AYF Youth Corps 2014 Application Now Available

The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region is happy to announce that the application for the 2014 Youth Corps program is now available online. Currently entering its 20th year, AYF Youth Corps provides Armenian youth the opportunity to build and maintain ties with their homeland. Participants will have a fun, productive, and unforgettable summer in Armenia and Artsakh.

AYF Youth Corps began in 1994 as a tool for Diasporan youth to directly participate in the rebuilding of our homeland that suffered a devastating war for the liberation of Artsakh.  In 2008, the program evolved from a reconstruction effort to a summer day camp, in order to better utilize the volunteer potential of Diasporan youth as well as to build stronger connections with the youth in Armenia. By 2013, the day camp model proved successful, as it rapidly expanded from 1 location to multiple camps in Gyurmi, Proshyan, Stepanakert, Shushi, and Askeran. The AYF Youth Corps day camps accommodated over 850 children last year, and the AYF is working on expanding its reach even further in 2014. For the 20^th year in a row, the lives of participants and the hundreds of children they interact with in their homeland will be changed forever.

The program is six weeks long, with one week of touring, and five weeks of volunteer work in Armenia and Artsakh. Participants will travel extensively throughout Armenia, Artsakh and even Javakhk, experiencing the historical and present-day treasures that are not easily found. The majority of the participants’ time will be spent volunteering in camps for Armenian children, making connections, and helping shape their futures.

The program is perfect for first-time visitors and frequent travelers to Armenia because of its unique combination of volunteerism and tourism. It is open to all youth between the ages of 18 and 30. Candidates should be motivated, bright, adventurous, and interested in making a difference in their homeland. Apply as soon as possible.

This year’s program will run from July 5 to August 14.

To get a glimpse of the program through photos, videos, blogs, and to apply to this once in a lifetime experience, visit www.ayfyouthcorps.org.