Fifth-graders from Napa's Blue Oak School and three other Bay Area elementary schools are a little bit wiser today, as they leave a week-long camp in the redwoods west of Napa.

The 10-and 11-year olds at the Mosaic Project camp learned life lessons about diversity, conflict resolution and similar topics, said project co-founder Lara Mendel.

Thursday was devoted to conflict resolution, with dozens of kids earning "doctoral degrees" on the topic after group sessions that involved singing, sharing some of their own experiences and group discussions led by adult tutors.

Liam Vlaming said he and his new-found friends learned how to deal with anger. "I think a lot of people could use that," he said. "It's something you should do out in the world."

Avoiding stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination were important lessons for Camille Sacristan, who added, "I liked spending time with new friends."

"Stereotyping ... is really keeping (people) apart," Vlaming added.

Addie Stone said she hopes to be able to teach others what she learned about problem-solving.

"When I go back into life it's going to be easier to help people," noted Max Wilkinson. He said he enjoyed the musical aspect of the camp, adding, "We still learned a lot of things."

"We learned how to respect each other and be friends," said 10-year-old Liam Collins, a member of the Thailand team. Each group was named after a different country.

Noting the camp had only one day remaining, he cast a downward gaze and said, "I'm not looking for it to be over. I made a lot of new friends."

Fifth-grade teacher Isaac Enloe said it was the first time Blue Oak kids attended the camp. He inquired about it a year ago, then visited for a day. He was hooked and began working on taking his class to this year's session, held at the Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind off Mount Veeder Road.

"I was so impressed that I wanted to bring my kids and give them this experience," Enloe said.

He said it was important for children at that age to learn about conflict resolution, how to be assertive without being aggressive or passive, and realizing there are multiple perspectives to most issues.

Dozens of youngsters from the Napa school and schools in San Francisco, Berkeley and Concord sat in a semi-circle around a campfire pit as Mendel held up three-foot tall signs listing five steps to resolve conflict:

* Stop and cool off.

* Talk and share feelings.

* Listen to each other.

* Empathize.

* Brainstorm solutions then agree to a plan.

"What you will learn today can save your life," she told the children.

"An enemy is one whose story you have not yet heard," she said.

"Be special to yourself and other people around you," she continued.

The young campers then joined in a song: "Fighting is not the solution. Try conflict resolution."

During the late afternoon hours, participants swam, hiked, and worked with arts and crafts.

The Mosaic Foundation is funded by private donations.

For more information about the program, go online to www.mosaicproject.org.