About Us
The Homenetmen Story
The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, referred to as Homenetmen, is a non-profit organization founded in 1918. As a strong believer in the “strong mind in a strong body” concept, Homenetmen provides Armenian-American youth with moral, physical and social education. In addition, it exposes youth to the wealth of Armenian culture and heritage and prepares outstanding, law-abiding Armenian-American citizens. Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with roughly 100 chapters and 30,000 members across five continents.
Homenetmen in the United States
In the United States, the first Homenetmen Olympic Games took place in Brooklyn, New York, in 1922. Shortly thereafter, chapters were established in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston. From that point on, Homenetmen USA grew through chapters across the country. The first chapter in the Western USA was established in Los Angeles in 1968. Historically, Homenetmen Western USA has reported 18 chapters and more than 8,000 members in four states.
Our Mission
The Homenetmen experience is one of lasting association. The organization promotes fraternity and humanitarianism far beyond camaraderie and benevolence. Its motto, “Elevate Yourself and Others With You” (“Partsratsir, Partsratsoor”), is a reminder of its fundamental objective: striving for the individual and collective excellence of its members. To achieve these goals, Homenetmen offers both scouting and athletic programs.
Scouting
Homenetmen’s scouting program has been affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. Through scouting, young people develop a sense of social and moral responsibility. They learn discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, patriotism and leadership. Weekly activities include team-building, physical and educational programs, field trips and outdoor scouting expeditions.
Each summer, scouts have traditionally spent a week camping in nature with their troop, developing independence and self-reliance while learning and having fun together. Scouts may also have opportunities to participate in international Scouting Jamborees, including events in Armenia.
Athletics
Homenetmen Western USA’s athletic division has historically included thousands of Armenian-American youth. It supports local league competitions and major regional programs, with weekly practices and competitions in basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis and other sports. Athletes participate in events in San Diego, Fresno, San Francisco, Orange County and Los Angeles.
The KAHAM (Inter-School) Games, held annually since 1982, bring together Southland students in basketball, volleyball, soccer and track and field.
Navasartian Games
The first annual Navasartian Games were held in 1975 at East Los Angeles College before a few hundred spectators. Over the following decades, they developed into a major community celebration. Historical program figures have included more than 300 teams, 6,000 athletes and 20,000 spectators. Athletic competitions traditionally run for approximately eight weeks beginning in May, culminating with a Fourth of July weekend festival and closing ceremonies featuring food, games, businesses and community organizations.
Looking Ahead
Since 1918, Homenetmen has helped shape the character and leadership of generations of Armenian-American youth. Through scouting and athletics, it has preserved Armenian identity while serving communities throughout the Western United States. This success has been made possible by the moral and financial support of parents, concerned citizens and charitable organizations. As the community grows and society changes, each of us has an opportunity to share Homenetmen’s commitment to excellence.