At the close of this summer’s camp season, AGBU Camp Nubar deemed 2022 as one for the books — coming back in full swing with three full sessions to accommodate over 200 campers from across the globe.
Forty-nine counselors, many hailing from as far as Armenia, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom, gathered in New York’s Catskill Mountains to ensure an exceptional overnight camp experience to over 200 campers representing 11 states and six countries, including Armenia, Canada, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
“The genuine bonds made at Camp Nubar permeate throughout the year. Knowing that we provide a safe environment for kids around the world to find both their commonality as Armenians and appreciate their global diversity, is really important to us,” noted Sarah Partin, a long-time Camp Nubar Committee member and alumna. “If you're a camper and you get to have a counselor or cabin-mate from France or Armenia or New Zealand, it really expands your awareness of the world and perspectives. I think it gives the kids a broader understanding of cultures.”
While the summer of 2021 was open, due to health precautions, Camp Nubar was limited to a singular 4-week session for those from the US. It proved to be an important intimate experience for those just coming out of the intense lockdowns of COVID-19. The success of that summer ensured a mindful reopening this past summer. “It was important for us to re-open as close to ‘normally’ as possible and ensure international campers were welcome. Even from just across the border, we loved being able to open our gates again to our friends from Montreal and Toronto,” noted fellow Camp Nubar Committee member Maria Stepanian, whose two boys are recent alumni and camp enthusiasts.
“Our programming resumed with some of the most beloved traditions returning this season,” said Camp Nubar Director Alexis Krolian, an educator and Camp Nubar alumna herself. “The sounds of cabins buzzing, filled from corner to corner, is music to my ears. Seeing how the children mature over time and come back as counselors to become young leaders is a joy. Finding ways to connect peers from different walks of life again this summer was a blessing. Bringing in our counselors from Armenia in particular was a special way to unite our diasporan youth with homeland culture.”
During the three two-week sessions from June 2-August 13 of this year, campers bonded over popular activities like sailing, campfire-building, darkroom photography, and water skiing, as well as the ever-popular horseback riding, ceramics, and musical performances. These experiences are designed to create core memories, all under the aegis of dedicated counselors and staff. Moreover, exposure to the Armenian language and culture is, for many campers, their only opportunity to connect with their roots and develop an Armenian identity to whatever extent that may be.
Camp Nubar continues to expand its operations with upcoming facilities renovations and programming upgrades. Applications for head staff and counselors are open for the 2023 season. For more information, visit: https://campnubar.org/join-our-staff
Dates for summer 2023 including counselor pre-camp can be found at campnubar.org with Session 1 for campers beginning July 1st. Plans for Open House visiting day are under consideration. Check the website for updates.