Pasadena Youth Organize Weekend Retreat at AYF Camp

BY BERJ PARSEGHIAN

A small but close-knit group of 40 made their way to AYF camp the weekend of May 21-23 for an annual retreat featuring educationals and fun activities. Organized by the Pasadena ‘Nigol Touman’ chapter of the AYF, the weekend was full of awesome games, delicious sandwiches, and informative educationals. With the youngest attendee being 6 years old, the oldest 47 and the majority under 16, the weekend was vibrant with energy and enthusiasm.

“It was a really enjoyable experience for me to get together with the youth in Pasadena and spend a weekend with them up at Camp,” said Serouj Aprahamian, Executive Director of the AYF and the guest Director for the Fun Camp. “I was extremely impressed by the level of camaraderie and thoughtfulness each participant displayed. It showed me what a bright future Pasadena has.”

Unger Serouj was in charge of the camps overall administration. His attention to detail and ability to spark competition amongst the attendees led to a fierce battle between cabins for the most neat, creative, and diligent of cabins. Further, attendees competed in dodge ball, capture the flag, butt volleyball, and a quiz bowl.

Kevork Kebabjian, Pasadena AYF’s Chairperson, had nothing but praises for all the participants and organizers. “I want to commend the chapter executive as well as the badanegan relations committee for their excellent organizational work,” he said. “This weekend’s success is owed to a team effort; from our drivers, to our cooks, the organizing committees, our director, our local gomideh, badanegan vareech, members, and attendees, all had a role in making this year’s fun camp as successful as it was.”

The chapter plans to continue organizing the weekend retreat as long as possible, and hopes to expand its activities, Kebabjian said. “All interested individuals from the Pasadena area should feel free to contact the Pasadena AYF regarding next year’s camp. The chapter would love to hear from the community at large,” he exclaimed.

The chapter can be reached at nigol.touman@ayfwest.org.

With chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization. Inspired by the past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.