CANCELED…that’s all I’ve been seeing projected in big red letters on every event flier possible, from AYF meetings, to Homenetmen bake sales, to dance performances, to Artsakh trips. The list goes on and on. It seems like the world has turned into a ghost town from the streets of Watertown to the steps of Cascade. Although I am not currently home but rather in Armenia, which is also my home, I have been staying up to date with everything happening, or not happening, in Boston. It is difficult for me to imagine the doors of the ACEC are locked, knowing that Baron Zaven is not standing on the crosswalk stopping traffic as a grandfather holding his granddaughter’s hand is rushing her to school, or my mom telling me that her weekly “sheerket” has been canceled. 

Armenia has been no different. As I was walking home the other day, I felt disheartened. There was not a single dhol player. Not one person came up to me to try and sell me a rose or a panda balloon. The vendors of Vernissage have disappeared. The once lively streets of Yerevan are now empty.

These eerie observations make me wonder about the near future as we are less than one month away from our annual Armenian Genocide commemorations. How long is this going to last?

You might wonder what I am doing in Armenia, or more importantly why I’m still here. I came here as a Birthright Armenia participant and have been volunteering at two locations for over a month now. What I thought was going to be an absolutely life-changing experience where I was ready to give my undivided attention to Birthright and all the opportunities that came with it, turned out a little differently than I expected. It started from putting on hand sanitizer at work after I touched every little thing, to being asked to work from home, to getting an email that this week’s “havak” (gathering) and forum are canceled, to being forbidden to step outside my house. The list goes on. My expectations have been turned upside down, but I believe that I can do my part to help clear out this virus from here. 

I’ve been trying to entertain myself these past couple of days in every way possible from picking up a book and attempting to read, to forcing myself to work out at home, to discovering my inner culinary skills, to doing some yoga and even stepping outside to get a breath of fresh air so I don’t completely lose my mind. I have gone from having absolutely no time on my hands to having an infinite amount. There is a void in my heart; something is missing from my daily life without these Armenian events.

As Armenians we all have busy schedules. We have countless meetings to attend, agendas to prepare, events to plan and dance rehearsals to master. But it’s important to make time to visit family and friends. It might be overwhelming at times, but it is amazing how interconnected Armenians are. We are in each other’s lives almost every day whether we choose to be or not, so this is beyond unusual and challenging for us, as I am sure it is for most.

What is getting me through these times is knowing that my neighbor, my friend, a stranger living across the world is spending their time in prison with me. We have quickly turned our new world around. Schools have shifted online so that their students don’t miss a second of learning. Seeing pictures and videos of the students at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in Watertown having Armenian class online and having music class through a TV screen has been interesting, but eye opening at the same time. I have mixed feelings knowing that we can easily do everything through a computer screen at home. Social distancing has forced us to move our close knit Armenian community events and gatherings online, from groups of friends having FaceTime karaoke sessions, to having dinner with grandparents through an iPhone screen or having AYF meetings online.

I miss my life, my routines, my friends, and hugs from my grandma. But through all this negativity we have to look at the positives. I am so grateful that these organizations and communities are so strong that even a deadly virus can’t stop us. This virus has locked us in our houses, so we have answered by continuing our jam sessions online, by unveiling our hidden talents (I have surprised myself with my cooking skills), by thinking outside the box and being innovative. It reminds me of h-pem’s recent post—«Հայե՜ր միացէ՛ք» (“Hayer miatsek” | “Armenians, unite!”…but keep your distance!). During these uneasy times, unity among Armenians is stronger than ever. Although it may be difficult for Armenians, we must always remember to keep six feet apart! 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home!

Author information

Meghri Dervartanian

Meghri Dervartanian is a member of the AYF-YOARF Greater Boston "Nejdeh" Chapter and currently serves on the 2019 Central Executive. She is also a Homenetmen scout and athlete. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Boston in May 2019 with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Marketing.

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—April is typically a month of unity for the Armenian American community, but this year, with social distancing practices in place, it will be more difficult than ever to foster that sense of togetherness ahead of the 105th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. While physical separation may prevent in-person gatherings, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Senior Chapter has once again launched its digital-led 24 Days of Action campaign. With directives shared on social media on each day in April leading up to the 24th, the chapter aims to promote participation in community initiatives, learn more about the Armenian history and culture and make its demands for recognition and reparations heard.

The goal is to engage members throughout the month leading up to Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24) to ensure commemoration occurs beyond a single day of observation. In the past, the campaign is organized around a schedule for members to attend local events, but given the situation with COVID-19 this year, the chapter’s public relations committee has created new initiatives to connect its members with the community despite the obvious restrictions in place.

For example, members are being invited to connect with their fellow ungers across the country, tune into live-streams of badarak services and check in with the elderly and other community members who may feel especially isolated. Furthermore, since the chapter will not be able to hold their annual protest (which has been held outside the Turkish Consulate and in Harvard Square), members are being encouraged to raise awareness through other means, including calling for PBS stations to broadcast filmmaker Stephanie Ayanian’s What Will Become Of Us and holding a virtual variation of Boston chapter member Anahis Kechijian’s Stand Up for Your Survivor—an initiative in which members represent Genocide survivors at the Massachusetts State House Commemoration.

Given that the Junior and Senior members will be staying home to do their part in keeping their communities safe, the PR committee also included new activities to encourage members to engage with their heritage and culture—from revisiting Armenian cookbooks and cooking with their families, to exploring the enormous list of Armenian books, music, art, movies and podcasts compiled by the editorial team at h-pem.

To participate, follow the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter on Facebook and Instagram (@ayf_nejdeh).

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Knar Bedian

Knar Bedian is the Editor in Chief and co-founder of Sound of Boston, and a freelance music journalist who has been published in the likes of Billboard, Gizmodo, and Wired. She is also a marketing manager at Intrepid Pursuits and an active member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). Knar is a graduate of Tufts University, where she majored in Sociology and Spanish, with a minor in Mass Communications and Media Studies. During her time at Tufts she served as the Photography Director for the university's student magazine, The Observer. She has had her work published in a variety of online and print publications including the British Council Blog, FastCompany.com, and the Armenian Weekly.

