Camp Nairi

In the fall of 2020, the lives of thousands of children in Artsakh and Armenia were forever changed by the 44-day war, as many lost family members or saw loved ones injured, leaving deep emotional wounds. In 2023, 120,000 Armenians were once again forced to leave their ancestral homes under threat, exposing children to the trauma of displacement and loss. Today, many of these families find support at AGBU Camp Nairi, a free sleep-away camp designed for youth who have experienced profound loss, where healing is encouraged through a combination of recreational activities and therapeutic sessions with licensed professionals. 

A growing need for healing and growth

Following the mass displacement of Artsakh families to Armenia, the need to support affected youth has grown significantly. Since January 2024, AGBU has expanded its efforts through weekend family retreats, offering access to mental health professionals, as well as art and music therapy. These programs have shown clear results, highlighting the importance of early support. With growing demand, AGBU aims in 2026 to reach up to 800 children through summer camps and 720–800 children and 400–450 mothers through family programs — ensuring that no vulnerable child or family is left without support.

Your donation at work

• Expanding capacity for weekend family retreats for mothers and their children
• Increasing our summer session capacity
• Ensuring the hiring of well-trained mental health professionals

Developing a true support network

Our program works to change perceptions around mental health by connecting experts from the diaspora and Armenia to create meaningful support programs. The time spent with parents in advance of a child's stay at Camp Nairi is critical to ensure trust and partnership between our work and the family environment. While each child’s trauma is deeply personal, bringing them together encourages open expression and creates lasting bonds. These shared moments of connection and joy offer a renewed sense of hope for the future.