The AYF-YOARF Central Executive would like to thank the Armenian Youth Foundation for once again sponsoring first-time Juniors to attend Junior Seminar. As many AYF alumni and parents know, Junior Seminar is the largest Junior event and is one of the most fruitful opportunities to educate our Junior membership on a variety of topics.
The Armenian Youth Foundation awarded a grant totaling $15,000 to the AYF-YOARF, allowing the opportunity to fully fund 59 first-time campers attending the 2023 Junior Seminar. The mission of the Armenian Youth Foundation is to preserve the Armenian heritage by proudly supporting a variety of youth programs. Since 1973, it has awarded more than $700,000 in grants to over 20 organizations and Armenian schools.
Below are a few reflections from first-time attendees at the 2023 Junior Seminar:
“After going to Seminar for the first year, I realized that it’s one of the best weekends of my life, and it’s a great way to meet more of the Armenian community that you don’t know or have never met. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and meet new people.” Mourad Bagdasarian, Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Chapter, Younger Group
“It was wonderful to be surrounded by a huge Armenian community, where we learned valuable information about ways to have a united Armenia. The highlight of my seminar was participating in the shourchbar during the night activity and making new friends. I was inspired by AYF’s leaders to protect my nation.” Hagop Dechoian, New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter, Older Group
“I have been an AYF member for a few years but never attended Junior Seminar, and I am so glad that I did! I got to see my friends from camp and learned so many new things during the lectures. I loved learning about how AYF grew so much over all these years and how we’ve accomplished so many amazing things as an organization.” Taleen Nenejian, New York “Hyortik” Chapter, Older Group
“Seminar was great! I had the opportunity to meet so many Armenians my age from all around the east coast. It was really nice connecting with my roots, culture and history and to be able to discuss important topics currently happening in Armenia.” Taline Vartanian, New York “Hyortik” Chapter, Older Group
“I very much liked the music lecture. I also loved dancing at night with new and old friends. I’m excited to go again next year!” Maneh Keshgegian, Philadelphia “Papken Suni” Chapter, Younger Group
“It was a really interesting experience and a lot more fun than I expected it to be! I’m glad I got to see all my friends. My favorite lecture was probably the one about fighting assimilation.” Israel Millett, Providence “Varantian” Chapter, Older Group
“My experience at seminar was great! I enjoyed the lectures and meeting different Armenians from different places!” Paul Fronjian-Friso, Racine “Armen Garo” Chapter, Older Group
“My favorite part of the seminar was dancing our Armenian dance. It’s no wonder traditional dance has been a crucial part of our culture for centuries. As I linked hands with hundreds of other AYFers, the power of Armenian unity and the strength of our shared passion flowed through me. It was not only our movements that were in sync, but our struggle towards a unified, free, and independent Armenia. God willing we will one day be able to dance our traditional dances in Western Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, and all our ethnic lands.” Sevak Stepanyan, Washington DC “Sevan” Chapter, Middle Group
“My favorite lecture was learning about the fedayis and what they did. We got to learn about many different fedayis. Our lecturer was really good at talking about the subject. I would definitely go to Seminar again!” Sebouh Najarian, Washington DC “Sevan” Chapter, Younger Group
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What a pleasure to read the deeply felt and genuine comments of the young Armenian youth who participated in the AYF JR. Seminar. The opportunity to learn about, enjoy, celebrate, and honor their Armenian culture and heritage was provided them by the AYF, YOARF founded in 1933 by the farsightedness of Karekin Njdeh and his supporters, who were able to envision and articulate a compelling and successful future for Armenian youth, generations to come. It was their vision, commitment, dedication and personal sacrifice that lay the foundation for the organization whose 90th anniversary we celebrate this year. We salute, congratulate, and thank you, AYF,YOARF!