Camp Ayandeh 2010 - FAQ

1. Where is the 2010 Camp located?
Notre Dame de Namur University is located in Belmont, CA, which is fifteen minutes from San Francisco. For more information about the location, please visit NDNU’s site. Transportation between San Francisco International Airport and NDNU will be provided to all campers by Camp Ayandeh.

2. Who will supervise the campers?
In addition to Notre Dame de Namur’s professional staff, campers will be under the direct supervision of IAAB staff and Camp Ayandeh counselors, who are drawn from our existing staff, active volunteers, or by a rigorous application process.

3. How can I apply?
Camper and counselor applications, as well as the tuition stipend application and instructions can be found here.

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 NDNU and San Francisco International Airport, are $725 until April 5th. Please note that after April 5th, the camp fees will increase to $775, so get your application in early!
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 can not be considered. Applicants who have submitted the deposit but are not accepted to Camp Ayandeh will be refunded their deposit in full. 

6. Are merit-based tuition stipends available?
IAAB offers a number of merit-based tuition stipends, which require a separate application, available here.

7. How are the sleeping quarters arranged?
Campers, counselors, and staff will reside in dormitories at Notre Dame de Namur University. 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 Notre Dame de Namur University, plus periodic snacks.

8. Will transportation be provided?
Campers will be responsible for transportation to and from San Francisco International Airport located in San Francisco, CA. IAAB will provide transportation between San Francisco International Airport and Notre Dame de Namur University, 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.

9. What is the camp’s security policy?
Both Camp Ayandeh and Notre Dame de Namur 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

10. 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 community. 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.

11. How will Camp Ayandeh be different from previous years?
IAAB celebrates Camp Ayandeh’s fifth anniversary in 2010, which means exciting and new programming. Through our innovative curriculum, it is IAAB’s goal to ensure that campers return to Camp Ayandeh each year to learn new skills and gain fresh experiences.

12. The World Cup Finals will be held during Camp 2010 – will campers be able to watch?
In honor of the World Cup taking place in 2010, Camp Ayandeh will include a celebration of the World Cup Final. Participants should plan accordingly by bringing their soccer jerseys to cheer on their favorite teams!