Young Professionals of Greater New York Retreat to Camp Nubar

By Natalie Gabrelian

Hundreds of campers packed their bags and headed for home on August 14, as yet another summer in the Catskill Mountains came to a close. Just one week later, however, AGBU's Camp Nubar would be filled with another group of young Armenians looking to rest, relax, build friendships, create memories, and escape from city life.

Fifty young professionals from the New York/New Jersey area retreated to the town of Andes in upstate New York the weekend of August 20-22 to enjoy the 5th annual City Escape at Camp Nubar, hosted by the AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY). Situated on 365 acres of unspoiled forest land, Camp Nubar truly provided a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan's busy streets. The cabin-style and semi-private accommodations on both the Boys' Hill and Girls' Valley, set against the majestic backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, presented a unique setting for young professionals to become transformed into old campers. With Blackberrys off and absolutely no cell phone service, campers enjoyed a relaxing weekend filled with swimming, boating, tennis, yoga, basketball, hiking, BBQs, gourmet tastings, and more, all while networking amongst newfound peers. Camp alumni reminisced about the good times of their youth, introducing newcomers to the magic that is Camp Nubar, with the hope of attracting future generations to the growing Camp Nubar family. "I had so many wonderful childhood and adult memories as a camper and counselor. It was like coming home. Sharing that with people I was a camper and counselor with, along with new campers, was a very special experience," said Nubar alumna Madeline Zilelian.

An Italian Affair to Remember

As the summer sun set on Friday afternoon, arriving guests were welcomed to an "Italian Affair to Remember" by the smiles of YPGNY committee members, who offered tantalizing antipasti selections for the hungry travelers. Once guests settled into their cabins, unpacked their bags, and settled in at the pasta bar, they chose from a mouthwatering array of fine fixings to create their own pasta dishes. "The food options were excellent -- great creativity, quality and selection. Thanks for giving us 'ownership' with the making of our own meals," said first-time camper Pamela Reyes.

The evening's "Italian Carnivale" filled the night air with fun and laughter as teams of Blue and Gold embarked on a head-to-head battle in an Apache relay race, a favorite team competition that has become a Nubar tradition over the years. Creative talents were unveiled in the spirit of camaraderie as players shed the weight of their work week with friends both old and new. The game concluded with the Blue team's victory, but the night was still young for this group. Late-night basketball and the voices of friends chatting away filled the mountain air for hours.

Pari Louys, Camp Nubar!

Good morning, Camp Nubar! The comedic styling of Camp Nubar alumnus Peter Endrigian, followed by the smell of homemade eggs and bacon, greeted YP guests on Saturday morning. Hot pita bread, Armenian string cheese, labne, black olives, and jams harvested from Armenia were among the selections of the "Armenian Breakfast" that made everyone feel right at home. After getting a jolt of energy (and predicting the future) with fresh Armenian coffee, the YPs took advantage of the great outdoors with an array of activities. Over a dozen guests channeled their inner serenity with a professionally taught Zen-ful yoga class looking out on Camp Nubar's beautiful spring-fed Lake Arax, while others hit the tennis and basketball courts for some fierce athletic competition. After a "Deli in Delhi" lunch, YPGNY committee members led the afternoon activities. An adventurous group of campers explored the campgrounds on a nature hike through the pine forest to a freshwater spring in the mountains with Nubar alumnus Jim Ishkanian, while a group of ladies whipped up a batch of triple chocolate cookies "Baking with Hope" Boorojian, City Escape event co-chair. Throughout the day, the lake was a central activity center for the group with canoeing, row boating, and swimming, all under the watchful eye of a certified lifeguard.

Give Us Your Best Bite

As the sun set on the lake, YPs gathered on the back deck of the Nazarian Center, or main dining hall, for a gourmet beer tasting organized by another Camp Nubar alumna, YPGNY vice chair, Alexis Halejian. Six selections, both foreign and domestic, ranging from the city (Brooklyn) to the country (Cooperstown), and a winter ale reminiscent of Christmas in July (well, August) provided a great variety of taste and plenty of time to socialize amongst other young professionals. Those daring enough to be the next Food Network star put their taste buds to the test to impress a panel of judges for the Best Bite burger contest by building the tastiest burger with fixings from the classics (ketchup, cheddar, pickles) to the contemporary (guacamole, gorgonzola, and grilled eggplant). Michael Marcarian's homage to the Burger King Whopper won him a gift certificate to one of NYC's dining hot spots, Bill's Bar & Burger.

I'll Have S'more, Please

After the "Beer & Burger Bash," the group gathered in the pine forest to enjoy s'mores by the campfire. Oozing through the layers of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows were celebrations of several August birthdays with loving birthday wishes under the starlit sky. After a weekend filled with the bright sun smiling down on Camp Nubar, Sunday morning's rain seemed to symbolize the sadness felt at the farewell brunch as the campers prepared for the trip back to the city.

And much like summers at Camp Nubar, in one weekend, a group of Young Professionals from New York City gathered with old friends, but went home with many new peers and lasting memories. "The City Escape was a great getaway and one of the highlights of my summer. AGBU YPGNY did a remarkable job in organizing fun events, providing great meals, and creating an atmosphere of fun and connectedness for all … I really needed a weekend like that. I look forward to next year!" said first-time camper Dikran Krikorian.

The weekend provided the opportunity for young professionals to beat the concrete of the city and to relive their youth up in the country, proving you're never too old for Camp! Proceeds from the City Escape benefit AGBU Camp Nubar.

YPGNY looks forward to seeing all those seeking an escape from the city at Camp Nubar again next year! To learn more about Young Professionals events in the greater New York area and how you can be part of the network, sign up at www.ypgny.org. For more information on Camp Nubar, visit www.campnubar.org.