Life sometimes brings us moments that open new chapters – moments that, when we look back, make us say, “I’m so glad it happened.” For me, that new chapter began on 23-24 May, the moment I stepped through the gates of the “Cırtdan” Camp in Shüvelan.
My name is Ayan, and I am 20 years old. I’m at one of the most exciting stages of life, but also the stage where the question “Where should I begin?” appears most often. It was this search that led me to Common Sense Youth Organization (CSYO), one of the oldest and most respected youth organizations in Azerbaijan. Interestingly, the organization is the same age as I am. We are both in one of the brightest periods of our lives. I am currently a membership candidate at CSYO, and I have to admit that after spending these two days at the members’ camp, I already felt like part of this incredible family. From the very beginning, there was a genuine sense of trust, warmth, and belonging that made everyone feel at home.
Supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this camp was much more than an escape from the noise of the city. For me, it meant becoming part of a bigger vision. And during these two days, I didn’t just have fun – I learned. In fact, that’s one of the things that defines Common Sense: learning through experience and enjoyment.
Day One – Values, Trust, and the Power of Team Spirit
From the moment we arrived, it was impossible not to notice the unique atmosphere surrounding the camp. It truly felt like a safe space – a place where everyone listened without judgment and where every opinion was valued.
Our first session was led by Ramiz Aliyev, one of the co-founders of CSYO. As he spoke about the organization’s values and its contribution to young people, the passion and belief in his eyes sent us, the membership candidates, one clear message: “You are in the right place.”
Learning that Ramiz and his friends founded this organization back in 2006 – when they were only 18 years old, just two years younger than I am now – filled me with admiration, inspiration, and confidence. Imagine that: a group of young people creating what has become one of Azerbaijan’s leading youth organizations. Their commitment to the organization’s values throughout the years was truly inspiring.
The second half of the day was an explosion of energy. Through team-building activities led by Anar Mammadov, we discovered how enjoyable teamwork, trust, and collaborative problem-solving can be. We laughed, challenged ourselves, and, without even realizing it, began forming real connections with one another.
I also left that session with countless thoughts to reflect on. Beyond the games and activities, it encouraged me to look deeper into myself and introduced me to powerful methods of discovering my own potential. I know I’ll be thinking about those lessons for quite some time.
Day Two – Maximum Productivity and the Secrets of PR
I woke up on the second day feeling genuinely happy and eager to learn even more, because we had a very special training session ahead of us.
Our trainer was Vugar Baba, one of Azerbaijan’s leading public relations professionals.
His PR workshop felt like a masterclass. To be honest, PR had never been a field that particularly interested me before, but the way he presented the subject completely changed my perspective. Learning about media communication, the principles of public relations, and how young people can build strategic communication skills was both practical and inspiring. The session was so engaging that none of us noticed how quickly the time passed.
As a young person, having the opportunity to both enjoy myself and gain knowledge that could directly influence my future career was incredibly valuable.
What Will Stay With Me?
If I had to describe these two days in just a few words, they would be happiness, a safe environment, productivity, and a true sense of family.
CSYO showed me that it is much more than just a youth organization. It is a platform where young people discover their potential, grow together, and inspire one another to become better versions of themselves.
As I returned from Shüvelan to Sumgait, I was no longer just a 20-year-old university student. I was someone who looked toward the future with greater confidence, who had experienced the true meaning of teamwork, and who was even more determined to become part of this remarkable family called Common Sense Youth Organization.
Thank you, CSYO, for creating a place that already feels like home. I truly hope to become a part of your story.