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MEMORIES FROM CAMP ASKERAN
http://asbarez.com/112249/memories-from-camp-askeran/
Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Youth Corps volunteers at Camp Askeran
BY SHAGHIG TCHAPARIAN
As our final days in Arstakh came to an end, I began to look back at
what my group and I have accomplished and experienced in just these two
weeks of Jampar (Camp). Personally, many emotions emerged throughout my
journey thus far, one of which was my genuine desire to help educate
the campers about our AYF program and about the meaning behind the
goal of "Tashnagtsoutiun" (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation)
and what it represents.
I recall that the first day I felt nervous yet excited. I was prepared
to familiarize myself with the school, the Arstakh parpar (dialect) and
culture, and the campers. I was placed in the dzeeranakouyn (orange)
group. I could tell the children were impatient to learn new topics!
As the days went by, I began to form close bonds with each of the
campers. It was here at Jampar, where I realized that I love working
with children. To see their smiles and eagerness warmed my heart. The
girls also viewed me as their role model. That encouraged me to take
on the responsibility to maintain that position.
Jampar is not only about educating the children, it is also about
creating and offering an optimal environment for them to express their
beliefs freely. This will permit the children in Arstakh to become open
minded and to lead the future of Arstakh. Not only were the campers
educated, I also confess that the campers of Artsakh have taught me
even more than I have taught them. They have taught me to be patient,
selfless, and giving. They have also instilled in me the desire to
remember my own childhood and realize that from the outside it may
look vastly different but deep beneath the surface we have much in
common. It made me realize that yes, there will always be a barrier
(social or otherwise), if we chose to view our lives in that sense.
However, if we opt to break the barriers we can develop a wide network
of Armenians in Artsakh, Armenia and the Diaspora. An open mind and
communication is so necessary for Armenians today.
Another important lesson that the campers taught me was to strengthen
my ties with my Armenian culture and identity. Before this time,
frankly, I had lost a close connection with my identity as an
Armenian-American. However, this trip has truly reassured my goal and
desire to maintain, preserve and expand upon my Armenian identity and
heritage. I look forward to the next three weeks of jampars where I
can learn more about myself, my culture and grow in unison with my
new friends participating in the program as well. I am sure I will
create even more memorable experiences in the coming week.
http://asbarez.com/112249/memories-from-camp-askeran/
Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Youth Corps volunteers at Camp Askeran
BY SHAGHIG TCHAPARIAN
As our final days in Arstakh came to an end, I began to look back at
what my group and I have accomplished and experienced in just these two
weeks of Jampar (Camp). Personally, many emotions emerged throughout my
journey thus far, one of which was my genuine desire to help educate
the campers about our AYF program and about the meaning behind the
goal of "Tashnagtsoutiun" (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation)
and what it represents.
I recall that the first day I felt nervous yet excited. I was prepared
to familiarize myself with the school, the Arstakh parpar (dialect) and
culture, and the campers. I was placed in the dzeeranakouyn (orange)
group. I could tell the children were impatient to learn new topics!
As the days went by, I began to form close bonds with each of the
campers. It was here at Jampar, where I realized that I love working
with children. To see their smiles and eagerness warmed my heart. The
girls also viewed me as their role model. That encouraged me to take
on the responsibility to maintain that position.
Jampar is not only about educating the children, it is also about
creating and offering an optimal environment for them to express their
beliefs freely. This will permit the children in Arstakh to become open
minded and to lead the future of Arstakh. Not only were the campers
educated, I also confess that the campers of Artsakh have taught me
even more than I have taught them. They have taught me to be patient,
selfless, and giving. They have also instilled in me the desire to
remember my own childhood and realize that from the outside it may
look vastly different but deep beneath the surface we have much in
common. It made me realize that yes, there will always be a barrier
(social or otherwise), if we chose to view our lives in that sense.
However, if we opt to break the barriers we can develop a wide network
of Armenians in Artsakh, Armenia and the Diaspora. An open mind and
communication is so necessary for Armenians today.
Another important lesson that the campers taught me was to strengthen
my ties with my Armenian culture and identity. Before this time,
frankly, I had lost a close connection with my identity as an
Armenian-American. However, this trip has truly reassured my goal and
desire to maintain, preserve and expand upon my Armenian identity and
heritage. I look forward to the next three weeks of jampars where I
can learn more about myself, my culture and grow in unison with my
new friends participating in the program as well. I am sure I will
create even more memorable experiences in the coming week.