Prof. Richard Dawkins established a children's summer camp for atheists where they can be taught rational scepticism and sing 'Imagine' by John Lennon alongside the more customary activities of swimming and canoeing. Mr. Dawkins has become a formidable figure for his attempts to convert much of the public to atheism.

The Daily Telegraph of London reports that, "the evolutionary biologist and author of 'The God Delusion,' who stepped down from his post at Oxford University last year, has subsidized the five-day camp in Somerset. Camp-goers will be given lessons in rational scepticism, as well as sessions in moral philosophy and evolutionary biology."

Nonetheless, the children can participate in more traditional activities such as trekking, tug-of-war, canoeing and swimming. Yet children will also learn methods to disprove phenomena such as crop circles and telepathy.

According to the Telegraph, "the retreat is for children aged eight to 17 and will rival traditional faith-based breaks run by the Scouts and church groups. It will teach that religious beliefs and doctrines can prevent ethical and moral behavior."

The camp is part of a non-religion campaign, supported by Dawkins and Professor A.C. Grayling, the philosopher and writer, intended to dispute Christian societies, collective worship and religious education.

Prof. Dawkins explained it was created to "encourage to think for themselves, sceptically and rationally" (unless they continue to profess a belief in the existence of God). All 24 places at the camp, which runs from July 27-31, have been filled.

An IT consultant, Crispian Jago is hoping the camp experience will enrich his two children.

The Telegraph quotes Jago as saying that, "I'm very keen on not indoctrinating them with religion or creeds. I would rather equip them with the tools to learn how to think, not what to think."

To read the entire article from the Daily Telegraph of London, link here:

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comments (0)

Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment