Welcome to Camp Ayandeh!
Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) is excited to present Camp Ayandeh, IAAB's second annual Iranian-American Leadership Camp for rising high school sophomores to graduating high school seniors, to be held the week of July 1-7, 2007 at the Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education in Clifton, Virginia.
Far from being just a camp of leisure and recreation, Camp Ayandeh creates a positive, inclusive environment where each camper has the opportunity to grow and develop. The camp curriculum is composed of challenging and interactive programs in leadership development, with a focus on conflict resolution, while specifically exploring Iranian cultural heritage and Iranian-American identity.
Hemlock Overlook
Conveniently located just outside of Washington, D.C., Hemlock Overlook is situated within 5,000 acres of Regional Park land and is jointly operated by George Mason University and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Hemlock is fully accredited and approved by the American Camp Association (ACA), which offers this distinction to camps that meet high standards of quality and safety. Additionally, Hemlock's staff has extensive experience and training in youth camp education as well as in leadership and team development.
Camp Ayandeh Programming
The camp's programs and activities are designed to promote and utilize campers' creative energies and critical thinking skills. Campers will meet and socialize with Iranian-Americans of their age group, developing lasting, cherished friendships. Campers also have the opportunity to interact with young Iranian-American university students and professionals, serving as role models who can relate to the realities of Iranian-American teenage life and offer support and guidance as campers adjust to high school and transition to college.
In addition to Hemlock's professional staff, campers will be under the direct supervision of IAAB staff and counselors, drawn from our exisiting staff and active volunteers. In the event of an on-site emergency, Hemlock's staff has training in first aid, and hospitals are only a few minutes drive from the camp.
Camp Logistics
Communication between campers, parents and staff will be open throughout the camp. Sleeping quarters are divided by gender, with campers, counselors and staff sharing the same rooms. Lunch and dinner are provided by Hemlock, while IAAB will provide breakfast and healthy snacks throughout the day. Since the camp is being held over the 4th of July holiday, we will be providing an Independence Day celebration for the campers. Hemlock's proximity to the nation's capital is a great asset in this regard!
Application Information
Camp Ayandeh is open to rising high school sophmores through graduating high school seniors. Application forms, as well as instructions, can be found in our Applications section. There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available which require a separate scholarship application, also found in the Applications section. The cost of the camp, including room, board, and transportation between the camp and airports/other transportation hubs, is $575 for the entire 7 days and 6 nights of the camp. We are happy to offer a Norooz eidi to our campers: those who apply before March 20, 2007, will receive a $50 discount!
Camper applications are due April 16, 2007.
IAAB also seeks motivated and enthusiastic university students to serve as counselors and mentors at Camp Ayandeh. IAAB will cover all counselors' basic food, ground transportation, lodging, materials for the program, and expenses related to day trips for those selected to participate in Camp Ayandeh. Counselors will be asked to participate in a training period on June 28-30th and a debriefing on July 8th, the costs of which will also be covered. The sole financial responsibility of counselors is transportation (air or otherwise) to and from the Washington, D.C. area. Applications for counselor positions are also available in the Applications section.
Counselor applications are due April 8, 2007.