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There is no need to keep reminding you – the latest developments have not left anybody untouched. Classes, jobs, graduations, weddings, family brunches… church masses, protests, barahantesses, AYF meetings… We are all doing our very best to adapt to these circumstances. Der Hayrs are preaching to us through screens, while our favorite musicians are performing on live-streams. In the meantime, AYF chapters around the world are pleasantly surprised that meetings are running quite smoothly and creating some normalcy for many. 

Since 1971, there has been one particularly sacred event for AYF members of all ages across the Eastern Region – and that is Junior Seminar. As chair of this year’s Junior Seminar Committee, I can say that throughout the unfolding of the latest global events, our committee was hoping that this event would somehow remain unaffected. Junior Seminar is an annual landmark for our members; it delivers a major web of educational content that can reach a majority of our membership at once, and it is a place where the best memories are made with friends that are not easy to keep in touch with throughout the year. For years, parents have felt comfortable waving their kids goodbye, onto a bus ride that can be anywhere from 5 to 13 hours. They have trusted older members of this organization with the health and well-being of their own children – and in return, this responsibility is not taken lightly by the senior members of the AYF. For this reason, the committee, along with the Central Executive, has made the decision to go virtual this year! Although we regret to inform our members and parents that we will not return to Camp Kon-O-Kwee this year, we are very excited to make history as we take Junior Seminar online, on Saturday, May 23rd. 

We know that this may come as a disappointment to many, but we are absolutely committed to delivering a memorable seminar experience. We are lucky to have a network of councils that can lend us their expertise. Just like many institutions and organizations across the world, we will be using Zoom to bring our membership together. Those who register will not miss out on important and engaging lecture content – delivered by some of our favorite Junior Seminar faces, and will have plenty of time to mingle with friends that they have been looking forward to seeing. The committee is excited to put all the tools they have into use, to incorporate interactive activities and discussions between all those in attendance, as well as in smaller, more intimate groups. 

We know that these challenging times have put our resilience to the test. However, we also know very well, as Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents said, that the Armenian peoples’ savior is in their collective strength. With this spirit, we are hopeful that even a pandemic cannot put a stop to us coming together on Memorial Day weekend. With that said, we highly encourage all AYF-YOARF Eastern Region members to register during the week of May 16th, and be a part of this historical endeavor – we could not do it without you all. 

More information will be communicated along the way. In the meantime, we wish you all the utmost health and safety during this time.

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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By Alex Vartanian
Junior, NJ “Arsen” Chapter

This pandemic known as COVID-19 is affecting not just our Armenian community, but the world. The United States in its entirety is basically on lockdown, and there is not much to do. As of now, there are two ways people can handle this lockdown: One, you can be very productive without leaving your house, trying to get better. Or two, you can take it the lazy way, get nothing done and just lay down in bed all day. People might be thinking to themselves, “How are we supposed to be productive during this time?” Well, there are many ways to be productive, especially within the community. 

One thing that you can do to help the community is to donate. Local hospitals are running very low on supplies, such as masks, ventilators and PPE. If these necessities are being purchased by the general public, then nurses and doctors can’t perform tasks involving patients with COVID-19, because they don’t have the tools. If you have extra masks or gloves that are not in use, donate those to hospitals in need of supplies. If you don’t have these supplies, you can donate money to hospitals in order for them to be able to afford these ventilators and supplies. 

A great way you can be productive is being active. During these times, wellness is important. Since all gyms are closed, you have to find an alternative way to be active. One thing that you can do is just walk. You can walk around the block or your yard. If you want to stay active but not leave the house at all, you can find an open space in your house and look up workout routines on your laptop or phone. What you can do is plan a workout routine. Find workouts you would like to do and stick with it. If you have an elliptical or a treadmill, you can walk on it at a slow pace. You won’t feel it, but you are burning calories constantly. During this time, you can also find a new hobby. Find an instrument you would like to play, and just play it. Learn a new language. There are many apps that can help you learn any language. Use this time wisely.  

One of the most important ways in being productive is to stay focused on the task at hand. If you are in school, focus on schoolwork. Get ahead in classes you are thriving in and catch up on classes that you are having trouble with. Go that extra mile to improve in areas of your life that need your attention. Like my parents always tell me during this time, take this time as an opportunity to be better. The one thing you should not do is procrastinate. Procrastinating is the one way that you will fall behind. 

This pandemic is dangerous, and it can infect anyone. All of these things are important to do, but the most important thing to do is to stay safe. Don’t go out because you want to. Yes, you can walk around your block or around your neighborhood, but make sure you don’t come in contact with anyone. Stay home and don’t leave unless it’s necessary. The only time it’s necessary is if you need to go grocery shopping, during which you should wear a mask. Take this as an opportunity and strive to be better. Stay safe!

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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It is with a sad and heavy heart that the AYF-YOARF Central Executive announces the postponement of the 2020 Worcester Olympics until 2021. This decision was made after careful deliberation amongst the Central Executive, the Olympic Governing Body and the Worcester Steering Committee to safeguard the health and safety of our members and community.

Only the emergence of an unprecedented world health pandemic has managed to disrupt our continuous 86-year track record of hosting the AYF Olympics, the longest running ethnic sporting event in the country that even took place during the years of World War II. 

The annual AYF Olympic Games are a sacred event that consistently brings our entire community together. For most, Labor Day weekend is for outdoor barbecues and end-of-summer trips to the beach. For us AYF-agans, however, it is a weekend that is always reserved for Olympics. It is this weekend that our members, alumni and community collectively travel tens of thousands of miles to create, as William Saroyan said, a New Armenia. 

From Friday morning’s tee-off to the last echoes of our revolutionary and national songs at Sunday’s grand ball, we cherish each moment of Olympics. The AYF Olympic Games are certainly the premier social and athletic event for our community— yet they are so much more than a social and athletic gathering.

The importance and profound nature of AYF Olympics cannot be understated. The revenue from Olympics enables the AYF to carry out its mission: to work towards a united, free and independent Armenia, and to foster pride through educational, political, cultural, social and athletic activities. We uphold these causes through our yearly programs such as the Junior and Senior Seminars, Junior Olympics, NATs, the AYF Internship in Armenia, and so much more. 

