Greenbelt, Maryland Jul 12, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - In an exciting initiative to empower the youth of Prince George's County, the Prince George's Community Collaborative Resolution Center—a division of Community Mediation Maryland—hosted its inaugural Conflict Management Camp from June 25th to June 27th. The three-day camp brought together 17 enthusiastic high school students from various parts of the county, all eager to learn essential skills for navigating and resolving conflicts.
Hosted at the CMM/PGCCRC office in Greenbelt, the camp aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the roots of conflict and effectively manage disagreements. Under the guidance of experienced facilitators, the teens dove deep into discussions about the various approaches to conflict and learned more about their own attitudes toward conflict.
Terri Blackwell, the Center Director, expressed her excitement about the camp’s impact on young participants. “Our mission is to foster a community of peace and understanding, and this camp is a vital step towards that goal. We believe that by teaching our youth about conflict resolution, we are empowering them to be ambassadors of peace in their own communities.”
Throughout the camp, participants learned about the underlying causes of conflict, differing values, and resolving conflicts collaboratively. Through interactive activities, the teens were able to engage in meaningful discussions that brought these concepts to life, allowing them to recognize the complexities of real-world conflicts.
One of the key highlights of the camp was the in-depth training on Community Mediation—an alternative approach to resolving disputes outside the traditional legal system. The students learned how mediation can be an effective and empowering way to address conflicts, enabling parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Participants were also trained on how to refer themselves and other community members to mediation services, equipping them with practical skills to facilitate peaceful resolution of conflicts in their neighborhoods.
“I can use these skills to properly approach conflict with others,” said Celenia Ruiz-Gonzalez, a rising 11th grader from High Point High School.
The camp not only focused on conflict resolution skills but also fostered a sense of community among its participants. The teens formed lasting connections and shared experiences that transcended their individual backgrounds, making the learning experience all the more impactful.
As the final day of the camp concluded, participants were celebrated for their commitment and growth with certificates of completion. The event culminated in a reflection session, where the teens expressed their eagerness to take their newfound knowledge back to their schools and communities.
The success of the inaugural Conflict Management Camp bodes well for future initiatives by the Prince George's Community Collaborative Resolution Center. With plans to expand the program in the upcoming years, Blackwell and her team are dedicated to empowering even more young people to become skilled mediators and conflict resolution advocates.
For more information about the Conflict Management Camp and other programs offered by Prince George's Community Collaborative Resolution Center, visit their pgccrc.org or reach out directly via phone or text at 301-690-0119.
Enthusiastic young leaders are emerging, paving the way for peaceful conflict resolution in Prince George's County's schools and communities.
Media Contact
Prince George's Community Collaborative Resolution Center/Terri Blackwell pgresolutioncenter@gmail.com 3016900116 9111 Edmonston Rd 9 http://www.pgccrc@gmail.com
