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Apigian-Kessel: Hye Ho! Hye Ho! It’s off to Camp We Go!
Many youth camps are based on building values and character, and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Mass., exceeds those expectations. It teaches youth about their Armenian heritage and culture, accomplishing their goals in many ways. Just ask Emily Der Manuelian, 14, of Rochester Hills, and Olivia Mouradian, 10, of Commerce Township.
[caption id="attachment_17232" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Many youth camps are based on building values and character,
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Once you’ve spent one summer at Camp Hayastan, it’s like an addiction. I spent 3 of my best summers there in the late 60’s. I made friends, who I am still in contact with. I go to summer picnics there and have to make my way “under the trees” and around the camp circle. It’s a bond that remains for ever. A true connection to Armenians and what we stand for. You girls will remember these days for ever. It’s a wonderful feeling.
The key to sustaining our heritage in the diaspora is to build an identity with our Armenian existence. Of course this is best accomplished at a young age; thus the importance of our Sunday schools, Armenian schools, dance groups and youth organizations. Camp Haiastan for years has been an identity builder for our young people that they carry into adulthood. The basic model, with appropriate adjustments, has worked for four generations. There are thousands of American-Armenians who attribute their emotional connection to their heritage to inspiring summers at the camp. Our summer camp programs be it Haiastan, Nubar or St. Vartan are critical to our continued success because they connect to the social needs of our youth and enable life long relationships. Along the way they find an identity with their heritage that can be nurtured locally or nationally. In my view, sending your children to camp is an worhtwhile investment in your children’s Armenian future.