Over 240 Armenian Youths Attend 48th Season of Camp Nubar

On August 13, 2011, AGBU Camp Nubar concluded its extraordinary 48th season in the Catskill Mountains, located in the scenic Hudson Valley of upstate New York. The summer camp opened its doors to youth from around the globe on July 2 and was organized into three two-week sessions. Over 240 campers and counselors from as far afield as Canada, France, Germany, the UK, Turkey, and all across the United States attended the state-of-the-art facility that continues to welcome generations of youth of Armenian heritage looking to experience an unforgettable summer and connect with their cultural roots. Campers and counselors, both old and new, rekindled friendships and created new bonds throughout the camp's six-week program.

Under the guidance of returning director Jennifer Omartian and assistant director Daniel Antreasyan, the highly qualified staff introduced new activities this year, including camp-wide hikes and the revival of popular Camp Nubar songs and campouts. With the staff's skills and expertise, they offered a wide array of special activities in which campers could participate, including horseback riding, arts & crafts, tubing, tennis, archery, creative writing, digital media and technology, and vocal class.

Each session had its own unique activities and events for campers. During the first session, camp staff organized a counselor hunt, hayrides, a July Fourth carnival, and the return of Camp Nubar's Armenian nights. The second session welcomed ballet master Arman Julhakyan and art instructor Ella Pepanyan, both from the AGBU Children's Centers in Armenia, for a series of unforgettable cultural lessons. Julhakyan led campers in various Armenian dances, while campers learned to create beautiful pieces of art under the guidance of Pepanyan. Campers also participated in a fun competition of Olympics, a basketball game against Lake Delaware Boys Camp, and a memorable dance at Lake Arax.

Open House

On July 24, AGBU Camp Nubar opened its gates to parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends at its 31st annual Open House. The Catskill Mountains offered a spectacular backdrop for families to visit campers and for alumni to reminisce about their time at the camp. The day started with His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Nazarian Center. Following the church service, campers participated in horseback riding and waterfront shows, as well as playing the finals of the camp-wide tennis tournament. Throughout the day, Armenian-inspired ceramics and art projects were on display, and parents watched campers of all ages perform skits and Armenian dances and songs.

During the last two weeks of camp, campers and counselors anxiously awaited the surprise beginning of Color War, the most anticipated event of the summer. This three-day event divides the camp into two teams, Gold and Blue, and campers compete in athletic, artistic, and creative activities as part of their respective team. Following the competition, counselors transformed the dining hall into a "Finding Nemo"-themed banquet for the campers to enjoy. With summer coming to a close, campers were teary eyed as they said goodbye to their friends, both old and new.

Camp Nubar wrapped up yet another highly successful and memorable summer, and AGBU is already making preparations for 2012. "I always have a great time going to Camp Nubar, and knowing that I am going to share beautiful moments in this amazing community," said 2011 camper Laura Bal of France. "At the end of the session, I was already thinking about the following summer. If you asked me to describe Camp Nubar in a few words, it would be friendship, family, and a lot of fun," she said.

Fellow camper Greg Merjian of Florida shared Bal's enthusiasm. "This year, camp was an amazing experience for me and I truly enjoyed my last year as a camper. I look forward to returning year after year because I never cease to enjoy every second that I am at camp. It's the only place I can go where the friendships hold deeper meaning and the memories last forever. I was a camper for nine years, and I look forward to taking the next step and attending camp for years to come as a staff member," he said.