The 40th Annual Peace Camp

Registration is Open!

Fri. June 20- Sun. June 22, 2025

REGISTER FOR CAMP

The Modesto Peace/Life Center’s 40th Annual Peace Camp in the Sierras will take place on June 20-22, 2025.  Come celebrate 40 years of Peace Camp, a rich tradition of people gathering together in peace and kindness to embody and explore a more peaceful world.  You’ll enjoy nature, good food, recreation, and stimulating conversation with people of all ages in a beautiful mountain setting.

About Camp Peaceful Pines

Camp Peaceful Pines, on Clark Fork Road off Hwy. 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest, is the venue for Peace Camp.  Camp Peaceful Pines features a kitchen and mess hall, multiple bathroom facilities with hot showers, rustic cabins with lighting and bunk beds, platform tents for larger groups, two large campfire areas, ping pong tables, hiking trails, and a beautiful creek that runs directly through the camp, providing a peaceful and safe area for kids to play close to the adults.

Peace Camp Registration

The camp fee covers the program offerings, food and lodging for the weekend.  Partial scholarships are also available.  Donations for scholarships are appreciated.

FULL WEEKEND 2 nights, 5 meals, workshops & activities

  • Adult (18+): April Rate – $100; May Rate – $110; June Rate – $130
  • Youth (4 -17): April Rate – $70; May Rate – $80; June Rate – $100
  • Child (0-3): FREE

HALF WEEKEND: 1 night (Fri or Sat), up to 4 meals, workshops & activities

  • Adult (18+): April Rate – $70; May Rate – $75; June Rate – $90
  • Youth (4 -17): April Rate – $50; May Rate – $55; June Rate – $70
  • Child (0-3): FREE

SATURDAY ONLY: up to 3 meals, workshops & activities

  • Adult (18+): April Rate – $50; May Rate – $55; June Rate – $60
  • Youth (4 -17): April Rate – $40; May Rate – $45; June Rate – $50
  • Child (0-3): FREE

About Peace Camp

  • Camp officially welcomes campers starting at 3 pm on Friday and closes Sunday at noon.
  • Families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.  Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The camp is run by a camp host, paid cook, and a volunteer committee.  Campers share in planning, meal preparation, cleanup, and other work around the camp, including assisting with recreational activities and programming.  Many hands make light work and help us keep the costs low for attendance.
  • Depending on the number of campers, cabins may be shared.  We typically have approximately 75 attendees, with a few shared cabins.  If you are willing to share with another individual or family, please state so in your registration.
  • Cabins are rustic and include 4 walls, a light bulb, and bunk beds with mattresses.  A limited number of accessible cabins with more features are available for those with special needs and accommodations.  Cabins will not have electricity from 10 pm-7 am.  Tent camping is available.  Trailer camping is available for up to 3 spots with electricity hookups.  No sewage or dumping stations available at camp.
  • There is NO CELL SERVICE and limited WiFi accessibility in one area near the mess hall.  The superintendent on site has a phone that will make calls for emergencies only.
  • Camp Peaceful Pines is rented for the weekend from Modesto Church of the Brethren, and we are expected to abide by the campground rules. 
  • Please note: Pets are not allowed. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping allowed.
  • Directions and other information will be provided to participants after registration.

Workshop Speaker

We’re honored to welcome Melanie Berru as our featured speaker for Saturday’s workshop.  Ms. Melanie Berru is a proud Chicana from California’s Central Valley, a mother, transformative educator, free-lance consultant, contributing writer to the grassroots newsletter, Stanislaus Connections, and a trailblazer for equity and justice. As a sociology professor at Modesto Junior College, Ms. Berru also serves as the Rising Scholars Faculty Liaison and teaches college courses to incarcerated brothers and sisters within the jail system. Her abolition work embodies the belief that education is not merely a pathway to opportunity but a transformative force capable of dismantling systemic barriers and fostering empowered communities.

With over two decades of dedicated service to marginalized communities, Ms. Berru has championed advocacy for runaway youth, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, economically struggling families, and communities of color. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom and into the community, where she has designed programs, facilitated culturally enriching workshops, and organized events that celebrate heritage, foster resilience, and inspire collective action.

Ms. Berru’s commitment to “making the invisible visible” is a guiding principle in her work. Whether through her engaging community, her transformative teaching, or her advocacy, she uplifts voices often unheard and empowers others to challenge inequity with courage and love. Recognized for her impactful service to students and the community, she has earned numerous awards that highlight her passion and advocacy.