our
latest brochure.
You can download the brochure as a PDF-file here.
(Size: 3,5 MB, high resolution, printable.)
If
you wish to download the brochure, please see the box
on the left.
The Luethi-Peterson Camps, founded in 1949 by Natalie Luethi-Peterson as a project for peace in the wake of World War II, organize summer camps in various European countries and the United States. The camps have continued to foster international understanding and community responsibility among young people at an age when they are still relatively free from prejudice. Boys and girls from many different cultures and backgrounds live together for several weeks in small communities. While the individual camp is autonomous and reflects the interests and needs of its members as well as the special features of its site, all the camps adhere to the LPC traditions and goals.
The
daily program includes sports, music, drama, crafts and art work. Hikes
and excursions to explore the surrounding country-side and special festive
days are highlights. A simple lifestyle encourages campers, aged 9 to
17, to take initiative and to respond to the needs of the community. A
sense of concern for the community is fostered in all phases of camp life
and given special emphasis through such activities as assemblies and self-government
days which teach democratic problem-solving and leadership skills. Campers
gradually learn to make decisions, plan, organize and lead activities.
Staff lend assistance as it is needed and allow for increasing autonomy
as campers demonstrate their readiness.
Directors and counselors are carefully selected and
specially trained for their work in LPC.
LPC is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization. It is
supported by tax deductible contributions from interested individuals
and by fees paid by campers’ families. Financial assistance is available
and is given on the basis of financial need.
Let LPCers speak about camp:
“I don’t need running water, I don’t need electricity, I just need good friends.” Jordi, Spain
“When I come back from your camps I can see differences in my behaviour. I learn how to live with the others, help them, work for them and share with them happy and sad moments. I had a lot of fun playing, dancing, singing and talking. In camp, money, religion and colour of skin are not important things at all.” Marta, Poland
“Who is doing the chores?” Sometimes, campers and counsellors fight for the honour of feeding the animals on the farm. First come the chickens, I go into the chicken-coop. Then we need to get water for our little pink pig which jumps up the fence for joy of finally being fed. The last thing are the sheep. I give them hay which shuts them up.” Wilma, Austria
„Folkdancing is something we do for Evening Program quite a bit. We learn folk dances from many countries, for example Miserlou from Greece, Troika from Russia and many others. We dance on the field outside and kick up a great deal of dust.“ Lukas, Switzerland
“We left home when it was raining, but we brought sunshine with us when we arrived back home. The second day, when we climbed up to the mountain, was the best. We finished our day at the ocean where we sat around a very small fire and enjoyed the sunset. On the last day we swam in the ocean, it was wonderful. Clear cold water, blue sky, it was an extraordinary day.” Kai, Estonia
“Every day we meet for Planning Conference, where we plan the next day and discuss issues relating to camp. We sign up for activities and jobs for the next day. If there are problems we try to find solutions together. Sometimes we don’t all agree and the discussions take long. But at least we all have a say.” Mats, Sweden