August 17, 2016

2016 was a BIG year for the Pasadena/Glendale Scouts. The year was full of exciting trips including Camp Antranig in Armenia and our annual summer camp at Camp Arev. On July 7th, 36 scouts and 13 leaders attended Camp Antranig and camped in the Lori Region in Vanadzor along with 100 Scouts from Yerevan, Iran, Iraq, and Georgia. Activities included programs at the camp with the other countries and various trips to Armenian heritage sites such Etchmiadzin and Dzidzernagapert. Scouts also explored Yerevan and watched youth dance at the Etchmiadzin and AGBU sponsored Hayortats Doon.

Our Annual “Panagoum” was held at Camp Arev in Frazier Park where 60 scouts participated in outdoor activities, merit badge work, advancements, and preparation for the Kharouygahantes Parent Day/Award Ceremony. On Saturday August 13th, over 150 parents joined the Scouts for a traditional kebab lunch on a beautiful sunny day. The Award Ceremony recognized Scouts for their achievements in scouting including distinguished honors such as the Arrow of Light for Webelos and the Bronze Award for Brownie Girl Scouts.

Y. Ara Bourian was officially recognized for earning his Eagle Award, the highest for any Boy Scout, for his efforts in renovating the parking facility and repainting the handrails for the Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church. K. Loreni Yeterian received the Gold Award, the highest ranking for a Girl Scout, for her work collecting toys, hygienic supplies and crafts for the Trchoonian Orphanage in Armenia with AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High School’s 11th grade class and created a tradition of carrying out these donations for years to come.

The day closed with a big campfire where Scouts presented their skits and sang Armenian songs along with parents. The AGBU Pasadena Athletics Committee was honored for their fundraising efforts that helped make the Armenia Camp Antranig Trip a reality. Before everyone came together in a circle to close campfire, Y. Alen Kazarian, Local Commissioner, was recognized and thanked for his many years of service and commitment to Pasadena/Glendale Scouting. The campfire brought a big Scouting year to a close and Scouts will return with regular Havak in the Fall.