Hovig Akmakjian Memorial Fund to Sponsor AYF Campers

GLENDALE—The Armenian Youth Federation Camp of California has launched a memorial fund in memory of Hovig Akmakjian, a 22 year-old beloved young AYF member and Homenetmen scout who the Armenian community lost tragically on February 21, 2014.

Hovig Akmakjian was born October 8th, 1991. At a very young age his parents wanted to instill in him the values of community service, friendship, and the importance of his Armenian heritage. He was a member of the Orange County “Aghpur Serop” AYF Juniors and the Orange County Sartarabad Homenetmen scouts and athletics chapter. Everyone who knew him never forgets to describe the constant smile he had on his face no matter what hardships he went through. When Hovig was 20 years old he was diagnosed with 4th stage Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Not once through all the rounds of chemotherapy or blood transfusions he underwent did he complain. The superhuman strength he possessed influenced all those around him and gave him the power to overcome and beat cancer. Earlier this year, Hovig passed away in a motorcycle accident.

One thing that Hovig loved the most was having the privilege of going to both AYF camp and scouts camp every winter and summer. Camp was a very special place for him because he understood the value of going to camp and the value of the friendships he made there. For that reason his family has decided to start a fund in Hovig’s name that will provide families the opportunity to send their kids to camp so that they can create their own memories, build life-long friendships, and most importantly smile.

The Hovig Akmakjian Memorial Fund will sponsor 10 campers to attend one week of the 2014 summer camp program. The Memorial Fund was made possible by donations received in honor of Hovig who loved AYF Camp. To learn more about the Hovig Akmakjian Memorial Fund or make a contribution, please contact the AYF Camp office at (818) 242-7494 or info@ayfcamp.org.

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.