Tavalod, Tavalod, Tavalodet Mobarak!

The second evening of camp was filled with thrilling celebrations: Shabeh Yalda, three birthdays, and well-loved tunes sung around a crackling campfire by a moonlit lake! Nestled close to one another around the fire and trying to keep warm during this crisp New England night, the festivities began with counselors Omeed Askari and Dana Mashayekh sharing with our campers the significance of Shabeh Yalda; its history, meaning, and traditions. Tonight, Laudan Imani turned 18 and Nicki Sadeghipour, 16, and they both shared their birthday with Taher Modaressi a beloved counselor, who’s age we have been asked not to mention! As a Shabeh Yalda custom, we read the “faall’s”, or fortunes, from a book of Hafez opened to a random page as is the custom during Shabeh Yalda. The night was filled with birthday songs, sung in both Persian and English, candles were blown out, and, as we enjoyed s’mores , we eagerly awaited the beautiful musical talents of Camp Team Associate Sepanta Mohseni and counselor Idin Zhalehdoust.

Camp Fire and Birthdays

The night drew to a joyful close when Sepanta and Idin performed both Iranian folk and popular songs, while campers and counselors alike offered their vocal talents singing favorites like “Ageh Yeh Rooz” and Rufus Wainwright’s “Hallelujah”. The excitement of the brisk evening air in the company of friends was so invigorating that, one after another, campers and counselors stood together in a circle, arms linked, swaying to the music. On the second night of this fourth annual camp, it was hard to believe that many of us; campers, counselors, and staff; had just met days ago. And with six days to go, there are plenty more friendships and excitement in store for us all!