Despite the cancellation of this year’s event, the Central Executive will publish a Commemorative Olympic Ad Book in place of the Worcester 2020 Olympic Ad Book. This ad book will highlight the 86 year history of the Games and serve as a critical fundraiser for the 2021 AYF year. 

We are calling on our membership and the wider Armenian American community for their support and contribution as we navigate this uncharted territory. Your contributions will help ensure the success of our programming and goals and support an organization that has stood the test of time to remain a foundational element of our Armenian identity in the Eastern Region.

If you booked a room under the AYF rate at either the Hilton Garden Inn or the AC Marriott, the hotels will be issuing refunds in the coming days.

The Central Executive will be releasing information regarding the commemorative ad book and any other information in the very near future. 

For further information or questions, please email ce@ayf.org. 

Stay safe and well, ungerner.

Ungeragan Parevnerov,

—AYF-YOARF Central Executive, Eastern Region, USA

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Arev” Chapter, like many of its sister organizations, has been forced to adapt to alternative ways to stay connected over the past few months and has continued to honor its schedule as much as possible despite these unusual circumstances.

In March, the AYF South Florida “Arev” Chapter held its first virtual members meeting via Zoom. This was quite an experience compared to what we’re used to with meeting in person, but it was so refreshing to see everyone’s faces. One objective during this meeting was to create a fundraiser in order to assist those in Armenia in need during this difficult time. In March, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) started the ARS Global Emergency Response Fund initiative to do just that, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to work with our community members and join forces. Our chapter’s goal was to create a fun way to get AYF members from near and far to donate for the month of April. We came up with a Fundraiser Bingo card.

We designed the Bingo card with squares ranging from $5 to $25. Within a few hours of posting on our social media channels, donations already started pouring in, even from members in the western region. By the time April came to a close, we had filled our Bingo card and even exceeded our goal, raising a total of $550. Our fundraiser was so successful that not only did we completely fill our Bingo card, we raised additional funds.

The AYF “Arev” Chapter thanks its donors and supporters. Together, we helped the ARS advance its emergency relief aid for Armenia and support the most vulnerable during this time of hardship.

Author information

Tamar Kassarjian

Tamar Kassarjian is a native Floridian and currently studying to become a physicians assistant. She currently holds the executive chair position for the South Florida AYF Arev Chapter; she also serves as the secretary for the ARS Sosseh Chapter, where she has been a member for over five years. Tamar is active in her local Armenian community as an Armenian dance teacher at Arevig Dance Ensemble and an Armenian language teacher at the Sunday school.

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The AYF-YOARF Eastern Region Central Executive (CE) and Central Internship Council (CIC) regret to announce that the 2020 AYF Internship in Armenia has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. The safety of our AYF Internship participants is of primary concern to us, and given the circumstances, this is the best course of action to ensure the well-being of all those involved. This decision was extremely difficult, as this will be the first year since 1992 that the AYF Internship will not take place. The CE and CIC believe the future is bright and have already begun planning for the 2021 AYF Internship program. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the AYF Internship in Armenia, you may contact the Central Internship Council at internship@ayf.org.

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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YEREVAN—The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern Region has launched a new campaign to help support its AYF Armenia counterpart.

The campaign is called “Raffle for the Cause.” The purpose of the social media initiative is to raise money for several different fundraising efforts within the youth organization and its sister organizations. A new initiative will be selected every month; the first month has been designated to AYF Armenia and its work supporting 300 families in the Syunik Region.

Earlier this month, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Armenia and Nikol Aghpalian Student Association started the “Help Your Compatriot – #TogetherWeWillWin” project. AYF members have been packing and delivering care packages to vulnerable compatriots living in border regions. More than 1,150 families in the border settlements and provinces of Tavoush, Vayots Dzor, Shirak, Talin, Ashotsk and Kergharkunik have received this aid. The packages contain essentials including among them cracked wheat, flour, lentils, rice and soap.  

Members and volunteers from Homenetmen and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) have been helping prepare the food packages as well.

Many of these families have moved to these afflicted regions from Western Armenia and do not neglect the opportunity to share the stories of their ancestors with visiting AYF members. In Ashotsk recently, AYF members met Grandma Jenya, who talked about the daily struggles of living in the marzes of Armenia. Grandma Jenya also described the people in need of help and how the smallest donations could make a difference and help a family. 

In the coming days and weeks, AYF members will continue to press forward at the Aram Manougian agoump in Yerevan, assembling and delivering packages to villages in desperate need of this aid. Interested donors are encouraged to participate in supporting fellow compatriots and being the reason a family in Shirak has food on the table for the next two weeks. 

Author information

Meghri Dervartanian

Meghri Dervartanian is a member of the AYF-YOARF Greater Boston "Nejdeh" Chapter and currently serves on the 2019 Central Executive. She is also a Homenetmen scout and athlete. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Boston in May 2019 with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Marketing.

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On the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the independence of the First Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) of Western United States, Eastern United States and Canada are joining forces to celebrate this important occasion via a virtual event which will be broadcast live on May 28, 2020.

The victory achieved on May 28, 1918 will forever be regarded as one of the most important events in the history, and collective identity, of the Armenian nation – a victory without which the independent Republic of Armenia, a free and autonomous Republic of Artsakh, and a place we can truly call home would not have been possible. After more than six-hundred years of oppression and foreign subjugation, our ancestors rose from the ashes of genocide and reclaimed what was rightfully ours. It is through their struggle we are still here today. It is through their courage our homeland is free. And it is our duty as the children of these heroes to celebrate this day every year, to remember their sacrifice, to carry the torch, and to honor our nation.

The virtual tri-regional event titled “Echoes of Independence” will feature celebratory messages along with cultural performances from AYF members and renowned Armenian performers from the United States and Canada. The event will be live at 6PM (PDT) and 9PM (EDT) on the social media platforms of each AYF region (Facebook and YouTube). 

