Camp Ararat’s 20th anniversary was special with celebrations with Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada, Clergy and Alumni guests. The two generations of Camp Ararat shared memories with a brief historical video that featured today’s leadership team and mentors as young campers.
Once again returning to the beautiful accommodations at Camp Tamarack the more then 250 participants from coast to coast the week of August 18-25th, 2024 enjoyed an extra day and evening together. To commemorate this Anniversary Camp Ararat hosted its Alumni for the afternoon and evening filled with nostalgia while highlighting our more then doubled growth and multifaceted programing.
Rev. Fr. Hrant Manukyan, of Saint Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton, returned as our resolute camp Clergy, guiding us in our faith, relationship with God and families. The campers and counsellors further had the opportunity to forge connections through discussions and games with Bishop Abgar and their visiting Parish Priests.
This year, once again, camper groups were named after historical Armenian monasteries and had the opportunity to explore motifs that represent Armenia and Armenians to create their own bookmarks. To enhance their connection to Armenian heritage, campers were instructed in the Shourj bar, traditional Armenian songs, and Language taught through games and friendly competition. The oldest campers had exciting daily Camp Ararat Challenge activities to complete each morning building on their STEM and cooperative skills.
Campers rose early each morning at 7:15 to morning exercises then got to enjoy the magnificent facilities of Camp Tamarack such as High Ropes, Rock Climbing, and Archery. Afternoons commenced with a Proud to be Armenian segment, which included topics such as the Armenian Alphabet, Armenian Athletes, Armenian Philanthropists, and Armenian Technology, Inventions, and Inventors. Evenings were busy with more whole camp activities which included our traditional CIT Olympics, Camp Ararat Has Talent and a dance night under the stars. Further, our counsellor-in-training program welcomes CIT1, CIT2 and CIT3 candidates given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Once again, we are grateful to our volunteer medical staff and NLS certified lifeguards for their diligent care.
We are proud of this opportunity given to our Canadian Armenian youth to gather and volunteer in such a welcoming and inclusive Christian environment. It is through the dedication of the seven Board of Directors and nine Leadership team members that dedicated the entire year to ensure a safe and memorable experience for our campers.
We are thankful for the guidance and support of Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan in addition to the funding by the Armenian Apostolic Diocese of Canada’s growing Endowment and generous donors that make this camp community experience affordable for our upcoming Canadian Armenian generations.
