In the fall of 2020, the lives of thousands of Innocent children in Artsakh and Armenia were forever changed by a merciless 44-day war.  With Azerbaijan’s brutal attack on Artsakh, Armenian fathers, sons, and brothers were called up to defend their lands and protect their families. Sadly, far too many did not return while others sustained permanent injuries. As a result, children with fallen or severely injured family members were left with deep anxieties.

AGBU launched Camp Nairi in 2021 as an exclusive sleep-away camp offered free of charge for youth who had survived loss in 2020. Camp Nairi fosters the healing process with fun activities and therapeutic sessions with licensed professionals. From 2021 through 2024, over 1200 children ages 7-13 participated in our summer sessions, including a brief program offered during the Azeri blockade of Artsakh in August of 2023.

A growing need for healing and growth

With the mass displacement of Artsakhstis to Armenia, the need to support our youth has grown exponentially. Starting in January 2024, AGBU has doubled down on our efforts to launch weekend support retreats for families providing for access to mental health professionals, activities like art and music therapy, and more. As of now, we have welcomed 1069 kids and their 699 mothers for the weekend retreats.

With your support, we can continue to expand our AGBU Camp Nairi offering to our most vulnerable community. 

Your donation at work

Supporting AGBU Camp Nairi allows us to expand our programming in many ways:

• Adding a new family retreat format for off-season months
• Increasing our summer session capacity
• Ensuring the hiring of well-trained mental health professionals
• Providing ongoing aid and assistance to campers and their families throughout the year

Developing a true support network

Working to change the negative perceptions of therapy and mental health care, our program connects experts in the diaspora and homeland to work together to develop meaningful curriculums. 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. It is our belief that only together, can we work through this challenging time.

While the Camp Nairi children share similar experiences, their individual traumas feel unique and isolating. Bringing them together and encouraging open dialogue and expression creates a network of supportive friendships that will last a lifetime. To see these young faces smiling and enjoying each others' company opens the hearts of all around them and gives a hope for the future.