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the cancellation of all in-person May 28 events, the AYF regions of North America have chosen to take this opportunity to come together as one and celebrate this historic day for our nation. 

Founded in 1933, the AYF is the largest and the most influential Armenian youth organization globally, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness among Armenian youth.

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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As we are writing this, we keep reminding ourselves that today, Monday May 25th, would have been the day that exhausted juniors, seniors and lecturers who attended AYF Junior Seminar would have been on a coach bus riding home from Fombell, Pennsylvania. Instead, we are all experiencing a different kind of Memorial Day weekend. 

As the pandemic rapidly spread across our country, we knew that reuniting in person with our fellow ungers across the region may not be possible. But, we could not fathom the idea of a Memorial Day weekend without our beloved Seminar. We realized that “virtual” had become the new normal, and our job was to adapt our programming to this change. 

Fast forward to this past Saturday, where this year’s Junior Seminar Council (JSC) successfully planned and executed our first ever AYF Virtual Junior Seminar! We were able to host an educational and immersive experience for over 200 juniors. Over 50 of our region’s seniors also participated as “counselors.” There were three sessions occurring simultaneously; the juniors were split up into younger (ages 10-12), middle (ages 13-14), and older (ages 15-16) groups.

Throughout the day, each group was able to hear from three lecturers—community leader and longtime Junior Seminar lecturer Zohrab Khaligian, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) executive director Aram Hamparian and AYF Chicago alumnus Sahak Zakarian. Respectively, they spoke about the Treaty of Sevres, current events in Artsakh, and traditional Armenian daraz and dance.

During the post-lecture breakout discussions, senior counselors answered content questions and facilitated further discussions. AYF Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter member Meghri Dervartanian, who is currently in Yerevan, Armenia, was also invited to speak about the local AYF’s efforts to feed families across Armenia amid the COVID-19 pandemic. JSC would like to thank both our lecturers and seniors, because our vision for the day would not have been executed without their participation. 

We couldn’t imagine a day of lectures without time to celebrate our culture at night. Saturday’s programming concluded with a virtual barahantes, which premiered on Facebook and attracted over 160 viewers. Datev Gevorkian, Alek Surenian, Sam Sjostedt, Beiyna Chaparian and Tsoline Gevorkian enthusiastically volunteered to record and perform 11 songs. The live “night activity” was just under one hour, but we have been rewatching the program over and over again since it aired. Although we were all dancing and listening in our separate homes, our barahantes was able to bring a feeling of unity to past, present and future AYF members. 

JSC is overjoyed at the response to our virtual event. We are so proud to have been part of a council that was able to bring a sense of familiarity and comfort amid trying times. This was a historical event that we will never forget. But, we do hope this was our last Virtual Junior Seminar, and we look forward to reuniting with our members for our “normal” Memorial Day weekend next year in Pennsylvania! 

—AYF Eastern Region Junior Seminar Council

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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FRANKLIN, Mass.—The AYF Camp Haiastan Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Kenar Charchaflian as its new Executive Director. Ms. Charchaflian is a 2014 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and lives in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“I understand the importance and the challenge I have accepted with this role, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity the board has given to me,” said Charchaflian.

The Board selected Charchaflian after careful review following the resignation of David Hamparian, who served as Camp Haiastan’s Executive Director for seven years.

“While we are sorry to see Dave leave, the Board of Directors has confidence in Kenar leading the Camp into the future,” stated Michael Guzelian, Camp Board Chairman. “Dave Hamparian took the Camp to a new level of finances, facilities and campership. He certainly made the Camp better than it was. We believe that Kenar will continue that growth.”

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 camping season brought on by COVID-19, Charchaflian’s initial and immediate focus will be planning and coordinating, along with the Summer Camp Directors, an alternative summer program to keep our youth entertained, involved, educated and socially engaged with their fellow campers and friends who are dispersed throughout the Eastern United States.

In addition to her professional background in kinesiology, Charchaflian has been a member of the Central Executive of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) for five years. For the past two years, she has been serving as the Chairperson, leading 900 members in their educational, social, cultural and athletic activities. 

In 2018 she served as Camp Javakhk’s Summer Director. The camp, located in the Republic of Georgia, serves Armenian children from that region. The staff is composed of young Armenian-Americans who volunteer as counselors. In 2017, Charchaflian was the Summer Director of the AYF Internship Program in Yerevan, Armenia.

In addition to fundraising and recruitment activities within our communities, the Board intends to utilize Charchaflian’s extensive experience in social media marketing to reach campers and staff, especially those who live in isolated areas or emerging communities.

The Board strongly believes that Charchaflian will lead the Camp in its evaluation and revision of its programs and all activities to respond to the evolving needs of children and requirements of parents.

Camp Haiastan, located on Uncas Pond in Franklin, Massachusetts, was established in 1951 not only to provide a healthy and safe summer experience to Armenian-American youth, but also to help them foster their Armenian identity and establish lifelong friendships.

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Camp Haiastan

Founded in 1951, AYF Camp Haiastan is the oldest Armenian residential camp in the United States. Camp Haiastan is located in Franklin, Massachusetts.

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The Armenian Youth Federation Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region USA stands in solidarity with the family of George Floyd and the communities that are continually affected by this nation’s tragic history of police brutality and racism. As Armenian Americans, we feel it is imperative that our community, as well as other non-black peoples, recognize our role in allyship and be aware of the acutely adverse experience of peoples of color in America. 

As Armenian Americans and members of the AYF, we stand for equality and freedom, and we demand the end of all forms of oppression. We cannot fully comprehend the pain and suffering the African American community is currently facing and has for hundreds of years, but as Armenians, the issues laid bare over the past weekend are as salient as ever. Systemic racism is deeply rooted in our society, and it is imperative that the AYF-YOARF supports the fight against it.

Our A.R.F. Dzrakir calls for the “founding of a society in which the individual will be liberated from all forms of ethnic, religious-denominational, national, political, social, and economic discrimination, oppression, and exploitation” in which civilians all maintain “a free and equal right to vote, and equal protection under the law.” 

