BY EDDIE HOVANNISIAN
From The Armenian Weekly
After I graduated from high school, my mother continually pushed me to apply to be a counselor at Camp Haiastan, but I always found a reason to disregard her persistence. I finally gave in (as it turns out, one of the greatest decision of my life) in the summer of 2014.
Well, three summers later, and I found myself coming back to this wonderful place. It’s difficult to watch the passion of Armenian Americans for their Armenian culture wane, but it is comforting to know that we have places like Camp Haiastan that consistently bring together Armenians from all over, even those who do not have strong connections to their Armenian heritage. Camp teaches them that the impact they can have in their communities is what matters, and that they can work to further the Armenian Cause.
Coming to Camp Haiastan allowed me to help lead Armenian youth and give them the opportunity to find their passion and love for Armenian culture and their heritage, and I am confident that many of the campers and young staff members will do the same as they grow older. As General Karekin Nejdeh said, “If you want to see the future of a nation, look to its youth.”
