Dancing, singing, games and activities, laughter, warmth and green landscapes, salt and bread, but most of all, open hearts greeted Hamazkayin Forum members as they entered the area of ‘Diramayr Hayasdan’ youth camp, in the beautiful region of Dzaghgadzor. Day 5; the feeling is indescribable. Girls in costumes, salt and bread in hand, greeted the Forum participants as per Armenian tradition and within seconds, Forum participants were hand in hand with those attending camp, in the midst of the breathtaking views of Dzaghgadzor. The kids were so active and warm; the dances continued until it was time for them to enter class.
Sister Arousiag, the general manager of the camp, and brother Ilias provided us with information about the Camp and took us through the classes; the kids are between the ages of 6 and 15 and within a two week period they are provided with courses in french, english, art, music and others. Lunch was in the lunchroom; Forum participants sat with them during lunch which followed the daily prayer. Following lunch, a cultural program followed; singing and dancing created a fun atmosphere and soon after, it was time for the games. Kids and Forum participants came together to form two groups, Ani and Tvin and the game began. One of the Forum directors Ara Parseghian headed up the Jury committee; the games were fun to watch and play; Ani came ahead, both teams received trophies. Following the traditional ‘’till we meet again’ song, everyone sang hand in hand and then it was time for departure… and that was not easy. A lasting bond was created between the kids and the Forum participants; kids who come from disadvantaged families and some of whom are are without parents. Following the exchanges of warm words of thanks by Sister Arousiag and the Forum directors, leaving their hearts behind, teary eyed, Forum participants went on their way to the ski lift in Dzaghgadzor; taking the ski lift up, opened breathtaking views of Dzaghgadzor in front of their eyes. Our country is beautiful.