As members of a diaspora created from the ashes of Genocide, we know the dire consequences of unchecked and unresolved oppression all too well. We must stand against the oppression of any people, passionately shouting that no human should be subject to unjust treatment, based solely on the color of their skin. As Armenians, we know first-hand what hate can and continues to do to minority communities. The cycle of racism will not be broken by the voice of the Black Community alone – we must be their allies. 

We call on our members to combat everyday examples of racism towards people of color within our own lives and communities so that we may work towards a future free from hate. The racism that is endemic in this country must end. We encourage our members to engage in anti-bias, anti-racism and anti-bigotry education. Our prayers go out to George Floyd’s family and the black and PoC communities. May he rest in power.

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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Every year as a kid, my elementary school would host the International Dinner. Kids and their families were invited to bring a dish unique to their culture and arrive dressed in traditional garb. I’d throw open the doors to the gymnasium, and all I could see were colors. Every color. Bright flags strung from one basketball hoop to the other representing the places we all came from. I’d search immediately for the Armenian one of course. My classmates were dressed in costumes and hanboks and saris and shuka and kilts. There were trays full of steaming food smelling and looking different from the things I ate at home. I’d fill my plate and find a seat dressed in the Armenian dance costume my mom stitched together for me—pennies hanging from my headpiece. I still remember sitting with friends from all over the world coming together in this special moment. We’d eat fried plantains, boregs, sticky rice, croque madame, kimchi, and whatever else we could fit onto our styrofoam plates. Sometimes we’d go up for seconds or even thirds. I was once told that unger means a person you share your table with. I was sure I was surrounded by my ungers. I was sure the world fit perfectly together just like we did, dressed in costume, sharing a meal in a vibrant gymnasium—that’s my privilege talking.  

When I got to high school, no one cared about culture or language or foods or traditions. No one worked to draw lines separating us; no one looked for differences, simply because there were so many. My classes were diverse. My sports teams were diverse. Student council was diverse. My closest circle of friends was made up of a Korean, an Indian, a Greek, a Dominican and an Armenian. I was surrounded by difference and culture, and I didn’t see the profoundness. I didn’t think about race. I figured everyone grew up in a place like me—that’s my privilege talking. 

I attended a private Irish Catholic college. Most of the student body graduated from religious high schools. They had photos of their first communion hanging in their houses, and their names were Patrick and Megan and Connor. Their parents met at this very same college, and their grandparents before that. If you look any further back in history, the school only admitted boys. I stuck out with my dark hair and dark eyes, against the blonde beauties and fair,  freckled faces. But after a month of mispronouncing my name and answering questions like, “Where are you from? But where are you really from?” I became like everyone else. Just a student—that’s my privilege talking. 

My first college roommate became my best friend. On move-in day, she shooed my parents out and promised them she would take care of me—and she did. We became inseparable; sharing meals and study tips, secrets and dreams. We made color-coded maps so we wouldn’t get lost on our way to class. She joined the AfroAm club, and I started an Armenian club. I’d attend the fashion show featuring all black designers and clothes stitched with African inspiration. She’d hold signs and chant with me in front of the State House on April 24th. She’s the whitest black person I know. She doesn’t talk like she’s black. She’s black, but not really. Yea, but she’s from Cape Cod. I knew the things people said about her, and she knew them too. I wasn’t sure if it bothered her, and I was afraid to ask—that’s my privilege talking. 

A few years later, I had a boyfriend. His parents emigrated from Guatemala to their house in the south side of Providence. They worked hard so he and his older sister could attend college—a familiar story for many of my Armenian friends. He showed me a world I didn’t know much about. His father would speak Spanish to me convinced that I knew more of the language than I was letting on. His mother tried three times to teach me how to make fried plantains, but I could never get it right. Race was on his mind constantly, and he was passionate and committed to sharing his beliefs. We watched Fruitvale Station and Dog Pound and Freedom Writers. He explained to me what the Dream Act would mean for so many people in his community. He tried to describe what it was like being the only Hispanic in his marketing class. He told me many of his friends were targeted by campus security. They were forced to show their school IDs while studying in the library or relaxing in the student lounges as their white counterparts were left alone. I told him I had never seen that happen first hand—that’s my privilege talking. 

After I graduated, I got a teaching job in a low income district of New Jersey. On the first day of school, my fourth graders lined up in front of me with backpacks zipped up and eyes wide open. We walked in two lines up the stairs to my classroom—30 students—all either Black or Hispanic. I stood in front of them and thought about race. I wondered if they were thinking about it too. I wanted to know what they thought of me—who they thought I was. After about three months of teaching and learning and loving, one of my little girls came to me after recess. Her intricate braid had come undone. She handed over a small pink clip and turned her back, tight textured curls staring at me. I realized then that I didn’t know how. After doing my own hair for 20 years, after working at a sleepaway camp and setting pigtails for my campers every night for eight weeks, after mindlessly scrolling on Instagram and watching hours of hair tutorials, I realized I didn’t know how to do this little girl’s hair—that’s my privilege talking. 

Today, I reexamine these moments and others in my life when I had previously ignored my privilege. I reflect on aggressions I myself have committed, and I thank those who have pointed out those times. I devote myself to accepting that I will never understand some things, but acknowledge that I don’t have to in order to be an ally. I hope for strength as I pledge to stare my own prejudice in the face. I call on my Armenian brothers and sisters to do the same. And I pray my voice does not falter as I speak the names of those lost to race-driven violence even if that voice is my privilege talking. 

Author information

Arev Dinkjian

Arev Dinkjian grew up in an Armenian household in Fort Lee, N.J. She was constantly surrounded by art whether it was by her musical father and grandfather, Ara and Onnik, or her creative mother Margo. Arev attended Providence College starting in 2011 and graduated with a degree in elementary and special education. She enjoys teaching language arts to her students most, and takes great pride in instilling an appreciation for literature in her classroom. Today, she remains very active in the Armenian community, serving as the president of the N.J. AYF “Arsen" Chapter, a member of both the Bergen County ARS and the Sts. Vartanantz Ladies’ Guild, and on numerous AYF central committees. She also dedicated many summers to AYF Camp Haiastan, which she says remains her favorite topic to write about.

