“I’m so grateful that Peace Camp was planted at ICS and grew into the most magical garden of kind, joyful, creative kiddes that bloom together each summer”
Parent of Camper (Age 9)
Full 2
Testimonial
“Peace Camp is the highlight of my son’s summer and has been for the last 4 years. It is required that I plan our summer schedule around Peace Camp or else 🙂 We all love the experience and values of Peace camp!”
Parents of Camper (Age 10)
Full 3
TESTIMONIAL
“Peace Camp is the one camp that my kids keep wanting every summer. Ever since they first attended, they only had positive things to say about it!
They love how truly welcoming everyone, and how at ease they feel every time they participate. Thank you, Peace Camp!”
Parents of Campers (Age 10 & 15)
Full 2
Testimonial
“Peace camp is our kids’ favorite camp!! They love how relaxed it is! Really about connecting with others, playing and living in the moment. We, as a family, really appreciate all the love and care they received. Thank you for encouraging love, kindness and joy in our kids♡“
Parents of Campers (Age 7 & 10)
Full 3
TESTIMONIAL
“Peace camp is by far the most beloved camp by my child has ever participated in. He is thrilled to return every year and very excited to the opportunity to return as a CIT next year! I gush to anyone who will listen about how lovely and inclusive Peace Camp is for every child.”
Parents of Campers (Age 13)
Full 4
Testimonial
“My kids loved their week at Peace Camp! It was the perfect balance of structured activities and unstructured play time in beautiful places around Seattle.”
Parents of Campers (Age 5 & 7)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“He loves everything about it. He is learning leadership & child management. He is bright and calm when discussing Peace Camp. He (and I) love the energy brought from international staff.”
Parents of Camper (Age 17)
Full 4
Testimonial
“Inclusiveness and belonging as a value and practice is extraordinary. The staff/volunteers all bring enthusiasm and creativity that makes Peace Camp a favorite part of my daughter’s summer”
Parents of Camper (Age 9)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“We love Peace Camp!!! Peace camp has become a yearly rhythm and ritual for our family that my kids look forward to all year. They often complain about other camps and tell me ‘It’s just not like Peace Camp’”
Parents of Campers (Age 9 & 14)
Full 4
Testimonial
“My favorite thing about this camp is how each week Peace Camp forms a real diverse loving community from various age groups & cultures. My kids grew as people each day they spent with the lovely community at Peace Camp”
Parents of Campers (Age 9 & 15)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“My campers eagerly awaits Peace Camp all year – the camp takes traditional fun experiences such as a trip to the beach, pool, and candy store. Due to the emphasis on connection and togetherness – transforms these in to deeply memorable experiences. “
Parents of Campers (Age 13 & 15)
Full 4
Testimonial
“We got to do lots of cool staff!”
by Camper (Age 8)
“I liked Circle up where you share your name and say how you feel!!”
by Camper (Age 6)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“My kids felt like members of a community from the first day – a great sense of belonging. There was also a feeling that they could go at their own pace – a welcome break from the typical rushed summer camp schedule”
Parents of Campers (Age 6 & 8)
Full 4
Testimonial
Peace Camp is a special camp that our kids look forward to all year. They have so much joy and fun at camp
Parents of Camper (Age 9 & 12)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“Peace Camp was great. It was a welcoming and safe community for my daughter. The best part about the camp was everything!”
Parents of Campers (Age 13)
Full 4
Testimonial
“My kids come every year and love it. Everyone at Peace Camp is so warm, welcoming and kind”
Parents of Camper (Age 13 & 16)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“I volunteered this camp when I was pregnant with my daughter 6 years ago, and was looking forward to signing my kid to Peace Camp International. Now it’s her 3rd year participating, and she LOVES this camp. Loving, caring.”
Parents of Camper (Age 6)
Full 4
Testimonial
“We love Peace Camp! Our son has learned so much about the world, and made some wonderful memories”
Parents of Camper (Age 7)
Full 5
TESTIMONIAL
“Our daughter loves Peace Camp! Everyone is so kind and makes her feel special.”
Parents of Camper (Age 7)
About Our Camp
Peace Camp International Seattle
It’s an unique all-ages(K-12), non-denominational community day-camp experience for children and youth which takes place each Summer at the Interfaith Community Sanctuary in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, WA. Campers and counselors gather from within the Seattle community and worldwide (especially from our affiliate organizations in India and Uganda) to help integrate the beauty of the gifts within through a variety of activities. It is a wonderful way for participants to make connections with others from across the globe!
It does not mean to not be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be amongst those things and still find the light and calmness inside you.
Peace is a gift from yourself to yourself, by acknowledging the chaos but not letting it in. Peace is a thought. Peace is a vision. Peace is here.
HOPE
Hope is not seeing the end of a long grueling journey, It is starting the journey knowing the end will come.
Hope is foresight, Hope is the bravery to start, Hope is the bravery to continue, Hope is the answer.
(poems by a 11 year old Peace Camp participant)
Summer 2026 Leadership Team
Our Counseling and Leadership Team has the gift of humanity in their hearts and are dedicated to being truly present for the younger generation in this increasingly fast-paced world.
Gretchen Rowe
Founder/Co-Director
Gretchen has over 30 years of experience working with children a variety of camp and scholastic capacities. She is former reading and multi-lingual teacher at McDonald International School, Seattle Public Schools. This is her 13th year directing Peace Camp International.
Mangesh Pol
International Guest
Mangesh is the Youth program director at Maher Ashram in Pune, India, as well as the International Coordinator of the Maher Interfaith Association
Bernard Omuse
International Guest
Bernard is the Director of Peace Camp International Uganda and the Director of Ma’s Jr. School in Tororo, Uganda.
Chiaki Weatherford
Program Co-Director / Counselor Mom
Born and raised in Japan, Chiaki moved to Seattle in 2001. She met Gretchen through her volunteering at her kids’ elementary school, attended Peace Camp Int’l for the first time in 2021. She and her family fell in love with Peace Camp Int’l ever since. She wears many hats including a Web admin, a Substitute IA at Seattle Public Schools, a Camp Director and a Counselor Mom of Peace Camp International every summer.
Sylvie
Youth Leader
Sylvie is a junior at Ingraham high school. She started attending peace camp when she was eight years old and has now been coming for eight years. This will be her second year as a youth counselor!
Caden
Youth Leader
Caden is a junior at Ingraham High School. He has been going to Peace Camp as a youth participant or as a CIT for the past 8 years! This is his first year as a youth counselor.”
