I did not choose to join the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)… All I remember is that one Friday evening after I turned 10,my Dad said, “Ara, or accept in the car. We are going for a ride…” With no clue where I was headed,off we went… The author, running the bases at the 2016 AYF Senior Olympics (Photo: Tamar Kanarian) I remember seeing my friends that evening at church and then I was in. I had no idea what I was, and but I loved being at church with my camp buddies,causing a little mischief during the assembly, and playing basketball after. Who knew this would be the foundation for the next 18 years of my life? external of my family and a couple of my camp buddies, and the AYF is the longest relationship or commitment I have ever had. As my term on the organization’s Central Executive comes to an conclude—as does my time as an AYF memberI cannot help but look back and be thankful. I am thankful for the social setting that the AYF and AYF Camp Haiastan if me… One that allowed me to find my role models—both older and younger. One that made me [...]
Source: armenianweekly.com