AGBU Celebrates 60 Years of Unforgettable Summers at Camp Nubar

On July 19, 2024, over 400 AGBU Camp Nubar alumni, parents, counselors, campers, administrators and friends from across the United States kicked off a two-part weekend of reconnecting, remembering, and rejoicing over 60 years of summers to last a lifetime.

Anniversary Kick Off in NYC

The weekend celebration began with Friday night cocktails, cuisine, and catch-up conversations at the swank and sophisticated Ascent Lounge in New York City with its breathtaking nighttime views.

Welcoming remarks and inspiring speeches were delivered by 60th Anniversary Organizing Committee Chair Armen Shamamian, followed by fellow committee member Aram Bowen. Long time Camp Nubar Committee member Lisa Kouzoujian then warmly introduced a surprise guest of honor Yeretzgin Anahid Kalayjian who, along with her husband the late beloved Der Hayr Vertanes who presided over the parish at St. Mary’s Armenian Church of Washington DC for many years are among the most beloved figures for Camp Nubarians. Together, they served safeguarded the spiritual health of campers and counselors for over two decades. In addition, Yeretzgin ran the camp infirmary as a registered nurse. Her heartfelt and insightful remarks brought laughter and tears to the assembled guests.

“There is no way to express the feelings I have for Camp Nubar,” she stated. “It is not an ordinary camp, but a place molds your character and we can see now the fruits of this investment as we see generations who have grown and become active community members and leaders. So many people have worked tirelessly, pouring their hearts and souls to make sure each person get the best camp experience. We have truly a paradise up at camp.

This touching moment was one of the countless hugs, tears of joy and yelps of surprise as old friends reconnected. The palpable energy carried forth throughout the weekend.

Camp Nubar Open House

On Sunday, July 21, the celebration moved north for an Open House at the Camp Nubar grounds, located in the majestic Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. The day’s agenda offered ample opportunities to trigger nostalgic moments and demonstrate gratitude to all those, past and present, who have contributed to the growth and success of the camp since its founding over six decades ago.

The morning began with Holy Badarak, presided over by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Afterward, the crowd gathered outdoors to listen to speeches from Camp Nubar leadership, including Camp Nubar Committee Chair Jacqueline DiStasi, Camp Director Alexis Krolian and two current counselors, Shareese Chobanian and Jake Hirsch, who expressed their affection for Camp Nubar, the skills they have learned and the friends they have gained.

Chobanian, hailing from Toronto, Canada spoke eloquently in Armenian conveying how she has grown up each summer with Camp Nubar an important part of shaping who she is as a young Armenian. She expressed her deep gratitude to the Camp Nubar leadership and AGBU for its belief in the program that has given her lifelong friendships that cross borders.

Hirsch surprised many with his speech with the revelation that he has no Armenian lineage. Nevertheless, he started attending Camp at age seven on account of his mother, who attended Camp Nubar with her Armenian cousin. He explained how camp has so deeply influenced his life, “It is the kindness and hospitality of Armenians that have made my memories so special and unforgettable. No one even cared that I wasn’t Armenian…I was welcome to this camp and community all the same. And because of this, I’ve become immersed in the culture and have taken the time to learn Armenian history, culture, and its enduring issues and conflicts.” His story resonated with the crowd who continue to come from diverse Armenian and mixed backgrounds and feel the special safe have and connection Camp Nubar offers.

The keynote address was delivered by AGBU President Berge Setrakian, in attendance with his wife Vera Setrakian as well as AGBU Council of Trustees member and incoming AGBU President Sam Simonian and his wife Sylva, who traveled from Texas to tour the campgrounds for the first time. Central board member and AGBU Treasurer Nazareth Festekjian and Central Board Member Ani Manokian were also present with their spouses.

“Camp Nubar had its visionaries,” stated President Setrakian.  “Under the leadership of Arax Exerjian, then President of AGBU America, a group of dedicated forward-thinking community leaders, such as Zaven Halejian and others, had come together under the umbrella of this great organization to establish Camp Nubar.  Those individuals had the foresight that their community needed for its children a place to connect, learn, grow and plant the seeds of the love of their Armenian heritage.”

He went on to say, “Whenever I would meet someone from Camp Nubar, I could tell the pride of being a Camp Nubarian.  For many, their bonding together in their youth turned into a lifelong friendship.  If you went to Camp Nubar, or your child went to Camp Nubar, you were part of a community and an ambassador of the Armenian story.”

Taking the opportunity to recognize the critical impact of volunteers, President Setrakian paused to announce the winners of the AGBU President’s Award—all of whom were dedicated camp committee members and staff who served for 20 years or more. Each plaque expressed “grateful appreciation for exemplary dedication” as a member of the Camp Nubar Committee, which “ensured the safety and well-being of generations of youth and created a sense of community and pride in Armenian heritage.” Recipients included: Andre Farah; Toleen Der Hagopian Farah; Barry Halejian; Lisa Kouzoujian; Roxanne Daghlian Lalama; Jack Margossian; Mardi Merjian; Gerard Misk, and Sarah Partin.

Later that day, there was a formal dedication of the Chakmakian Pergola, where another plaque would be displayed for perpetuity.  Harry Chakmakian, began as a camp counselor, who taught tennis. He then returned every year well into his golden years. Having passed in 2023, the special commemoration became a fitting tribute. His daughter Christine Chakmakian Badach expressed poignant words about how much the camp meant to her father and the many lives he touched as a camp coach. The rest of the day was devoted to current camper activities including a tennis tournament and a water skiing show on the lake.

A total of $361,255 was raised in support of this milestone event, which will be added to the existing Camp Nubar Endowment Fund and special renovation projects. Throughout the anniversary weekend, it was clear that the Camp Nubar experience has had a profound impact on Armenian identity formation among youth, thanks to the serious bonding and sense of belonging nurtured and encouraged in every generation by a remarkably dedicated staff—many of whom share cherished memories of their own.   

To view the 60th Anniversary Weekend photo gallery click here.