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This year, so far, has been nothing but out of the ordinary. From live classes converting over to e-learning, meetings being conducted via ZOOM and events being postponed, there is no doubt that the pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another.

Being part of the AYF has been my pride and joy as a local member of the Florida Armenian community. Learning that I had become part of the Junior Seminar Council (JSC) was a dream come true! I had always wanted to play a role in planning the biggest junior event. I worked with six other members of the AYF Eastern Region. Since then, we went straight to work; we planned a theme and activities for the 2020 Junior Seminar that we were all thrilled about!

As COVID-19 continued to escalate, we had no choice but to take a detour in our planning process. The JSC wanted nothing more than to ensure the safety of the juniors during this time. But we didn’t stop there; we continued to plan for something just as memorable. Virtual Junior Seminar was born! 

Juniors were split into various groups based on age as usual and engaged in three lectures about culture, history and dance. Speaking on behalf of the South Florida “Arev” Chapter, it gave a majority of our chapter members, most of whom are new members, the opportunity to participate in a regional event for the first time. “Virtual Seminar was a lot of fun. It was my first ever seminar, and honestly before logging in I wasn’t expecting a lot. But it was so much fun. I got to see and talk to old friends. And the best part was I got to learn more about my culture and then talk about and discuss it with new people. I’m glad that this was how my first one went because now I can’t wait for next year to come so I can have the full experience,” said 16 year-old Mary Vardanyan. 

Fellow JSC member Aleena Surenian and I were part of the middle group junior lectures. All of our juniors were engaged and actively participated throughout the lectures, discussions and even exercises to get us up and out of our chairs. Karoon Krikorian, a 14 year-old junior from the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter, commented, “Virtual Seminar was awesome! We had the opportunity to have lectures from our favorite speakers. One of the best parts was breaking out into mini groups to talk about the lecture and do icebreaker games. It was also pretty awesome to have a virtual barahantes. We may not have been at camp, but we still got to see our friends and have a seminar experience!” Twelve year-old Garo Tarbinian from Providence also enjoyed this year’s event. He said, “It was well planned for the situation and I had a good time. I liked that I was able to see my friends even if it wasn’t in person.”

It was rewarding to learn this feedback from juniors as this historic virtual Junior Seminar came to a close, especially in light of all the changes that JSC had to make along the way to make this possible. We carried on traditions and held a barahantes like we would have if we were at Junior Seminar, but online. We know it can’t compare to the campground experience of Fombell, Pennsylvania, but we hope it was memorable and worthwhile for our participants. I am thankful for this experience, as part of the Junior Seminar Council and the first, and hopefully only, Virtual Junior Seminar! It is one that I will never forget. We hope to see you all next year!

Author information

Tamar Kassarjian

Tamar Kassarjian is a native Floridian and currently studying to become a physicians assistant. She currently holds the executive chair position for the South Florida AYF Arev Chapter; she also serves as the secretary for the ARS Sosseh Chapter, where she has been a member for over five years. Tamar is active in her local Armenian community as an Armenian dance teacher at Arevig Dance Ensemble and an Armenian language teacher at the Sunday school.

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By Juliette Ezgilioglu
New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter 

Since 1971, AYF members from all over the East Coast and Midwest have gathered for the most educational event of the year, Junior Seminar. Like any other AYF member, it was devastating to know that it would not take me one long bus ride, many snacks and bug spray to get to Junior Seminar this year. Being able to see your friends and counselors and making new friends is what Junior Seminar is all about. However, the Junior Seminar Committee (JSC) did not let the pandemic stop us from having a memorable weekend. For the first time ever, this year’s seminar went virtual. Any member would know, as a junior you are a camper and divided into your age group from the younger, middle and older groups. Seniors were known as the counselors who made sure everyone got to their lectures on time. But what about the 17 year-olds? The ones who had just become seniors, but still felt like juniors? We are called LIT’s (Leaders in Training). We are transitioning to find ourselves, where we belong and how we can help in the AYF. Junior Seminar grants us this opportunity to learn. 

Our virtual lecture started at 11 am, and Ara Sarajian from New Jersey was the guest speaker. He currently lives in Washington, D.C. and works with the Washington Nationals. Not knowing anyone else on this call, U. Ara asked all of us to introduce ourselves. After getting to know my fellow ungers and ungeroohis, U. Ara began his lecture and it was almost like he knew exactly what we were feeling. As he started to talk and express what we might be going through, he was checking off everything I was thinking. Not knowing where we stand and what we are capable of doing, I guess you would call this a transition phase. I feel as though we are trying to finish high school,  figure out what college we will like and what we want to do in life. He also told us that it was okay not to know either, that we can try many things and it might take a while to figure out what we are meant to do. U. Ara told us his story and everything he went through to find his rightful place in the professional world. I related so much because for a while I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but recently it has changed. Not really knowing what the future holds or what I can do, U. Ara made me feel like it’s going to be okay. 

This applies to our personal lives and the Armenian community. We talked about how we can help and receive guidance from the AYF in many ways. The AYF has given me so much, and I am excited as a senior to be a good role model for the juniors to follow, because after all, they are the future. I learned that we can always help the juniors with their meetings, socials and educationals. We also learned the different regional and local committees we can be a part of as seniors. In each committee, we would learn how to organize big and small events and what it’s like to work with others. We later divided into two groups to discuss our passions and how, with our interests, we can help in the community. I am passionate about basketball, being Armenian and helping others, and I know these qualities will guide me through my involvement in the Armenian community and in the professional world.

Ara and the LIT program taught me so many important lessons that I needed to hear to motivate me, not only during quarantine but for my future. There are many opportunities offered through the AYF. Next summer, I hope to apply to the Camp Javakhk Program, connect with another diaspora and be part of the best summer the kids in Georgia can have. I can already imagine seeing a huge smile on so many kids’ faces while dancing and singing with them. Knowing the joy these kids have because of Camp Javakhk overwhelms me with happiness.

