July 30, 2016

The San Fernando Valley Chapter Scouts embarked on a very fun and exciting camping trip in Frazier Park on July 24th. This year, 59 scouts attended the Annual Summer Camp; it was the largest attendance in 10 years. Throughout the week, the scouts regularly participated in outdoor activities including hiking, merit badge work, and swimming. The scouts were immersed in the beautiful nature and experienced the wildlife. As a team, the scouts built the “Gaym,” a large wooden gadget, which is a tradition for every camp.

The Closing Ceremony took place on Saturday, July 30th with over 100 parents participating in the celebration. Beginning with the award ceremony, scouts were presented with their newly earned badges, while others bridged from one Patrol to another, rising in the ranks of the Scouting movement. Moreover, a number of scouts took the Scouts oath to get their scouting “Foulard.

As the evening progressed, the parents along with the scouts, gathered around the camp fire to sing Armenian Songs. The Scouts did their chants and each Patrol presented a skit they had prepared and practiced during camp. As always, at the end, the group stood around the camp fire arm in arm creating a human friendship chain singing “Arakastanav,” saying goodbye to this year’s gathering and looking forward to next year, with hopefully even more brothers and sisters.

The Troop returned to AGBU SFV Center on Sunday July 31st, closing the activities for the 2015-16 calendar year.