Another Summer Ends at Camp Nubar but Festivities Just Beginning for 50th Anniversary Year

New Anniversary Features on Camp Nubar Website Will Keep Supporters Engaged Year-Round

Another summer has flown by at Camp Nubar, and while campers were sad to board the buses home after an unforgettable time, they know that there will be plenty to celebrate in the coming year as the camp commemorates its milestone 50th anniversary.

Old Traditions and New Programs Create Summer Fun

This summer at Camp Nubar kicked off on Saturday, July 7, 2012. When the season officially ended on Sunday, August 18, 2012, it saw some of the highest number of enrollees in years – over 240, from Armenia, Canada, France, Germany and Turkey, as well as 14 states across the US. Many were veteran campers who were excited to return to their second home, reconnect with old friends, and take part in all of the traditions they know and love. Many more were experiencing camp for the very first time and quickly found a place in the AGBU family. As in years past, daily schedules filled with arts and crafts, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and music, as well as swimming in the private lake, kept everyone active and engaged. This year, in addition to those activities, a number of special classes and events were organized that were well-received by all: a new basketball class that focused on skills and drills, and a new hockey league helped young athletes enhance their game under the encouragement of camp's experienced coaches. An evening dance on the lake was made even more memorable with a guest DJ from New York, and the revival of Carnival Day during both the first and second sessions ensured that, no matter how many weeks he or she chose to attend, every camper had the chance to enjoy fun games and cotton candy. Isabelle Akian, a thirteen-year-old camper from New Jersey, remarked on her summer, stating, "There is nowhere I would rather be than Camp Nubar… it is like a home to me, and the amount of lifelong friends that I have made here is too many to count."

Choreography, Crafts & Culture: AGBU Nork Children's Center Dance and Art Instructors Return to Camp Nubar

Over the past five decades, Camp Nubar has earned a reputation as the country's premiere Armenian sleep away camp. In 2012, Yerevan-based ballet master Arman Julhakyan and art instructor Ella Pepanyan helped reinforce the camp's long-standing commitment to promoting the Armenian cultural heritage. This was the second summer Pepanyan and Julhakyan joined Camp Nubar, bringing with them the expertise they've developed over the years as teachers at the AGBU Nork Children's Center in Armenia, which provides enriching arts, culture and performing arts programs for over hundreds of youth. Camp Nubar Committee Chair Sarah Partin Setrakian praised Pepanyan and Julhakyan for their many great contributions to Camp Nubar stating, "When they arrived from Armenia, Arman and Ella were welcomed enthusiastically by the entire camp, and throughout the summer everyone looked forward to their classes. Arman got every camper and counselor involved in a fantastic dance he choreographed, which was performed during Open House. Ella helped the campers create beautiful arts and crafts projects, such as ceramics and painting on silk. They are both a great addition to Camp Nubar, and we hope to welcome them back for years to come." In addition to Armenian art and dance, both the staff and the youth were treated to tradition Armenian meals that were donated by a number of friends and alumni, a special treat that gave everyone a taste of home.

The Festivities Begin: The 50th Anniversary Celebrations Kick Off

Halfway through the summer, campers, counselors and AGBU families officially kicked off Camp Nubar's 50th anniversary celebrations at the Open House, which was held on Sunday, July 29. Throughout the day, alumni, parents and friends could be found in the horse barn, on the tennis courts, and down by the waterfront where campers and counselors showcased their talents with special performances. Another popular destination was the canteen, where new items, including Camp Nubar apparel, were introduced to commemorate camp's milestone anniversary. The day offered an exciting preview for the July 28, 2013, Open House, and all the festivities that are planned between now and then, which will allow campers and alumni to relive their favorite summers. Praising the unique spirit that has helped Camp Nubar grow strong over the past five decades, Director Jennifer Omartian commented, "Year after year we create a unique family comprised of talented campers and counselors from near and far. Every summer we add new layers to the traditions we've maintained for so many decades. This element keeps campers both excited for what's to come and reassured that their favorite activities will be repeated. There is nothing better than watching Armenian youth join together, create lifelong memories, and forge friendships they will carry with them through adulthood.  Campers have the unique opportunity of making camp a part of them and leaving their mark on Camp Nubar's history. This attachment to Camp is what sets us apart, making our program stronger and the experience richer."

Though the facilities have officially closed for the season, camp supporters can still express their spirit virtually through the new online store, which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through next summer. The website now features a one-stop shop for all Camp Nubar gear, including limited addition clothing and accessories, designed especially for the 50th anniversary. And, while campers have put this summer's Color War behind them, the Blue and Gold teams are still recruiting supporters online, and donations to Camp Nubar will help decide which side is the champion. To visit the canteen and support a team, please visit Camp Nubar's special 50th anniversary website: www.campnubar.org/50.

Tickets are also available on this site for Camp Nubar 50th anniversary celebration, which will take place on Friday, July 26, 2013, at Guastavino's in the heart of New York City. More details on the exciting weekend of events are coming soon; please stay tuned for updates and book now to take advantage of the pre-sale price.