 I also will become a senior in high school this fall, and I hope to acquire an internship I am passionate about just like U. Ara. I plan to use what I learn from this internship and apply it to my Armenian community through my chapter or a committee. Even though this year’s event was virtual, I was fortunate to meet and talk to the entire Central Executive (CE) and Junior Seminar Committee (JSC). Taking advantage of this opportunity and being able to talk to them and ask questions was something I will never forget. It was a great way to end my LIT program at seminar. 

I am very proud to be a member of this amazing organization, and I’m very lucky to have been part of the 2020 LIT program. A huge thank you to the JSC for making Junior Seminar still possible! Thank you AYF for showing me that no matter the circumstance, we are all stronger together. 

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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COVID-19 has forced us all to change our daily lifestyles, sacrificing our day-to-day comforts and social interactions in lieu of protecting our own health and the health of our loved ones. As states start to “re-open,” there continues to be increased and overwhelming concern about the potential for recurrence and resurgence of the virus. We are continually reevaluating and adjusting our plans as we learn more about the spread of the virus in the upcoming weeks and months. 

Given the information at hand, Homenetmen Eastern USA Regional Executive has made the difficult decision, after careful deliberation and consultation with the Regional Scout Council, to postpone the 32nd Regional Camp “Panagoum,” scheduled for August 2020, due to health concerns, as well as possible state restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our members is the highest priority, and given the general concerns of travel and large gatherings from many, the Regional Executive and Regional Scout Council believe this is the best path forward for the event. 

The Regional Scout Council is already making arrangements to secure the campsite for the summer of 2021, with the intent to be hosted by the New Jersey chapter. 

To keep the Homenetmen spirit alive this summer, the Regional Scout Council is excited to announce it is planning a Virtual Regional “Panagoum” that will give an opportunity for scouts to interact with their yeghpayrs and kouyrs around the region. Details about this virtual event are forthcoming. 

Homenetmen’s Regional Panagoum embodies the purpose of Homenetmen in the Armenian community. Regional Panagoum is an opportunity for scouts from all our chapters to gather and share with each other their scouting knowledge, at the same time taking part in Homenetmen’s fraternal Armenian spirit under the motto of “Rise and Raise/Elevate Yourself and Others with You.” 

For further information or questions, please contact the Regional Scout Council at RSC.EUSA@homenetmen.org 

Author information

Homenetmen Eastern U.S.

The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage, while at the same time. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.

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“What a year this month has been.” This sentence has been on repeat every single month since the start of 2020. It’s hard to articulate words to describe the sense of emotions anyone is going through. As many of us try to navigate the unknown and are devastated on canceled plans, jampars, seminars, events, gatherings and travel, there is nothing more eye-opening than this moment right now. In such uncertain and frightening times, the natural inclination is to look for a silver lining, no matter how faint. 

Maybe 2020 isn’t canceled. 

Perhaps this is the year to use our time to keep engaging and fighting towards justice…to not only continue pushing for progress in our homeland, but to keep going even though everything has been paused. 

Maybe 2020 isn’t canceled.

Maybe time away from everything will make us appreciate a simple hangout at the agoump or even an AYF educational. Maybe this year is meant for us to slow down and appreciate the present. Yes, things might be canceled, but the year is still going. We can keep working. We can continue giving. We can continue loving. We can continue inspiring. Yes, I get it, it’s hard to not be in Hayastan this summer. It’s difficult as a Diasporan Armenian to be looking forward to a summer where you reunite with family and friends in your homeland, only to have it canceled. It’s hard not to envision yourself at the top of Cascade at 4 am to watch the sunrise. It’s hard knowing the grounds of 722 Summer Street will be empty this summer. It’s especially hard to have spent the past three summers in Javakhk only to realize that the streets of Ninotsminda, Akhaltskha and Akhalkalak will be jampar-less. It’s hard digesting the fact that your out-of-town ungers will only be accessible through a screen. It’s hard keeping a distance from places we love, especially our homeland. It’s hard not knowing when the next Armenian event will be.

But do you want to know what’s not hard? It’s not hard to do our part as the Armenian Youth Federation to continue being active and to keep going…to not only use this time to educate ourselves, but to learn the language (if you don’t know it), to dive into our culture, to understand the importance of our fedayis, to spend extra time with our parents, to check in on our ungers, to never take a trip to Hayastan for granted and never again say, “I’m not going to that event.” 

Maybe 2020 isn’t canceled. 

Maybe this is the time as the next generation of mentors, educators and leaders, to just switch perspectives. Let us look at this from the silver lining, and use this time to have a better understanding of who we are as Armenians from the diaspora. Let us step up and continue our work and try to have a brighter outlook on 2020.  

The year 2020 isn’t canceled, so do your part as an AYF member and just keep working, loving, inspiring and going.  

In the wise words of Shavarsh Missakian I hope you remember this: «Չըլլայ որ թմրիս անցեալի փառքերով հաւատք եւ յարատեւ ճիգ, որպէսզի բան մըն ալ դուն աւելցնես անոնց վրայ՝ իբրեւ նոր սերունդ: »

Author information

Sanan Malkadjian

Sanan is a member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Detroit Kopernik Tandourjian Chapter. She is a self-published children’s book author and a recent graduate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a degree in Digital Marketing.

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FRANKLIN, Mass. — Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the 2020 Camp Haiastan season from taking place, a virtual camp—“AYF Camp Zoom-astan”—has been in the works. Two one-week sessions for different age groups will start on July 27th and run through August 7th.

The two-hour daily program for this special season has been planned by the returning Summer Directors—Seran Tcholakian and Ani Changelian—and Executive Director Kenar Charchaflian with the assistance of the Camp’s Board of Directors Education Committee. The Summer Directors will also oversee the activities for those two weeks. They will be assisted by selected staff members who have volunteered to serve as “counselors.”

Longtime Camp Haiastan activities, such as “Camp Fire Intro,” “Flag Raising and Lowering” have been modified to remind the attendees of the unique and memorable camp atmosphere. Additionally, new activities will be included utilizing various technological platforms. 

“We are excited and confident that the activities we have planned will provide a cultural, educational, fraternal and enjoyable time for all our returning and potential ‘summer campers’,” said Kenar Charchaflian, Executive Director.

