New Names Among the “Junior Mountaineers”
A surprise awaited the children at “The Way to Conquer Heights” event. Seven club members joined the ranks of the “Junior Mountaineers”, receiving the badge and its accompanying certificate.
The “Junior Mountaineer” badge is awarded to children who have completed the initial preparation training program and made an ascent of a certain difficulty. In Armenia, this is the ascent of the four peaks of Aragats with two overnight stays in the crater (including the true North Peak), starting at Lake Kari and finishing at the Gegharot waterfall. Outside Armenia, it can be any ascent above 4,000 m or one that requires technical equipment, together with completing the training program.
In 2024, club members Nare and Gayane Harutyunyan successfully reached the summit of Mount Ararat (5,137 m). Maria Merabyan, Sargis Ananyan, Leon Hayrapetyan, and Azat and Herbert Khondkaryan took part in the Bezengi high-mountain camp in Russia, where they not only made mountain ascents but also completed specialized ice- and rock-climbing courses, gaining new skills and experience.
These children’s achievement speaks not only of their physical fitness, but also of their strength of spirit and determination. They proved that reaching a goal takes hard work, persistence and teamwork. Many can be inspired by their example, believing that even the highest summits can be conquered when there is desire and resolve. Today, the club’s successful young climbers are already role models for future mountaineers through their dedication and achievements.
Their success is not just a personal achievement — it is a great honor for the whole club, because with their strength and knowledge they represent us and, we hope, one beautiful day will represent Armenia in the international mountaineering community.
