Contributed by Joshua Tevekelian
FRANKLIN, Mass.—On a normal summer day between early July and mid-August when most people are trying hard to protect themselves from the oppressive humidity that grips central Massachusetts, there is a campground in a small town 45 miles west of Boston that is thankful for every sunny day, humid or dry. The staff is thankful for every camper, the Board of Directors thankful for every supportive parent, and the community is thankful for every effort of the many that have brought the camp to life over the last 60 years.
Camp Haiastan is nestled in Franklin, Mass., a town that has served the Armenian community worldwide and a place that many Armenian children fondly claim is their “home away from home”. An oasis of cultural and educational experiences for those wanting to get in touch with their ethnic roots, the camp has been a mainstay in the Boston area, reaching children from all over the world and creating lifetime bonds that have spurned a commitment and loyalty unlike other camping institutions. This loyalty and commitment has been illustrated and proven through the numerous “house parties” that the camp initiated in 2010 with the assistance of a unique network of appreciative supporters.
The house parties of 2010 were specifically geared towards building an endowment fund for the future of Camp Haiastan. The Board of Directors reached out to its greatest supporters to help kick off the fundraising for the endowment campaign with the hope that it would security to the camp and ensure its future operation. The call went out, and the response was immediate and positive. In 2010, Camp Haiastan, with the help of many, was able to host seven house parties, including venues in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. Additional parties are being planned for this fall. As of September 2010, Camp Haiastan has raised more than $60,000 to bolster its endowment campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our host families, the gatherings have been well attended, informative, and have allowed the camp to disseminate important and relevant information about its needs and operations.
Special thanks are extended to our host families Will and Nikki (Berberian) Whittlesey, Greg and Carol (Boloian) Minassian, Michael and Susan (Shahtanian) Guzelian, Mark and Susan (Shamlian) Pogharian, Cordsel Technologies and Friends, Armen and Mary (Karakelian) Boyadjian, Robert and Kim (Chantikian) Kachikian, and Jason and Nora (Manjikian) Simonian.
The camp is grateful for all of the grass roots support it receives from the community and realizes that the challenges are many as it continues to grow its operation and strive to provide our youth with a safe, educational, and fun camping experience. “Through community support and continual growth of our endowment fund, we hope to further exemplify the commitment we as a community and a people have towards furthering the goals of not only the AYF, but the aspirations of Armenians all over, be it educational, cultural, or simply social,” says Michael Guzelian, Board chairman. “It’s a large undertaking, but one that we know will pay huge benefits for many years to come.”
If you or anyone you know is interested in assisting the camp in growing its endowment fund through a donation or the hosting of an event, you can contact the camp’s executive director Roy Callan at (508) 520-1312. Camp Haiastan is a 501(C)3 charity and relies of the generosity of the community for support. Your individual support is greatly appreciated and of the utmost importance.
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Thank you Josh for writing such a thoughtful article on AYF Camp Haiastan.
Hye, the friendships begun at Camp Haiastan extends across the USA and too, so many from overseas as well. My children’s summers at Camp Haiastan are memories which
they cherish, friendships enduring and more. Camp has taught the Armenian children to appreciate their friends, too, as they looked forward to the next Camp season… again.
Too, then the Olympics follow when friends seek one another, again.
Manooshag
P.S. Camp Haiastan – invest in our future… DONATE!!