AYF Camp Zoom-astan is free for children ages 7 to 16. Details as well as registration information are available online as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

“The Board of Directors was determined to give our campers and staff the best opportunity to connect this summer given all the limitations we have,” stated Michael Guzelian, Board Chairperson. “We look forward to seeing everyone in person next summer,” added Guzelian.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 508-520-1312 or e-mail at execdirector@camphaiastan.org

Author information

Camp Haiastan

Founded in 1951, AYF Camp Haiastan is the oldest Armenian residential camp in the United States. Camp Haiastan is located in Franklin, Massachusetts.

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Back in late April, we were in the midst of the pandemic, isolation, social distancing, and the cancelling or postponing of all kinds of events from weddings to church picnics. When I saw Kenar Charchaflian’s name on an incoming call, my heart sank a bit. I suspected she was calling to tell me that there would be no AYF Olympics this year. Sadly, that is why she was calling me. She wanted to let me know before it was officially announced on April 28. My heart sank even more.

As the lead of the team of five reporters and photographers that contribute to the annual Armenian Weekly AYF Olympic Special Issue insert, Kenar kindly wanted me to hear it directly from her.  

We were a bit sad on the phone. It was certainly the right decision but that didn’t make it a less bitter pill to swallow. We commiserated. Wow, it was just sinking in that for the first time since the founding of the AYF in 1933, 87 years, there would be no AYF Olympics. The Olympics are something we all look forward to.  It is part of our lives. I felt bad for the current AYF members. They would lose a precious year of participation and of simply being together and strengthening their friendships in those wonder years. I felt bad for all of us alumni and friends who renew our friendships, make new ones and take pride in watching our young people participate in the games.

No AYF Olympics? Say it ain’t so!

The sadness didn’t last the length of that phone call with Kenar. While chatting with her, I thought of the AYF and AYF Olympic stalwarts and icons of the past. I knew what my Olympic writing mentor, Tommy Vartabedian, and my father, Coach Sonny, would do. Their voices were in my head. They would be encouraging us and cheering us on to keep the AYF Olympic spirit soaring…especially this year. We need to pass the Olympic torch, if only figuratively. The path instantly became clear. We still need to do the AYF Olympics Special Issue insert in the Armenian Weekly.  

Kenar loved the idea. The Weekly’s assistant editor Leeza Arakelian loved the idea. We had a meeting with Weekly editor Pauline Getzoyan, and she loved the idea.  

So, here we are. This is the first in a series of weekly articles in The Armenian Weekly leading to a Special Issue that will be published on Labor Day weekend when we would have been in Worcester.

As there is no new Olympic news being made this year, we will be focusing on our rich past and immediate future. We look forward to the 87th annual games in Worcester in 2021 and will be providing insightful articles about the Worcester community, the Worcester Olympic Committee, and their plans for next year’s festivities.   

The Olympics are quite meaningful to many of us because of the place it holds in our hearts. It is the memories and impact of the people we have met and places where we met them. We have lifelong friends and even spouses because of the AYF and the AYF Olympics. We have Harry Derderian and Bob Tutunjian working on edits, updates and refinements of the AYF Olympic History. We have our ace photographers, Tamar Kanarian and Sona Gevorgian, providing their favorite photos. We are also exploring how to get the best of Tom Vartabedian’s stories and photos. We may even present an All Olympic team by decade.  

To do this we also need the help of everyone who loves the AYF and the AYF Olympics. We need your favorite Olympics photos and your special AYF memories. We want to publish the stories and photos in the online or print editions of The Weekly. We want to print them in the weeks leading up to Labor Day and in the Olympics Special Issue insert.

Here is how you can help:

• Hunt for your favorite AYF and AYF Olympics photos. If they are not digital, scan them. Then, please email your photos to editor@armenianweekly.com with a caption for each photo that includes: year, place, names of the people in the photo, and why it is your favorite. We cannot use your photos without this information. We also cannot guarantee each and every photo will appear online or in the print edition either…but we want to use a lot of them!
  
• Secondly, do you have a story or memory you want to share? We would love to have them. You can provide a short vignette or a long memory. Shy about writing it up? No problem, we are happy to help you and would be pleased to interview you. Some memories might be in an article of many other snippets. Some may be articles all to themselves. Again, just drop us an email at editor@armenianweekly.com, and we will be in touch.

Please join us in sustaining the AYF Olympic spirit in this unprecedented year.

Author information

Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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The post AYF Olympics 2020: Filling the Void appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

By Narod Kiwanian
Detroit

Homenetmen Eastern USA region held a Virtual Kaylig-Ardzvig Leadership Seminar on June 20 and 27, which was organized by the Homenetmen Eastern Region Regional Scout Council and led by Kouyr Talar Kachechian. The seminar was open to every chapter’s khmpabed-khmpabedoohi and kaylig, ardzvig and mogli leaders. The seminar brought together 20 leaders from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New Jersey and Washington chapters. 

During this seminar, the leaders gained new sets of knowledge and skills. Splitting into small groups, they prepared agendas for weekly gatherings, field trips, as well as local and regional camps. Participants shared their organizing experience based on previous camping trips, learning from their successes and mistakes. They also discussed the main challenges in their chapters and considered several solutions in order to determine the most suitable one. Leaders reviewed the correct way of performing the “khosdoom” (oath ceremony), talked about the age division, five hotvadzner (rules for kayligs/ardzvigs), medz ganch and totem, garks (knowledge classes) and ranks and also discussed teaching strategies for kayligs, ardzvigs and moglis. 

The seminar also included educational lectures. Kouyr Taline Sarian from Boston lectured about “Behavioral Concerns and Bullying,” and Detroit’s Helen Attar covered “Interaction between different age groups as well as how to interact with parents.” The group also discussed Child Social and Emotional Development by age groups. The seminar took place on consecutive Saturdays lasting about six hours each day. Each session included several breaks, which were filled with fun interactive games and discussions of all kinds. The seminar was deemed successful by all who participated. 

Author information

Homenetmen Eastern U.S.

The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage, while at the same time. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.

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