Tuesday, July 3, 2007

 

Day 2: Jumping, climbing -- and leading!

Day two of Camp Ayandeh was off to an exciting start as campers took on the Hemlock challenge course, a series of activities that required planning, communication, leadership, and group trust to complete. The challenges required campers to work together to solve puzzles and create paths to seemingly impossible ends. ("We're supposed to place this ring over the top of that 12 foot pole? Huh?")

The campers rose to each challenge and, after completing the physical and mental challenge of completing a walk across a high tightrope, were rewarded with a zip line across a large forested ravine.

After a long day of challenges, campers joined their teams to participate in an exercise designed to promote active listening, an invaluable skill for teamwork and leadership. They then put their active listening skills to good use during discussions with their fellow campers regarding the terms diaspora, culture, and bicultural. In particular, they were asked to reflect upon the following question:

When was the first time you thought about your Iranian-American identity?

This question led to thought provoking and captivating discussions as campers examined what the term "Iranian-American" means to them, and how their experiences have affected their notions of identity.


A special day deserves a special night, and that is just what we were treated to -- a 16th birthday party! Campers and counselors sang "Tavalodet mobarak" to Leah as she blew out the candles. If her wish was for a dance party followed by a campfire, it was granted!

The campfire brought day two of Camp Ayandeh to a close with storytelling of a very personal nature: campers were asked to tell the group the meaning of their first names, and how their parents came to choose it. As each beautiful Persian name was described, the stories of their source ranged from dreams to tributes to heroes of the Shahnameh and to the very Iranian tradition of sibling alliteration. As Camp Ayandeh is the first time that many campers have had the comfort of knowing everyone can pronounce their name without explanation, it was time of comfort and warmth, both from the fire and from fellow campers.

Check back tomorrow for more from Camp Ayandeh, including the most-anticipated Ta'arof Competition!


# posted by IAAB @ 3:05 PM  
Comments:
We found the link for Camp Ayandeh on Payvand News and think it is wonderful. You may want to e-mail the link to all parents as they may not know about it.

Please post pictures of all kids.

Thanks to all the camp staff and keep up the good work..
Masoud Rahgozar
# posted by MRahgozar : July 4, 2007 12:44 PM
 
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