Support youth in their quest for peace and justice
On a warm September weekend in 2025, 37 people – youth between the ages of 15 and 30 and adults who support them – gathered at Hidden Acres Retreat Centre near New Hamburg, Ontario. This new gathering, called Model Youth Justice, was a convergence of voices from many walks of life. Its aim was to prepare a space where youth could learn and grow through peace and justice activities, becoming peace and justice practitioners.
If you missed it, you’re in luck. Model Youth Justice 2026 will be held August 7 to 9. I hope you can join us. I have fond memories of the gathering last year, staring from the first evening when a mother and daughter team, who are part of the Strong Water Singers, shared about their Indigenous traditions and the singing group that has strengthened their resilience.
I recall a group of Muslim young women who were particularly intrigued and grateful for the sharing; however, things were running behind schedule and it was time for the Muslim evening prayers. The Muslim leader was brave and respectful in reminding organizers of the agreed break, and the Indigenous guests readily, graciously agreed to pause their sharing for the prayer time.
Conversation afterwards offered a deeper sharing of unique spiritualities. Other spiritual moments included explaining and sharing the prayers before meals that are traditional to our own homes and traditions. Sharing continued over meals, about food and religion, history and traditions, and getting to know each other.
The core program of the weekend was devoted to a new experiential learning exercise. Teams of youth deliberated on the best way for “Town X” to house a sudden significant influx of refugees. Participants were given background information and possible housing scenarios. Each team needed to agree on a solution to present to the mock town council. The youth worked hard at their deputations and debates, demonstrating excellent teamwork and decision-making skills while thinking of the needs of others, making compromises and working in community.
Other memories from this powerful inaugural gathering include how we dropped our jackets as we warmed up with gentle morning Qigong with Andy. Later in the day the Love Tenderly Olympics activities – a contribution from Camp Micah – were a wonderful opportunity for teamwork, challenge and stretching our minds and bodies. In our Night Walk, we reached for silence, surprise, wonder, awe, hesitation, thoughtfulness, camaraderie, friendship and relying on others. Similarly, the circle dances, drumming, and jamming offered fun and levity while creating bonds.
The campfire brought more good memories with songs, stories, conversation, laughter and whispers. Finally, in two sessions we learned about each other’s involvements in peace and justice movements, sharing opportunities to connect and show up in solidarity together.
Model Youth Justice 2026 will be held at Hidden Acres on August 7 – 9
Camp Micah, a KAIROS partner, has supported this movement with a Vision of ‘Justice, peace and belonging for all’. The following are Camp Micah’s mission and values which have led to the creation of Model Youth Justice:
Mission:
We hope to build an immersive community experience for youth (secondary, post-secondary students) where they connect across difference, learn how to be an ally, model an inclusive world, experience authentic relationships, grow in confidence, encounter nature, explore spirituality, imagine new ways to live, and have fun! We seek to be an intergenerational, multi-racial community of peacemakers, educators and activists committed to the liberation of every human being from every kind of bondage.
Values:
In all things we endeavor to put love into action, live nonviolence, care for the earth, unlearn oppression, de-colonize our minds, practice right relationship, model servant leadership, and welcome from the heart.
If you, or people you know, may be interested in attending Model Youth Justice 2026, sign up to register and find out more here. If you are interested in supporting this multi-faith initiative by making connections with faiths beyond Christian and Muslim, promoting the event, making in-kind contributions or joining the planning team – or if you have questions – please send me an email.
By Shannon Neufeldt, KAIROS Network Coordinator
