As our final days in Arstakh came to an end, I began to look back at what my group and I have accomplished and experienced in just these two weeks of “Jampar” (Camp). Personally, many emotions emerged throughout my journey thus far. One of which was my genuine desire to help educate the campers about our AYF program and about the meaning behind the goal of “Tashnastootyoun” (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation) and what it represents.

I recall that the first day I felt nervous yet excited. I was prepared to familiarize myself with the school, the Arstakh “parpar” (dialect) and culture, and the campers. I was placed in the “Dzeeranakyoun” (orange) group. I could tell the children were impatient to learn new topics!

As the days went by, I began to form close bonds with each of the campers. It was here at ”Jampar,” where I realized that I love working with children. To see their smiles and eagerness warmed my heart. The girls also viewed me as their role model. That encouraged me to take on the responsibility to maintain that position.

“Jampar” is not only about educating the children, it is also about creating and offering an optimal environment for them to express their beliefs freely. This will permit the children in Arstakh to become open minded and to lead the future of Arstakh. Not only were the campers educated, I also confess that the campers of Artsakh have taught me even more than I have taught them. They have taught me to be patient, selfless, and giving. They have also instilled in me the desire to remember my own childhood and realize that from the outside it may look vastly different but deep beneath the surface we have much in common. It made me realize that yes, there will always be a barrier (social or otherwise), if we chose to view our lives in that sense. However, if we opt to break the barriers we can develop a wide network of Armenians in Artsakh, Armenia and the Diaspora. An open mind and communication is so necessary for Armenians today. Another important lesson that the campers taught me was to strengthen my ties with my Armenian culture and identity. Before this time, frankly, I had lost a close connection with my identity as an Armenian-American. However, this trip has truly reassured my goal and desire to maintain, preserve and expand upon my Armenian identity and heritage. I look forward to the next three weeks of “Jampars” where I can learn more about myself, my culture and grow in unison with my new friends participating in the program as well.  I am sure I will create even more memorable experiences in the coming week.

– Shaghig Tchaparian

Our last day of camp in Gyumri has already arrived. These last two weeks have flown by, but it feels as if we’ve been here for months. For two weeks we’ve been teaching the children English, giving educationals, learning “heghapokhagan” (revolutionary themed) songs, and playing games. My favorite time of the day is in the morning when we have our opening ceremonies in the “daleej” (gym) singing the Armenian anthem, doing exercises, and listening to the different groups of kids (separated by colors) saying their “ganches” (each group has a unique chant). The change that I’ve seen in the kids from the first day of camp are remarkable. During the first couple days of camp, the kids would take at least ten minutes to line up, but now as soon as they come in, they line up in their colors and make sure their lines are straight so Unger Arek can reward them by letting them go inside first. I now look at the children like my younger brothers and sisters and want the absolute best for every single one of them. Today, two of the boys from our color group came running into our classroom bearing two roses and a bouquet of flowers for Ani, Christine, and I. They explained to me that they woke up extra early and went to their “harevan’s” (neighbor’s) house and asked them for roses from the garden and they picked the rest of the flowers from a small garden on the way to camp. Caught off guard, all I could do was smile and thank them for their kind gesture as that was the sweetest thing anyone’s done for me. In just three weeks 11 people that I just met have become my family. I’ve always been known as the quiet and shy girl, but with every passing day I feel like I’m able to open up even more to my group. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to sleep, whatever we do, we do together. We’ve already made so many memories together and we’re only half way through our trip. I can’t wait for all the fun experiences that await us in Proshyan and Artsakh.

Sincerely,
Talin Saklarian

It’s already the 7th day of Jampar and I can’t believe how fast the days are passing by. It feels as though it was just a day or two ago when I was introducing myself and trying to learn all the kids’ names. By now, I have all my students’ names memorized (quite an accomplishment for those who know me). This is because everything feels different here in Gyumri. It’s not just any other group of kids that I’m counseling and working with, but rather my younger brothers and sisters. As cliché as that sounds, it bodes true for me. Although we live thousands of miles apart and have never met before, I feel as though we are from the same family. Although not always cooperative, all of these kids with their crazy ideas and thoughts will always be my younger siblings. Every day, the kids anxiously wait for our arrival, and although some of the counselors may not admit it, we all walk with the same anxiousness to see them. My personal favorite is English class which happens right after breakfast for the Blue Team. I love asking my siblings an English question and hearing them all scream back different responses in English, Russian, Armenian, and of course, that secret language every child creates and is convinced that others will understand.

Come 4 o’clock, as soon as camp ends, I get to spend time with my other family: the 10 other participants and our fearless leader, Arek. It’s clear to anyone who interacts with us for 5 minutes how close we all have gotten. All the awkwardness from the first time we all met is long gone and now we share everything with one another. I’ll admit that at first, the living situation sounded a bit scary… 12 people sharing one bathroom and one shower (which could only be used at certain times during the day). Now, I can’t imagine going to the bathroom and not having to wait in line or being caught in the shower rush. When I say rush I literally mean rush. Anyone who has done Youth Corps in the past knows the shower rules at Deegeen Leelig’s. Hot water goes on, and everyone has to jump in back to back and shower as quickly as possible. Although it sounds like the most difficult thing to manage, we’ve all figured out a fun way to make it work. I love it here.
From Gyumri,

Vahe Aposhian

As our third week in Armenia and our second week of Gyumri Jampar begins, I reminisce about all of the things we have experienced in Armenia thus far. Since this is my first time visiting Armenia, I had no idea what to expect… Traveling through Yerevan was absolutely beautiful and when we left I was under the impression that the best part of my trip was over. Arriving in Gyumri, I came to realize that I still had five amazing weeks to spend in this country. Jampar began and as I began to interact with these kids, I realized how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

I have worked with kids before through different after school programs, but nothing compares to the children of Gyumri. These kids are full of life, enthusiasm, and curiosity. It is refreshing to see that kids are still so eager to learn new things. English class is the quietest time throughout the day and the kids are always asking if they are doing their assignments correctly. Anytime I speak English with Arin, another fellow counselor in Team Gabooyd, I immediately see their eyes light up. It’s strange how interested they are about our lives and the English language, in the same way we are interested in their lives.

At first I was hesitant about leaving Yerevan and traveling to a different part of Armenia, but after living in Gyumri, I feel like I have experienced the true Armenia. In Gyumri, I realized that this is the city that is full of true Armenian history, culture, and tradition. This city and its residents truly appreciate us and the Youth Corps program for all that it has done and continues to do in their city. We receive countless “thank yous” everyday from parents and the local residents as we walk to and from Jampar. Now that I have interacted with this kids, I am that much more excited to see what the next two sessions of Jampar hold.

From Gyumri with Love,
Sareen Yepremian