Transition, Tribute, and Togetherness
The AGBU 93rd General Assembly in New York makes living history
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December 22, 2008
AGBU Scout Movement Begins in Armenia
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AGBU Armenia Scouts, leaders and AGBU Armenian Representation administrators pose for a picture at the November 29, 2008 gala celebration in Yerevan, Armenia. -
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New recruits sign up for the 2009 AGBU Scouting Program. -
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AGBU Armenia Scouts enjoying the November 29 gala in Yerevan, Armenia.
The scouting movement has its unique place among the activities of AGBU. The first AGBU scout troops were formed in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt in the 1940s and, since then, new groups have formed around the world. This year, and for the first time, AGBU initiated a scout troop in Armenia.
Early this year, Hermine Duzian, AGBU Diasporan Youth Programs Coordinator in Armenia, began recruiting potential scouts at the Arabkir Children's Center of Yerevan. Through gatherings and consultations, as well as meetings with potential scout parents, the heads of the new scout troop explained the binding principles of the international scouting movement. As a result of these events, the troop enrolled a substantial number of youths interested in the mission of scouting, which is to educate youth about good conduct, respect for others, and honesty. Scouts learn skills that will last a lifetime, including basic outdoor skills, first aid, citizenship skills, leadership skills, and how to get along with others.
A Movement Begins
The flag-blessing ceremony of the first Armenia-based scout troop took place on June 2008. A month later, the AGBU Armenia scout troop joined 300 diasporan Armenian scouts to participate in two summer camping sessions at the newly opened AGBU Antranik Camp in Armenia's Lori region. Since then, the scouting movement continues to expand in Armenia as a result of growing local interest.
On November 29, 2008, the first official gala celebration of the newly established scout troop took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The event was attended by the Republic of Armenia's Education and Science Deputy Minister Bagrat Yesayan, president of "Children First" non-profit organization, Nani Oskanian, Armenian painter Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Hagopian, artists Mr. & Mrs. Jirayr Altounian, Mr. & Mrs. Nikolay Tsaturian, and others.
The festive evening culminated the inaugural year of AGBU's scouting activities in Armenia and is set to become the first tradition of the country's fledgling scout movement.
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