Camps

The tradition of AGBU overnight camps started in 1963 with Camp Nubar in the scenic Catskill Mountains of New York with dozens more to follow. Each camp community reflects the diversity of the unique traits of that community and all while maintaining the same level of excellence and commitment to youth engagement providing safe and supported environment for youth to grow, develop life skills like resiliency and teamwork and making lifelong friends. AGBU also runs a special camp for the children affected by the 2020 Arstakh War each summer in Armenia, Camp Nairi.

All AGBU camps are well equipped with updated facilities and expert staff who create a positive experience for every participant. With an array of activities including crafts, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, music, swimming and much more, AGBU campers are constantly learning and – most importantly – having fun. Our special focus on language, songs, dance and history also instill in campers a love of Armenian traditions that keeps them returning each summer, with many continuing on as counselors.

The Camp Experience

Every summer, hundreds arrive at the 12 AGBU-operated day and overnight camps around the world, ready to develop new skills and make lifelong friends.

Sets of youth playing with one young girl turning to face the camera.

A group of campers on horseback wearing helmets.

A martial arts test where one child leaps over 3 others are laying on the ground to kick a board held by an instructor.

Youth in an office setting are learning how to use various types of cameras. Some are filming while others are arranging magazines and other objects for product shots.

A dramatic scene where older campers are in a large orange raft paddling through rapids, all wearing life jackets and helmets.

A group of young campers experiment in a painting class. In the foreground is back of a young girl who is focused on a while flower on a green field.

A line of older campers in snow gear and on skis raise their ski poles set amongst snow ground and mountains in the back ground.

A group of campers sit below the US Endeavor space shuttle.

Two young campers embrace each other with big smiles.

Young camper walks on a plank bridge suspended above the ground.

Grass in the foreground, and a lake with docks, and campers swimming. Colorful sailboats in the background.

Our Camps Around the World

We welcome countless youth to AGBU camps in all corners of the globe.

Overnight Camps

Antranik Scout Camp – Vanadzor, Armenia

As the first AGBU camp in Armenia, the Antranik Scout program unites yearly hundreds of youth who share a passion for adventure and hail from different countries – Argentina, Armenia, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, the United States and Uruguay. The camp is the ideal venue for the global scouts to interact and develop friendships with the Yerevan-based scouts, who look forward to their visit each year.

For more information on Antranik Scout Camp, please email youth@agbu.org.

Camp Nairi – Yerevan, Armenia

In Armenia, AGBU launched a summer retreat program for children affected by the 2020 Artsakh War. Camp Nairi offers a compassionate and supportive place for youth to spend time in the great outdoors and provide mindful activities aimed both at healing and allowing children to be children. The program is run by experienced staff in a modern facility and supported by mental health professionals.

Camp Hayler – Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Camp Hayler brings youth ages 7-14 from the towns of Plovdiv, Haskovo, Burgas Russe, Yambol and other cities in Eastern Bulgaria, to the scenic mountains atop handpicked unique locations and resort complexes, where they enjoy swimming, horseback riding, hiking, arts and crafts, AVC online lessons, and Armenian songs & dance sessions.

For more information on Camp Hayler, please email youth@agbu.org.

Camp Hayler – Sofia, Bulgaria

Camp Hayler of AGBU Sofia Chapter brings together youth ages 4-18, from Sofia and neighboring cities, Armenia, Europe and the USA for 7 days. Campers learn Armenian culture, nature conservation and outdoor survival skills. They strengthen both their mental and physical skills through active sports, activities and competitions, such as football, volleyball and chess. Theater and Armenian dance are also taught by special instructors.

For more information on Camp Hayler, please email youth@agbu.org or visit the following websites:

Hayler (Sofia): https://haylercamp.wordpress.com

Colonie de Vacances – Haute-Savoie, France

Colonie de Vacances sits in the spectacular Hautes-Savoie of southeastern France,and is open to children and teens from Europe and abroad. Campers spend their days playing soccer, tennis, and volleyball, visiting local villages and jetting down rapids on whitewater rafting excursions.

Learn more about Colonie de Vacances

Kessab Camp – Kessab, Syria

AGBU Kessab Camp attracts a number of AGBU groups within Syria every summer for the opportunity to regroup and bond. It also provides a creative outlet for the scout groups to practice their skills.

For more information on Kessab Camp, please email youth@agbu.org.

Camp Nubar – New York, USA

Since 1963, Camp Nubar has offered youth well-rounded programs incorporating the stunning grounds into daily activities ranging from hiking to boating, horseback riding to arts & crafts. Campers also enjoy a range of studio and performance arts, photography, as well as Armenian language, history and culture. Camp Nubar sits on 365 acres of forests that surround a private lake in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.

Visit the Camp Nubar website

Day Camps

Colonia de Vacaciones Day Camp – Buenos Aires, Argentina

AGBU Colonia de Vacaciones offered a myriad of recreational activities to hundreds of Argentinian youth ages 3-12. Daily activities included music lessons, playing sports and swimming in the pool at the local AGBU Alex Manoogian Center, as well as camping trips each month.

For more information on Colonia de Vacaciones Day Camp – Buenos Aires, please email youth@agbu.org.

Colonia de Vacaciones Day Camp – Cordoba, Argentina

Every year, the AGBU Colonia de Vacaciones Day Camp unites youth from across Cordoba. With a daily itinerary that includes crafts, sports and swimming in the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center’s swimming pool, campers are always engaged.

For more information on Colonia de Vacaciones Day Camp – Buenos Aires, please email youth@agbu.org.

Yerchanik Tajirian Summer Camp – Baghdad, Iraq

The Yerchanik Tajirian Summer Camp welcomes elementary-school age children to enrich their studies in sciences, language, Armenian culture and heritage.

For more information on Yerchanik Tajirian Summer Camp – Baghdad, Iraq, please email youth@agbu.org.

Demirdjian Center Day Camp – Antelias, Lebanon

The AGBU Demirdjian Center’s Summer Camp was the first Armenian camp in Lebanon, founded in 1997. Every year, the camp selects a different educational theme that becomes the focal point of July and August. Campers’ community service projects benefit AGBU Lebanon Schools and other Armenian and local organizations (Lebanese Red Cross, Zvartnots Center for Mentally Handicapped Children in Lebanon, Beirut Marathon Association).

For more information on AGBU Demirdjian Center’s Summer Camp, please email youth@agbu.org.

Hayorotyats Summer Camp – Montreal, Canada

AGBU Hayortyats Summer Camp is a unique and special experience where campers find enrichment through different forms of art, science, sport, songs, dance and theater. At the end of the session, the campers take part in a friendly talent competition called "Hayortyats Got Talent". It is a most memorable time for the young participants, who build lasting memories in their summers at camp.

For more information on Hayortyats Summer Camp, please email youth@agbu.org.

Camp Amaras – Pasadena, USA

Launched in 2012, the AGBU Summer Day Camp-Pasadena, now known as AGBU Camp Amaras, offers a nurturing environment where children can develop an appreciation for their cultural heritage and form lasting friendships with their Armenian peers.

To learn more about the AGBU Camp Amaras, please call the AGBU Western Region office (626) 794-7942.

Learn more

A Camp with a Cause

Launched in August 2021 to provide a supportive retreat for children affected by the 2020 Artsakh War, Camp Nairi offers youth from Artsakh and Armenia a safe environment with special programming led by certified psychologists and the presence of welcoming clergy and staff. Campers are provided with top quality care with ample outlets for self expression and much needed healing. This camp relies on funding by generous donors.

Support

For additional information about our camps, please email info@agbu.org.

The Camp Experience