AGBU Camp Nubar Reflects on a Successful Year, Looks Toward 45th Anniversary and Prepares for Holiday Reunion

On August 16, 2008, after six weeks of fun, friendships old and new, and a slew of original activities, AGBU Camp Nubar wrapped up its 44th season in Andes, New York.

In the scenic Hudson Valley, first-time director, Garin Kaligian was joined by a highly qualified staff who not only kept camp traditions alive, but created several new and exciting cultural, athletic and social activities for summer 2008.

"I never saw our entire staff get together as they did this summer. Their high level of enthusiasm, camaraderie, motivation and love for their campers was unprecedented," said Camp Nubar committee Chairman Mardi Merjian. "The result -- the happiest bunch of campers with more smiling faces than I have ever seen up there."

During a one-week counselor-only "pre-camp," staff members were trained in extensive Red Cross, First Aid, CPR and life-saving tactics. After camp was set up, the first-session campers finally arrived on July 5. Over 25 of these campers came from Montreal and Toronto. The second session featured a mid-summer Open House visitor event, while the camp had over 130 campers during the third session.

Summer highlights included talent shows, camp fires, Halloween, a buddy day with the younger and older campers, lip syncs, scavenger hunts, counselor hide and seek, capture the flag, ultimate Frisbee, and red, orange and blue Olympics. Weekly dances included a luau on scenic Lake Arax, Mardi Gras and Hollywood themes. This year, campers were also treated to professional square dancing instruction.

It has become a tradition that another local group, Camp Lake Delaware, comes to the Nubar grounds each summer for a basketball game. This year, Camp Nubar came out on top. Another mainstay throughout the summer are visits by various priests, including Fathers Stepanos Doudoukjian, Taniel Karadjian, Karekin Kasparian, and the Archbishop himself, His Eminence Khajag Barsamian.

Two new evening activities included a camp spin on the popular TV show, "Extreme Makeover: Counselor Addition," and an Animal Kingdom-themed Fashion Show. Bringing back camp outs led by the Camp Craft team for the older campers was also a huge success. A new morning reveille show hosted by counselor Peter Endrigian with weather reports, updates on pop culture, traffic, and news woke up the camp every morning. Canteen also saw new improvements with healthier snack selections like Vitamin Water, 100-calorie packs and granola bars, plus fresh fashionable Camp Nubar gear.

In addition to the regular schedule throughout the day, campers also had a free "elective" period to participate in original activities this year, like Taebo, Zumba, Armenian dancing, a tennis tournament, an ongoing basketball league as well as archery and sailing instruction by certified staff members.

Color War during the last two weeks of camp is a highly anticipated event throughout the summer, if not the entire calendar year. After a surprise start, the entire camp is split in half for three days of cultural, athletic, intellectual, and spirit competitions. This year, the Gold Minotaurs, led by generals Aram Bowen and Jackie DiStasi and captains Armen Shamamian and Tamar Merjian, defeated the Blue Magic led by generals Christina Lalama and Alex Distasi and captains Arno Isnar and Linda Ravul.

After Color War ended, camp wrapped up with a formal banquet with the theme of the popular board game "Clue." Counselors put on a skit and campers were treated to a delicious dinner and dessert. The last night of camp always ends with a bittersweet "candlelight" to reflect on the summer and say goodbye to friends, both old and new.

"Summer 2008 was a huge success. It's an indescribable feeling to witness Armenian youth come together to make lifelong friendships, and to watch counselors continue to grow into mature, responsible adults from one year to the next," said Assistant Director Dan Antreasyan.

Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to stay in touch with these friends all year long. Each camper went home with a camp newsletter, cabin photos, and a multi-media slideshow that is also available on You Tube and the www.campnubar.org website.

"This summer, everyone at camp seemed more tightly bonded than in previous years and will definitely stay in touch," said camper Sarah Halejian. "Whether old friendships were renewed or new ones were made, they will all definitely last forever."

Christmas Reunion

On Saturday, January 10, 2009, Camp Nubar will host a special Christmas Reunion at St. Leon Armenian Church in New Jersey (12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ). The annual event allows campers, counselors and friends to socialize and reminisce about their summer experiences while anticipating the upcoming season. To RSVP for the gathering, please email campnubar@campnubar.org.

Founded in 1963, AGBU Camp Nubar is a first-rate modern facility that has been highly ranked by the American Camp Association, American Red Cross, and American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information about AGBU Camp Nubar, please visit www.campnubar.org, email campnubar@agbu.org, or call 212-319-6383.