Session 2 at Camp Haiastan

FRANKLIN, Mass.—As the campers made their way to the Saturday Night Dance, in semi-formal attire, it hit them that their two weeks of Camp Haiastan was coming to an end. They danced like they had never danced before, enjoying every minute of it. Soon they would be leaving their newly found friends who, for the most part, were strangers to them two weeks ago.

Campers came from California, Canada, and as far away as China. More than 125 kids attended camp during Session 2 (July 21 to Aug. 4), making it the largest session of the summer and one of the biggest ever.

Camp Haiastan provides opportunities for Armenian youth from around the world to connect and build relationships that can last a lifetime. All this connects to a concept discussed during lecture night when the campers learned about “Javakhk Jampar”—that is, that “amenkus hye enk,” which means, “We are all Armenian.” The magic of Camp Haiastan comes from a unique bond that we all share. It does not matter where we come from; when Armenians are together, there is a special connection.

Camp Haiastan is more than just a typical summer camp. Although we do sports, sing camp songs, play circle games, and have all the things other camps have, it is still very different. It is a camp where Armenian youth can come together and learn about their culture. While building bonds with new friends, campers also strengthen their bond to their heritage. Some of the ways they do that is by learning about their culture and the history during Armenian School, having Armenian cooking lessons, and learning Armenian songs. This emersion in culture is supported by counselors who play Armenian pop music during free time, put up the Armenian names for objects around camp, and dance to Armenian music at our Saturday Night Dances.

The campers develop a love of Camp Haiastan because they feel a sense of belonging and an ability to just be themselves, which is sometimes hard to do. Camp becomes a home away from home for both the campers and staff.