Great Beginnings

Previous AYF Youth Corps participants told us aspiring campers would anxiously await their two weeks at camp gathered in groups in the field in front of the school. That’s exactly how the day started.

One hundred fifty children of Gyumri’s future, some shy, some loud, some first timers, some returners, some seven years old, some fourteen, some unafraid, some disciplined, some untamed, all excited, lined the courtyard.

As is done every year, we split the group into three colors red, blue, and orange. Almost immediately, the kids began chanting. It was as if the campers had been in these groups forever.

After conducting lessons, we walked from the school to the park to play Steal the Bacon. The entire walk through the city, the campers were chanting, repeatedly proclaiming their love for their newly formed teams. Welcoming locals watched our parade from their windows. It seemed like all of Gyumri wanted to join in.

Soon after, the first day of Camp Gyumri ended the same way it began, with one hundred fifty members of Gyumri’s future lining the courtyard, all individuals, but all excited.

Emilia Der Sarkissian