The womens' team leaving our dear friends at Fullers Campground and hitting the road towards our first ceremony.
Spotted! Friendly goat.
Here we are waiting for some children to join us at a Peace Tree dedicated to the founder of The Camp, Harold J Davies Jr, who sadly passed away shortly after obtaining the property, with a moment of silence.
We gathered to meet Monica Brown who has continued the vision of her late husband to create The Camp, which serves as a sanctuary for inner city children to experience an environment of peace and safety so they can be kids.
A moments peace before starting our run with Pastor Walter Harris and day camp children from Carey Tercentenary AME Church leading the way. Also present from the church was Antoinette Walker.
Carrying the torch hand in hand. One step at a time.
There are 11 Peace Trees, Oak and Maple, that are planted in this 40 acres of land. Each tree has an aphorism of Sri Chinmoy and dedicated to loved ones.
'Only the peace-dreamers, peace-lovers and peace-servers can transform the world' -Sri Chinmoy
Marla Raggs, one of the Camp Directors, and also Monica's sister, holding the torch next to a Peace Tree dedicated to her beloved son.
'Yesterday, I sowed faith-seed. Today I am discovering a beautiful and fruitful peace-tree.
-Sri Chinmoy
All the children were in awe to find out that the run will take a full 4 months to complete its journey.
This is one of many activities that children can do while spending their time here. Over the weekend, they can have up to 200 kids at the camp.
Who doesn't like game? Edgards is trying to get the crowds to guess where he comes from.
World Harmony Run song with actions brings a smile to everybody's face.
Feeling peace inside the heart.
Passing the torch. We invite everyone to offer wishes or prayers for Peace.
It is a great pleasure to meet once again with the Boxing Off The Block team members. Pictured is Andrew. Thanks for your support!
The Peace Run honored both Monica Brown and Darlene Shorter for their great service to the community. Monica Brown heads up one chapter of Safe Passage, an organization whose purpose is to provide adult accompaniment to children so that can cross territorial gang areas and go to school safely. She works closely with the Chicago Board of Education.
Darlene Shorter, (left) assists Monica (on the right), in running the camp. She is also Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Faraday Elementary School, and responsible for the placement of 8 Peace Trees.
A final group picture with everyone. Thank you for having us at The Camp!
Nice shade for our afternoon run.
Passing lush green fields of corn. Not yet ready to harvest...
The Mayor of Niles, Nick Shelton, kindly came along to The Summer Camp of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA and welcomed the team. He read out a Proclamation from the City honoring our presence and values and dedicating today as Peace Run Day.
The Executive Director of the Peace Run, Salil, introduced the team to the crowds.
Country guessing game! Any clue from where this runner comes from?
...where the Monkey Dance is the most popular?
It is time for some actions all together.
Quietly looking for peace inside our hearts.
All together for peace as a team.
Strong wishes for peace and harmony were put into the torch.
Enthusiastic rush for the Peace Torch- everyone wants to be part of the team- at least for a few steps!
The staff members of YMCA are receiving the certificate of appreciate, for all the dedicated and hard job that they are doing in their daily activities with the kids. Thank you!
Back on the road.
The Italian Puerto Rican duo heading to the next meeting.
Hopefully we gonna catch this train...
...but a peace lover wanted to hold the torch so we were pleased to have a moment with her.
We were happy to meet the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo. The activities are organized at Northeastern Elementary school.
Embracing the world as a one big family.
How can we manifest peace in our daily lives? The youths were the best judges of what peace is.
Passing the torch from hand to hand.
We were pleased to meet the coordinator Ryan Speese who is very enthusiastic. Thank you for your sincere support.
Everyone had a moment to hold the torch and place wishes for peace.
Amazement and happiness!
The final race between our runners and the young children.
Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, we are grateful for your support and enthusiastic welcome!
A rainbow over the Peace Run vehicle. What a nice blessings at the end of the day!
