On Wednesday morning, October 3, the students, teachers, and parents of the Children’s House Montessori School celebrated the U.N. International Day of Peace with their first ever all school Peace Hike up Beech Hill.

Approximately 100 children and adults walked to the house at the top of the Beech Hill Preserve. The children ranged in age from infants in backpacks to fourth graders. Older children paired with younger children to help them along the way. After a snack they shared peace pinwheels and music-makers. The older students spoke about the International Day of Peace, and all the children joined in singing several songs of peace for the adults before making their way back down the hill.

Peace education is an important part of the Montessori curriculum for all ages from toddlers on up. Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori education was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to advance world peace. As part of this commitment to peace, every year Montessori schools all over the world join thousands of other people, schools and organizations to celebrate The International Day of Peace.

In the past, Children’s House has marched in a Peace Parade down Elm Street in Camden as part of the celebration. This year, the school decided to celebrate peace in a natural location where everyone could enjoy the beauty of Maine with the views of meadows, hills, lake and ocean provided on Beech Hill. Coastal Mountains Land Trust manages the Preserve and helped make the hike possible with parking assistance and guidance.

The International Day of Peace provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first “Peace Day” was celebrated in September 1982. Peace Day now includes millions of people, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day.