Shalom Project Teaches Peaceful Ways of Dealing With Conflict
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Jose Banuelos battles on the basketball court at United Methodist Church--away from the danger of the streets.
“We play ‘knock out’--you score if the other person misses the basket,” explained the North Hills 10-year-old. “I’ve made a lot of friends playing.”
For the record:
12:00 a.m. May 6, 1998 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday May 6, 1998 Valley Edition Metro Part B Page 3 Zones Desk 2 inches; 59 words Type of Material: Correction
Wish list--The program name and phone number appearing with the wish list for Tuesday’s Summer for Kids feature were incorrect. The correct name of the program is the Summer Shalom Project. The group’s phone number is (818) 830-4036. This is the program’s wish list:
* Magic Markers: $50
* Construction paper: $50
* Basketballs: $15 each
* Soccer balls: $10 each
* Soccer uniforms: $15 each
* Basketball uniforms: $15 each
The after-school program is a safe haven in an area with few playgrounds or front lawns. Jose and his three brothers come to the North Hills church for sports, tutoring and games. Three years ago, the church began a summer program, called Summer Shalom Project, designed to teach conflict resolution.
“It’s a tough neighborhood, where gangs are prevalent,” said the Rev. James Hamilton. “We want to teach them how to deal with anger or hurt.”
About 30 to 50 children, ages 5 to 12, participate in each two-week session. Campers play games that build trust and foster communication. One exercise is to sit back-to-back and try to stand up--the only way to rise is to push backward at the same time, Hamilton said.
The children also watch actors perform skits that show how to solve problems peacefully.
In addition, tutoring in reading and math continues through the summer.
“My favorite is math,” Jose said. “It’s easy. There’s lots of ways to get an answer.”
The program also organizes field trips. More than 300 people were soaked at the water slides they visited last summer, Hamilton said.
The sessions run from July 4 through Aug. 31 at United Methodist Church. The Summer Shalom Project is free, funded by donations and staffed by teenage volunteers.
(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)
Wish List
Summer Shalom Project
(818) 830-4036
* Magic Markers: $50
* Construction paper: $50
* Basketballs: $15 each
* Soccer balls: $10 each
* Soccer uniforms: $15 each
* Basketball uniforms: $15 each
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