Camp Ayandeh
Past Camps
Camp Ayandeh FAQ
1. Where is the 2013 Camp located?
Camp Ayandeh 2013 will be held in Whittier, CA at Whittier College from July 1st to the 10th. For more information about the location, please visit Whittier's website. Transportation between LAX Airport and Whittier College will be provided to all campers by Camp Ayandeh. We cannot provide transportation from any other airports.
2. Who will supervise the campers?
In addition to Whittier's professional staff, campers will be under the direct supervision of IAAB staff and Camp Ayandeh counselors, active volunteers drawn from our existing staff, returning counselors, or by a rigorous application process.
3. How can I apply?
Camper and counselor applications can be found here:
New Camper Application
Returning Camper Application
New Counselor Application
Returning Counselor Application
4. Will I be able to contact my child/parent during the camp?
Although campers will not be allowed to use cell phones during the day, communication between campers, parents, and staff will be open throughout the duration of camp.
5. What is the cost of camp?
Camp fees, including room, board, and inclusion in all activities during the week of camp, as well as transportation between Whittier College and the airport, are $1200. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.
IAAB has kept prices extremely low for the past seven years of Camp Ayandeh. However, in order to be able to continue providing these Summer Leadership Institutes, IAAB must increase it's prices for the financial well-being of the organization. Despite this increase, Camp Ayandeh is still drastically less expensive than similar national summer leadership camps. Nonetheless, we will continue to offer as many scholarships as we can and we will work with individual students to make sure they can make it to Camp Ayandeh. Our goal is to ensure that all interested students and families will be able to partake in this experience.
All applicants are required to submit a $200 deposit with their Camp Ayandeh application, to be put towards their total camp fees. Applicants who do not include this deposit at the time the application is submitted cannot be considered. Applicants who have submitted the deposit but are not accepted to Camp Ayandeh will be refunded their deposit in full. If your application is accepted, the $200 deposit will not be refunded.
6. Are tuition stipends available?
IAAB offers a number of need-based and merit-based tuition stipends, which require a separate application. Applications can be found here.
7. How are the sleeping quarters arranged?
Campers, counselors, and staff will reside in dormitories at Whittier College. Sleeping arrangements will be divided based upon gender and all campers will be under the direct supervision of staff of the same gender.
8. Are meals provided?
IAAB will be responsible for all meals and snacks throughout the entire duration of Camp Ayandeh. Campers will receive three meals a day prepared by the culinary staff of Whittier College, plus periodic snacks. Campers with specific culinary needs will be accommodated. Please do not send any food with your campers unless previously approved with the camp staff.
9. Will transportation be provided?
Campers will be responsible for transportation to Los Angeles. IAAB will provide transportation between LAX airport and Whittier College, but parents have the option of bringing their campers directly to Camp if they so choose. Travel coordination will be arranged in advance of campers’ travel.
10. What is the camp’s security policy?
Both Camp Ayandeh and Whittier University have immaculate records with regard to camper and student safety. IAAB’s staff takes extra measures to ensure that campers are safe while under the care and supervision of IAAB at Camp Ayandeh. Campers are under direct supervision at all times, and are never alone during camp. All campers reside in single-sex dorm rooms, which are supervised by night-watch staffers and in-residence staff on each dorm floor. Only IAAB staff and members of Camp Ayandeh have access to these facilities. Camp staff make routine checks on campers throughout the night and a designated staffer is assigned to night-duty for each camper unit. Except for emergencies when accompanied by a counselor or IAAB staff member, no campers are allowed off-campus during Camp Ayandeh.
11. What does "Ayandeh" mean?
Ayandeh means “future” in Persian and the name “Camp Ayandeh” speaks to the mission of the camp to create a strong and dedicated future for the Iranian diaspora: Camp Ayandeh, through a positive and inclusive environment, allows campers to develop leadership skills, foster strong friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of culture and identity as the youth of the Iranian diaspora. The Iranian-American community is diverse and vibrant, a characteristic that Camp Ayandeh represents, embraces, and celebrates. Campers leave with a stronger sense of self, lifelong friendships, and the necessary skills to lead both within and outside of the Iranian diaspora community.
12. How will Camp Ayandeh’s curriculum be different from previous years?
It is IAAB’s goal to ensure that campers return to Camp Ayandeh each year to learn new skills and gain fresh experiences. We are sure to reflect, build and grow after every year and develop a unique curriculum that responds to current issues within our community as they arise.
13. Are Camp Ayandeh open to campers and counselors from outside the United States?
Yes. Camp Ayandeh is open to all youth of the Iranian diaspora community. IAAB is invested in bringing together a diverse group of participants and encourages all interested applicants from around the world to apply for Camp Ayandeh and Javan.
14. What if I submit my application but don’t include a deposit? What if I’m applying for a tuition stipend?
Applicants who do not include a $200 deposit at the time the application is submitted will not be considered. Applicants who have submitted the deposit but are not accepted to Camp Ayandeh will be refunded their deposit in full. However, upon acceptance and cancellation, the deposit will not be refunded.
If you are applying for a tuition stipend, please include a deposit upon submitting both your camper and tuition stipend applications. You will be refunded your deposit if you are offered a tuition stipend. If you are not offered a stipend and cannot afford Camp Ayandeh’s tuition, your deposit will also be refunded.
