AYF Junior Conferences Held in Detroit

By Araxie Tossounian

“Welcome to the Future,” was the theme for the Midwest Junior Conferences that were held Oct. 9-11, hosted by the Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Junior Chapter.

Juniors from Detroit and Racine gathered at Echo Grove Camp on Friday night and designed their own AYF T-shirts; they were able to decide the design, content, and logo of the T-shirts, representing the decision-making they will one day encounter as they transfer from Juniors to Seniors.

Saturday consisted of meetings and discussions amongst chapters, archery, an educational on the revolutionary song “Sardarabad,” and a bonfire for all the Juniors. They shared details on the activities, fundraisers, educationals, and involvement with one another. They shared great ideas and plans for the years to follow.

The Juniors discussed what the AYF has given them, and how they can give back to the organization that has changed their lives.

They shared such comments as, “Because of AYF I feel comfortable speaking out loud and being a leader at my American school,” and, “AYF has been like having another family that will be there no matter what.”

Saturday night concluded with the reenactment of the Battle of Sardarabad by our Juniors, as well as learning the meaning and lyrics to the song.

We then sang the song together once more around the fire, as the two chapters continued to bond before they said their goodbyes Sunday morning.

This was a weekend that not only impacted the Midwest Juniors but the Seniors involved as well, as we were all reminded of the important role we play in the future of the AYF.