Scouts of the Homenetmen Eastern Region U.S.A. gather for the First Jamboree Preparatory Seminar

This past weekend, Homenetmen scouts from across the Eastern Region came together in the nation’s capital for the first Jamboree Preparatory Seminar, organized by the Regional Scout Council and hosted by the Homenetmen Washington D.C. Chapter. The event marked the start of a series of training weekends designed to prepare participants for the 13th Pan-Homenetmen Jamboree set to take place in 2026 in Byurakan, Armenia — an international scouting camp that celebrates Armenian unity, culture and leadership.

Throughout the weekend, scouts engaged in a variety of interactive and educational activities aimed at strengthening their scouting, leadership and teamwork skills. Throughout the first day, participants rotated in groups through stations led by their khmpabeds (leaders), where they practiced debating, riddle solving, knot tying and ashdarag (tower) building, as well as learned the heghapokhagan song “Gharapaghi Engadsnere,” participated in team-building exercises, practiced sharkayin ashkhadank (marching drills) and prepared skits and ganches. Each activity encouraged core values of the Homenetmen scouting experience: unity, discipline and cultural pride.