The AYF Junior Seminar Committee has begun to prepare for the 2011 Junior Seminar. This year’s theme is “Junior Seminar: Back to the Basics.” Seminar is the largest AYF junior event, with more than 350 juniors participating from throughout the United States and Canada. During the four-day, three-night event, members take part in an array of educational, athletic, and social activities. Though the focus of the weekend is educational, the juniors are given several hours during the day to socialize and use the camp’s athletic facilities. Areas and supplies for basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football are available. In addition, every night a social program is provided.
In order to continue to reduce our carbon footprint, applications and payments will be submitted online through the AYF website. Once again this year, the AYF will be featuring an early bird special: All applications received prior to March 15 will be subject to an $85 application fee. After March 20, the application fee will be increased to $95. An additional late fee will be charged for applications received after April 15. After April 15, the total fee for juniors and seniors will be $120 and $140, respectively.
Applications are available on www.ayf.org. Stay updated by visiting www.facebook.com/AYFeast or www.twitter.com/AYFeast. For more information, email JSC@ayf.org.
I am certain that this is still a fantastic event. I remember the intial Junior Seminars in the early 1970s bringing together hundred of kids under the banner of the AYF heritage to live and to learn about their Armenian heritage. I have met many Armenians over the years who attribute their participation at the seminar to the turning point in their ethnic identity today. In our efforts to limit assimialtion in the diaspora, we must develop methods to supplement the home life and allow our children to build an identity with their heritage. The Junior seminar is a shining example of a successful program.