AYF Australia takes 55 to Summer Camp
Armenian Youth Federation of Australia
PO Box 238, Willoughby, NSW Australia 2068
publicaffairs@ayfaustralia.com
www.ayfaustralia.com
PRESS RELEASE
5 February 2006
AYF AUSTRALIA TAKES 55 TO SUMMER CAMP
SYDNEY – 55 members from the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) of Australia and the AYF Juniors (Badani) spent the Australia Day Long Weekend at their Annual Summer Camp in Yarramundi, New South Wales.
The camp, themed ‘1918’ by the AYF Executive in reference to Armenia’s First Republic, was a great success, bringing together Australian-Armenian youth in a social, educational and active Armenian environment.
The AYF members hosted visits from guest lecturers Enger Vicken Kalloghlian (pictured, below) and Enger Parsegh Chakmakdjian, who spoke about the events that transpired after Armenia became a republic in 1918, while introducing the members to the heroes who won and maintained Armenia’s independence in such tough circumstances.
Badani leaders Enger Armen Karamanian and Enger Varant Meguerditchian educated the Badanis on the battles leading to Armenia’s first independence, as well as introducing the 15 years and younger group to Armenia’s map pre and post Genocide.
The entire group shared a fruitful and organised discussion about the recent ‘Cronulla Race Riots’ which dominated summer news in Sydney.
The ARF Tro Committee (Gomideh) members also visited the camp; while much-loved community singer Enger Hagop Gulumian and multi-skilled musician Enger Hovig Arashian spent the final night of it entertaining the members with Armenian dance music before a traditional group singing of patriotic songs eventuated.
Another entertaining night saw each cabin group present plays to their fellow engers and engeroohis.
On the second day, the members were separated into four groups, named Christapor, Rosdom, Zavarian (founders of the ARF in 1890) and Njteh (founder of the AYF in 1933), and took part in team building exercises and relays that caught the imagination of all in attendance.
The overall opinion of those in attendance was that it was a successful camp, with many wanting the next one to happen before January 2007.
AYF Australia chairman Enger Kevork Sarhad Tufenkjian said the camp exhibited the strength of the largest youth organisation in the country.
“To bring together 55 Armenian youths in Australia for four days of educationals, activities and chores in a disciplined environment does not seem like an easy task,” he said.
“But it is the task of the AYF, and the success of this camp shows our youth is still active and ready to lead the community.”
Enger Tufenkjian added that he expected 2006 to be a massive year for the Armenian Youth Federation in Australia, and encouraged all interested to register their interest and join.
“We held our Annual General Meeting at the camp and the members collectively declared a willingness to work together to achieve a number of goals,” he said.
“I anticipate 2006 will be a big year for the organisation, and we encourage any youth interested in joining to visit our website (www.ayfaustralia.com) and register their interest by contacting the Executive.”
www.ayfaustralia.com also has all images from the 2006 Summer Camp displayed in its Gallery.
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