Using crafts, sports, music and language study as vehicles, LPC emphasizes self-government, guiding campers to take responsibility for themselves and their community.
[1] Natalie Luethi Peterson, the founder of the organisation, first met Pavey Lupton in 1944, when they were both studying in Wellesley College.
Natalie had earlier directed day-camps for kids in her town so she figured she had all the experience she needed to run a summer-camp.
Many people liked the idea so by small donations and personal connections, they finally managed to get enough to start the camp.
Natalie and Pavey found support in the American Friends Service Committee as well as the Wellesley College and Donald Watt, the founder of the World Learning's Experiment in International Living.
The biggest support and inspiration came from Paul and Edith Geheeb, the founders of the Wickersdorf Free School Community, Odenwaldschule and the Ecole d'Humanité, which still has a big connection with LPC.
At the time, the organisation was called Young Leaders International, but it soon had to be changed to Luethi Peterson Camps, because of the American sensitivity to communist uprising.
Since 2010 the LPC tradition is renewed in Klinovice) when the country was occupied by the Soviet Union which was a big challenge for the camp, in particular for getting back home.
Young groups of people from differing racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds coming together at such pivotal ages aids the themes of equality and community importance within the organisation.
LPC also aims to promote personal growth and responsibility amongst the campers and counsellors through creating a communal environment that depends on active participation.
Executive Committee: It was found in 1992 and consists of three members (past or present directors) who serve in three-year term.
Assemblies: Once a week (sometimes more) the whole camp-group meets and discusses various topics, campers learn to express their feelings and find solutions and make compromises.
The campers learn how to prepare meals, to lead activities and games and organise different camp jobs.
As Birch Point, it is owned by an ex-director, Barthold Vonen, and is also perfect for the theme of simple living since there is no running water.
An important factor in the woodwork of LPC is the notion that individuals from all types of backgrounds and locations are welcome and encouraged to participate.
It is in that same understanding that LPC is now in the process of attempting to find an apt way to include those from Muslim communities, as cultural restrictions may be keeping them from active participation within the camp.
In addition LPC hopes to continue to illustrate the ideals of community and common understanding internationally, through the bringing together of the world’s youth.