2010 JAG at Camp Haiastan

By Alison Amorello

Year after year, the AYF community watches as Camp Haiastan closes for the season, Senior Olympics comes and goes, and another memorable summer full of fun, friends, and culture comes to an end.

ayf-jag-PHOTO — Boston ‘Nejdeh’ coach Ara Krafian with his Junior athletes.

But East Coast AYF members are not done just yet as they all look forward to the Junior Athletic Games (JAG)––one more chance to reunite with their fellow Armenians for a full weekend, enjoy the last bit of warm weather, and engage in some friendly competition.

JAG had a special appeal this fall as the event was held at Camp Haiastan for the first time in several years. Juniors arrived on Fri., Sept. 17 in the late evening and bunked with friends in the cabins. Senior members volunteered their time to attend the weekend as counselors, kitchen staff, race timers, and positive role models for the Juniors who came to participate in the games. Parents and families were not left out, as many stayed in nearby hotels and joined in all the festivities.

Saturday was a full day that began for all participants at 7:30 a.m. An excellent breakfast was prepared and served by several AYF parents and alumni including Christine Berberian, Kihm Boyajian, Margo Dinkjian, and Nora Sarajian.

Juniors and Seniors were on the bus and on the way to the track & field events by 8:30 a.m., when the competition began and the opening ceremonies were held. Boston Junior Sevan Dulgarian sang both the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Mer Hayrenik.” Immediately after the track, the action continued at a nearby YMCA for the swimming events. Both portions of the competition were run efficiently by AYF alumni and parents Ara Krafian, Richard Chebookjian, Steve Panosian, Bob Tutunjian, and Kenny Topalian.

After an action-packed afternoon, everyone enjoyed a fun but relaxing evening at the camp. The final standings were announced at the dance and included New York with 11 points, Worcester with 20 points, New Jersey with 39 points, Providence with 49 points, North Andover with 52 points, and Boston with 272 points. High scorers included four Boston Juniors, Anoush Krafian, Nairi Krafian, Armen Arakelian, and Kevork Hamparian.

The weekend was put together by the Central Junior Council (CJC) and hosted in collaboration with the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter. The Boston parents were a huge help in the planning of the event, and in setting up and running the concession stand. They also helped a great deal with the successful alumni social.

The CJC would like to thank everyone who came out and participated. The weekend was a memorable success for all thanks to everyone in attendance. We hope to see you again next year!