‘Standing Tall for Ararat’ will Serve as Motto for the Jamboree

BYURAKAN, Armenia—The 13th Pan-Homenetmen Scouting Jamboree officially kicked off on Friday evening at the Garnik Mkrtichian Camp in Byurakan, bringing together approximately 900 scouts representing 26 Homenetmen regions and four Armenian scout organizations from Iran.

The opening ceremony was attended by official guests, current and former members of the Homenetmen Central Executive, and representatives of the host organization, Homenetmen and Armenia’s National Scouting Organization—know as HASK—which is a subsidiary of Homenetmen.

Among those present were Archbishop Zakaria Baghumian, representative of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; Syrian Ambassador to Armenia Nora Arissian; Lebanese Ambassador to Armenia Dima Haddad; Stepan Der Bedrosian, Co-Chairman of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia’s National Executive Council and fellow member Dikran Jinbashian; Hamazkayin Central Executive Chairman Zakary Keshishian; Armenian Relief Society Central Executive member Zoya Kocharian; ARS Armenia Regional Executive Chairwoman Maro Keshishian; and members of the regional executive.

The ceremony began with the performance of the anthems of Armenia, Artsakh and Homenetmen, followed by the raising of the flags of the 30 participating delegations representing 23 countries: Armenia, Artsakh, Argentina, England, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Nairi and Sipan chapters), Greece, Jerusalem, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Syria, Uruguay and the United States.

Opening remarks were delivered by Archbishop Zakaria Baghumian, Jamboree Chief Ruben Nalbandian, Homenetmen-HASK Chairman Alain Asadourian, Homenetmen Central Scout Committee representative Feti Khajak Gazanjian, and Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman Hagop Khacherian.

Welcoming the participants, Archbishop Baghumian said, “Welcome to your homeland—to strengthen your identity, deepen your connection with the homeland, build friendships, and return to your countries with unforgettable memories. We are all strengthened by our homeland, our Armenian statehood and our Armenian identity. Life is a struggle, and those who prevail are those who are spiritually steadfast, physically strong, and guided by determination and resolve. Our ancestors dreamed of living and creating in an independent homeland. Today, we have that homeland, deserving of our care, devotion and love. We love our homeland not merely because it is ours, but because this sacred soil has been sanctified by the sacrifice of our forefathers.”

Reflecting on Homenetmen’s history and mission, Archbishop Baghumian noted that the organization’s founders envisioned uniting Armenian youth not only through athletics and scouting, but also through a profound attachment to the homeland. For them, he said, strength of spirit was as essential as physical strength. “Today, we have come to affirm that vision and strengthen our spirit and identity even further,” he concluded.

Jamboree Chief Ruben Nalbandian emphasized that the gathering aims to provide participants with national and organizational education while fostering mutual acquaintance and friendship. To that end, the program features a wide range of activities centered on Armenian values and the jamboree’s theme, “Standing Tall for Ararat.”

“Gathered before Mount Ararat and looking upon it each day,” Nalbandian said, “our scouts will not only live with the Armenian spirit, but will also grow closer to one another, deepen their friendships, and strengthen their bonds of brotherhood. Our entire history revolves around this mountain, and it is our duty to remain steadfast, faithful to our oath, and committed to protecting our identity and our history.”

Homenetmen-HASK Chairman Alain Asadourian described the jamboree as a unique event held only once every four years, bringing together Armenian scouts from around the globe under one roof, united by one ideal, one oath and one homeland.

“This year, Byurakan has welcomed 900 Homenetmen members from 23 countries. They have arrived from different continents and diverse cultural environments, yet they are united by the Scout movement, one identity and one language,” he said.

Addressing the campers, Asadourian added, “During these days, you will not only experience the life of scouting, but also rediscover Armenia—its nature, history and culture. You will discover yourselves and the powerful bond that unites Armenians across the world. I am confident that this jamboree will become a cradle of new friendships, valuable experiences, mutual understanding and strengthened national unity.”

Speaking on behalf of the Homenetmen Central Scout Committee, Feti Khajak Kazanjian declared, “Looking around us, we witness the powerful and vibrant heartbeat of the Armenian nation. Here, on this sacred homeland, our jamboree unfolds under the noble motto: ‘Standing Tall for Ararat.’”

Kazanjian thanked all those whose dedication and collective efforts made the successful organization of the jamboree possible.

“Homenetmen is an organization of action,” he said. “Beyond organizational life, it is a school of life where tomorrow’s leaders and parents are formed. Homenetmen is not merely a club—it is a forge that shapes generations, where Armenian children and youth learn to think, feel and live as Armenians.”

“Today, our worldwide structure—from Europe to the Americas, from the Middle East to Australia—through its camps, athletic tournaments, community programs, public outreach and youth conferences, pursues one supreme goal: to keep the Armenian spirit burning brightly. Homenetmen forms Armenians with healthy bodies, sound minds and strong wills, prepared to serve first their families, then the organization, and ultimately the Armenian nation and homeland,” Kazandjian added.

Delivering the keynote remarks, Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman Hagop Khacherian addressed the young participants as descendants of third- and fourth-generation survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

“You, the descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors, Armenian youth scattered across the world, members of the volunteer army of the Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, have come to the Motherland to join your brothers and sisters of Armenia and Artsakh, to camp together and renew your pledge to serve the Armenian nation, Armenia and the just cause of the Armenian people.”

He reflected on the generation that came of age during Armenia’s regained independence and later celebrated the liberation of Artsakh, while also acknowledging the hardships facing today’s Armenians.

“You are also the generation witnessing a wounded homeland, a divided nation, the occupation of Artsakh, the erosion of our national value system and the weakening of the Diaspora. Yet despite this painful reality, Homenetmen’s ranks remain unbroken, steadfast and immovable—like Ararat itself. The roots of Homenetmen’s tree have not withered, and they continue to bear new shoots.”

Khacherian emphasized that despite international pressures promoting assimilation—including within Armenia itself—Homenetmen and its members would remain firmly committed to their national principles and enduring values.

“Despite the illusions of materialism and the temptations of superficiality, Homenetmen will continue its practical mission through volunteer service, preparing and shaping tomorrow’s Armenian—one who reaches the summit through determination and hard work. The Armenian who will bring Ararat home.”

Concluding his remarks, Khacherian reaffirmed Homenetmen’s commitment to the Armenian Cause and declared that the organization would remain steadfast in defending the nation’s inalienable rights, calling for justice for the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the realization of a united homeland encompassing Artsakh and Western Armenia.

Following the speeches, 59 scout leaders who had successfully completed the final three-day practical seminar of the prestigious Araratian Scout Rank program in Aghveran were awarded their badges and certificates.

The opening ceremony concluded with the performance of the official jamboree song, with lyrics and music by Sevak Nazarian, orchestration by Harout Yeretsian, and performed by Suren Ajemian.