AYF Camp Launches Summer 2014 with Sold Out Numbers

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif.—AYF Camp successfully launched the 2014 summer season which began on June 22, with a sold out number of 140 campers.

“There is no other place where people come together and become as close like they do at AYF Camp,” says first time counselor Vahe Ouzounian from Houston, Texas. “There is such a good family feeling here.”

Throughout the week kids from all over all over California, and a couple from as far as Houston, Texas joined the AYF Camp family as they all engaged in seven days of activities, competitive games, educationals and most importantly, building lifelong friendships and memories. The campers were given educational lessons and even got involved in some debates on topics including history on the AYF, ARF, Christianity’s role in Armenian History, and the ANC. Throughout the week the camp is split into groups of red, blue, and orange where they compete in various games including but not limited to; Steal the Bacon, Butt Volleyball, Kickball, Dodgeball, a Quiz Bowl and of course the most competitive and meaningful one of all, Song Competition. The campers also get to enjoy an array of activities such as swimming, rock climbing, canoeing, archery, arts & crafts and much more.

“This was the best week of my life,” says long time camper and second year counselor, Chris Simonian. “Everything was perfect; it’s really the best time of the year and my favorite place to be.”

The campers and staff come back every year for a week full of fun, new memories and new friendships to add to their collections of past ones. “Seeing the kids’ faces after their team wins a competition is priceless,” says Vana Andonian, a veteran who has been attending AYF Camp since the age of 8 and now an experienced counselor. “They’re my motivation to go back every year… and also because camp is the best place ever!”

AYF Camp’s summer is just beginning as five more weeks of the camp season remain, two of which were sold out months ago! Limited registration is available for Weeks 4 and 7, and all those who would like to attend are encouraged to apply soon as space fills up quickly. Applications can be downloaded from www.ayfcamp.org or can be filled out at our Glendale office.

Since 1977, AYF Camp has offered a genuinely rewarding experience, by serving as a place for Armenian youth to make new friends and memories of a lifetime. AYF Camp is the largest and oldest Summer Camp program in the Western United States, focusing on Armenian culture and heritage. Visit www.AYFCamp.org for more information and sign up as a “Friend of AYF Camp” to receive news and updates on programs and events.