Camp Nubar Ushers in 50th Anniversary Year with a Series of Celebratory Events

Alumni & Friends Raise Over $40,000 to Date to Honor Decades of Growth with Benefactor to Match First $100,000 in Donations

Camp Nubar is not yet in session, but AGBU families in the greater New York-New Jersey area are showing their camp spirit more than ever through a series of celebratory events dedicated to its 50th anniversary. The milestone year got off to an exciting start this fall with the Parents’ Night Out, and continued this past weekend during the first-ever Camp Nubar Alumni Basketball Tournament and Annual Winter Reunion. 

On Saturday, January 12, 2012, dozens of former counselors – some of whom joined Camp Nubar a decade ago – went head to head on the basketball courts of St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. They were cheered on by campers both past and present who turned out in large numbers for the Annual Winter Reunion and were clad in 50th anniversary gear, including t-shirts, bags and wristbands, designed especially for the occasion. Before filling the stands, the attendees gathered for the unveiling of the Special Edition Color War Poster, featuring Blue and Gold team banners from across camp history, as well as for a photo slideshow of the past summer.

Parents’ Night Out, which was held on Thursday, November 15, 2012, also showcased a special collection of photographs: those that brought to life Camp Nubar’s spring-fed lake, acres of pristine forests and Catskill Mountain ranges – the natural beauty that has drawn back generation after generation. An intimate evening for families and friends, Parents’ Night Out gathered longtime camp alumni, as well as those who recently joined the Camp Nubar community, to the Harvest Bistro & Bar in Closter, New Jersey. There, the guests reminisced about summers past, discussed plans for the upcoming year and took in the striking photographs.  

The exhibit featured the work of three AGBU members: AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY) longtime core committee member Vadim Krisyan, who adds the Camp Nubar photos to his growing portfolio; YP supporter Shant Madjarian, who has honed his eye as the founder of a local design firm; and Carol Halebian, a longstanding supporter and friend of camp. Though neither has been a camper, both participated in this summer’s annual YPGNY City Escape retreat to Camp Nubar and were immediately inspired by their surroundings. Their talent and enthusiasm, and that of the Camp Nubar 50th Anniversary Committee members, is making the celebratory year an unforgettable one. As committee member and camp alumna Nancy Zoraian commented, “It was so nice to be part of such a warm and festive evening. But Parents’ Night Out was only the beginning. Our committee represents a mix of generations, from older alumni, to parents of campers, to AGBU’s innovative young professionals, who are bringing so many fresh ideas to the table. Their energy is amazing and inspiring – and together we are making each event dedicated to the 50th anniversary more spectacular than the last.”

Parents’ Night Out launched not only a year of festivities, but a year of fundraising, as well. Throughout the evening, bids on the photographs, as well as substantial contributions from Barry and Andrea Halejian, Jack and Carol Margossian and Armen and Brenda Shahinian, and other AGBU supporters brought the total Camp Nubar donations to date over $40,000. Camp Nubar has also received a pledge from a silent benefactor, who has agreed to match the first $100,000 raised, encouraging alumni and friends to give back to the place that has given them so many wonderful memories. Together, the funds will help Camp Nubar construct a brand new pavilion, a common space in the heart of the camp where youth will create and learn together.

Camp Nubar families have even more to look forward to in the coming months: on Friday, July 26, 2013, the 50th Anniversary celebration will take place at Guastavino’s restaurant in New York City. Tickets are on sale now, and over 100 guests from across Canada and the U.S. have already reserved their places. On Sunday, July 28, 2013, Camp Nubar will hold its annual Open House and honor the five-decade anniversary.  

To learn about Camp Nubar’s upcoming 50th anniversary events, make a donation to Camp Nubar, or purchase 50th anniversary gear and tickets, please visit: www.campnubar.org/50.

Please note that photography prints from Parents’ Night Out will be sold in limited quantities throughout the year.