Spread across two weekend sessions, the members-only annual AYF Juniors Winter Getaway at AYF Camp attracted more than 135 AYF Juniors members and AYF Seniors counselors.
Each of the two sessions were led by a pair of directors, each an alumnus of the AYF. Ungers Dickran Khodanian and Vana Andonian led the first session and ungers Nyree Derderian and Hrag Tomassian the second.
“AYF Juniors Winter Getaway is where lifelong friendships are made. The counselors who are AYF members provide you with life lessons and knowledge about Armenia and Artsakh. AYF Juniors will always be my family,” said Shant Melkonian.
Meant to be a fun gathering place for members from all chapters in the region, the Winter Getaway is also an educational program. Given the situation our nation faces globally because of Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression against Artsakh and Armenia and the Pashinyan regime’s unwillingness to take ownership of Artsakh; the theme for both weekends were “Resistance.” All educationals provided to the campers revolved around the situation in Armenia and the need to grow the resistance movement.
“Every year my son comes back from AYF Juniors Getaway with new stories, refreshed and excited for the next one – we won’t miss a year. He enjoys being outdoors and we love that it’s a safe environment that he is a part of – he feels responsible and independent by being away from home while learning our history and about our heroes,” said AYF Juniors parent Nanor Tabib.
The participants learned team building skills as well as they played various games including quiz bowls, steal the bacon, wacky butt volleyball, soccer, basketball, and dodgeball.
“With this program, we strive to advance the Armenian Cause by providing a safe an productive environment for Armenian youth to learn, plan and create a prosperous and bright future for Armenia and Artsakh. The AYF Juniors Winter Getaway is a unique program, which we are proud to call a pillar of our local community that the Juniors look forward to year after year. As we expand the program to accommodate the high demand, we look forward to the next AYF Juniors Getaway,” said AYF Juniors Central Council member Hakop Hajibekyan.
