Page 13 - AMAANewsJulyAugSept2021_Neat

devotionals and discussions, and compete
against other groups in sports. They learn to
collaborate. They discuss, argue, negotiate,
resolve conflicts, help one another and laugh
together. They become team players.
The supportive, festive Christian atmo-
sphere of the AMAA/ECA camps leaves a
lasting impression in the hearts and minds
of the campers. They renew old friendships,
make new friends, participate in fun-filled
games, sports and arts & crafts activities.
The minds and souls of the campers are
challenged in educational programs and
Biblical teachings. The campers are invited
Summer Camps: Cradle of Leaders to consider God and trust Him. Many experi- Armen Gharibyan today, a successful
scientist-businessman.
ence God’s presence and return home with
History and Impact of AMAA Armenia Summer Camps Christ in their hearts and pleasant memories Armen Gharibyan at AMAA Summer Camp.
permanently etched in their minds.
For many, returning from camp means
the beginning of new engagements and ac- 3. Camp Legacy
tivities in the AMAA and ECA programs. The AMAA Camp Program counts
They attend Sunday schools, youth minis- many leaders, pastors, businessmen and
tries, and various educational programs. The women and successful professionals among
repeated cycle of summer camp, followed its alumni. Here are two of them:
by a year of active engagement gradually Armen Gharibyan is a young, suc-
transforms the campers into responsible cessful scientist-businessman. He is a
and productive Christian citizens who are leading authority in renewable energy and
equipped to make the world a better place. hi-tech agriculture. The solar panel farms
We do not hide the fact that these camps that his company has installed produce a
have also been the cradle of young families. significant portion of Armenia’s renewable Artak Beglaryan at AMAA's Camp Kar-Kar in
Our youth camp programs have effectively electricity. Stepanakert, Artsakh, with his mother and AMAA
served as family incubators. Young men and Social Worker Anahit Danielyan.
women from various parts of the country Artak Beglaryan lost his sight at a
meet, fall in love, build relationships, and young age, but it did not deter him from ment public service structure. Recently, he
eventually marry. We rejoice over these pursuing higher education in Armenia, was appointed State Minister (equivalent to
young Christian families ̶ many of whom Europe and the United States. He rapidly Prime Minister) of Artsakh. Artak has many
are now active members of our communities. climbed the ladder of the Artsakh govern- pleasant memories of his days at the AMAA
Artsakh Camp.
The legacy of the AMAA camps can be
compared to an iceberg. Its visible portion
consists of the exceptional summer fun and
unforgettable memories for thousands of
children and young adults. The invisible, yet
the largest and most impactful, portion of
the camps’ legacy consists of the countless
hearts and minds that have been shaped by
the Christian values that are indispensable
for a fulfilling life. Hearts and minds that
make the world a better place. q

* Harout Nercessian
is AMAA's Representative
in Armenia.

Camp Sheen Shoghig, Hankavan, Armenia. Artak Beglaryan is currently the State Minister of Artsakh Republic.

AMAA NEWS, July-Aug-Sept 2021 | 13