OTISFIELD — Young people from troubled nations who are spending time at a special camp in Maine say the Arab Spring uprisings have bolstered their optimism that international peace and justice can be achieved.

Seeds of Peace brings together children from countries in conflict at a camp in rural Otisfield. The more than 200 campers this summer — the most in the camp’s 20 years — include Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis and Afghans.

Seventeen-year-old Lina of Cairo says the overthrow of oppressive regimes in her country and others deepens her hopes that international peace is possible. Fellow Egyptian Hatem, 16, agrees the regime changes can be positive.

The camp features outdoor activities interspersed with sessions in which campers exchange their views and seek to resolve their differences.


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