On Sun., July 10, Camp Haiastan celebrated the completion of a major renovation project that resulted in the construction of two new, full-size basketball courts, along with an integrated volleyball court. The new courts are located where the old basketball and volleyball courts used to be, right at the entrance to the lower camp.
Camp alumni and current campers can testify that this area serves as a focal point for camp activities. Not only do campers play basketball there, but the open space is often used for evening activities and as a common area where the entire camp can gather.
Throughout the past decade, the camp has also expanded its bunk capacity, creating a need to upgrade the facilities to keep up with the large number of campers. On the day of the basketball court dedication, the camp welcomed its largest campership in history, with 126 children in attendance.
“Throughout the years, we discussed the need to refurbish this necessary recreational area and focused on identifying funding sources,” said Mark Alashaian, the chairman of the Camp Board, adding that a number of discussions about the renovation project took place with camp alumni and supporters. It was during the course of these discussions that Peter Jelalian, a past camper, counselor, and long-time camp director, and his sister Louise Jelalian Kanian asked the Camp Board to utilize the Jelalian funds towards that purpose. The Jelalian Fund was established in memory of their late parents Peter and Theresa Jelalian. This spring, Pete and Louise also hosted a fundraiser, specifically for the basketball court renovation, bringing in additional funds from those who attended the event.
In collaboration with the Jelalian family, the camp was fortunate enough to receive major donations from a number of camp supporters, including the Tarzian Family, Dennis, Linda, Christopher, and Matthew; Armen Alashaian, along with his family, Nicole, Mark, and Shant; the Barsamian Family, Dikran, Lynn, Emily, Peter, and David; and the Kline Family, Steven, Elise, Charles, Melissa, Hannah, and Sam. In addition to these major supporters, the camp received a generous grant from the Dadourian Foundation to assure that the entire project would be completed in time for the 2011 camp season.
Regarding the construction of the new courts, Michael Shamlian, the Camp Board vice-chairman, said that “the Board wanted to be sure that we constructed a facility that was sustainable and did not compromise the aesthetic integrity of the camp. We wanted it to meet our current and projected future needs, and blend in with the facility. That is why we expanded the original basketball court to match the dimensions of a high school court and added a second elementary school-sized basketball court with adjustable height baskets for the younger campers. The new courts include an integrated volleyball court and a continuous surface extending to the pavilion, providing a safer area for kickball and other camp activities.”
The basketball court dedication began with welcoming remarks from Chair Mark Alashaian. Present were campers, parents, visitors, and special invited guests who were major donors to the construction effort. Der Karekin Bedourian of St. Gregory’s Armenian Church in North Andover, Mass., blessed the courts. The young Der Hayr’s enthusiastic participation in the activities was well received by those in attendance.
Phil Nigon, the chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Central Executive, offered his congratulations and expressed the AYF’s gratitude to all of those who helped in the effort. He said the camp has always played a significant role in shaping the character of the young Armenians who have gone through the ranks of the AYF.
Following brief remarks, Peter, Louise, and the Der Hayr were invited to unveil the dedication plaque. Prior to the closing remarks, members of the Jelalian and Kalian families were invited to take the inaugural “jump shot.”
Roy Callan, Camp Executive Director, said, “We are quite pleased that this project, as well as all our other capital improvement projects, do not utilize operational funds. Furthermore, the Board has designated some funds received through this solicitation effort to be used for maintenance, thus assuring a line item in our budget to pay for yearly upkeep.”
As testimony to the significance of this extensive upgrade, as soon as the invited guests walked off the basketball courts, dozens of children invaded it and started shooting into all four baskets.
Camp Haiastan of the AYF, Inc., located on 110 acres surrounding Uncas Pond in Franklin, Mass., has been serving the Armenian community since 1951.
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