With the guidance of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church, 127 vibrant youth from all corners of Canada spent the week of August 22, 2011 in the beautiful Sandbanks region at Wesley Acres Retreat in Bloomfield, Ontario. The campers experienced nature and formed lasting friendships while learning about their Armenian heritage including the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, its hymns and prayers as well as the origins of the “Trchnakeer” ancient manuscript, Armenian dance, music, cuisine and art. The entire camp was divided into five major regions Ararat, Shirak, Lori, Artsakh and Yerevan within which they were further referred to as cities such as Maralik, Stepanagert, and Masis all in learning their geographical locations. Armenian language was used throughout the week with bilingual instructions being given at every opportunity. In addition, each camper made a personalized bunting representing themselves, junior campers made a keepsake “Trchnakeer” plate, while senior campers were challenged to make traditional meechoogov kofte. All campers enjoyed a pontoon ride out to a private corner of the dunes and had the opportunity to canoe, kayak, swim, play on floating water toys, participate in team building ropes challenges and our own slip & slide.
Camp Ararat is also about giving back to the Canadian Armenian community. Here former campers have the opportunity to become CITs, Counsellors in Training, by following a structured lesson plan to develop their leadership skills while earning volunteer hours. In addition 18 former campers and CITs, now young responsible counsellors, came to Camp Ararat and embraced the campers with their limitless attention and devotion. The above came together thanks to a devoted staff; Ani Altounian as Executive Director, Arpi Kurkjian the Camp Director, Taleen Chouljian as CIT Coordinator, Sona Bedikian as Registered Nurse, Raffy Chouljian as Senior and Waterfront Coordinator, Sahag Sildiryan as Safety Coordinator and assistant to the Senior and Waterfront programs, Arbe Satouri as Treasurer, David Walsh as Secretary, Arda McGarry as Advisor and Marlin Ustun as Advisor all under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Myron Sarkissian. Everyone had a great time.
