Day 1: Aaghaaz (The Beginning)

Khosh amadid! Camp Ayandeh 2008 is well on its way as campers from California, Alabama, Maryland and everywhere in between arrive to Emory University .The excitement was contagious as campers and counselors alike flooded the Turman East dorm lounge, saying hello to fresh faces and embracing friends in a long-awaited reunion. The atmosphere was electric as campers played soccer, danced, and played "cheshmak"--an Iranian card game--while campers arrived in throngs by train, airplane, and car.

After the arrival of most of our participants, the counselors, campers and staff played games to break the ice. After preliminary games with the whole camp, campers broke up into their respective counselor groups to get to know their peers. The counselor groups are divided by age, and it is with this group of 7-8 campers that the majority of the day will be spent discussing, playing, and learning. Each counselor group has two counselors and will be choosing team names and chants in the coming days.

The theme of Day 1 of camp was "What does it mean to be Iranian-American?" Once the ice

was broken, the campers convened in Cannon Chapel to discuss the Iranian diaspora and offer insight on their own experiences within the diaspora. They were given time to reflect on their heritage and how it affects their identities in order to address the day's theme.

Tomorrow's theme will be, "What are your personal strengths and weaknesses as a leader?" Be sure to check back each evening to hear all about the day's events and see pictures that document our adventures!