This summer more than 300 children supported by our projects, including the children of Artsakh War veterans, displaced Artsakhtsi kids, Syrian-Armenian children who receive our assistance, and those supported by Ayo! and CASP, spent part of their summer vacation at Aragats in Armenia’s Kotayk Province.
For years, the summer camp program at Aragats has helped many young Armenians from across Armenia who are orphaned or who come from disadvantaged families to find a community where they can forge friendships, develop team building and communication skills, and find a recreational outlet.
“This is my first time at camp. I thought it would be hard, but our days are so full that we don’t even notice how time flies. If I were at home, I’d be bored because my mom goes to work every day letting me alone at home. Here, we spend our time playing, dancing, and learning. It’s so much fun—I wish I could stay another week!” shared 9-year-old camper Levon Sargsyan from Ashtarak, Aragatsotn region.
Eduard Karapetyan, FAR’s Educational Program Director, shared his thoughts on the camp’s impact: “The children played, had fun, enjoyed nutritious food, learned ethnographic and contemporary dances, patriotic songs, and traditional games. They made new friends and will return home with cherished memories and warmth. We are pleased to say that our goals were achieved.”
The Aragats Summer Camp ran in two shifts from June 24 to July 26. 317 FAR-supported children from different regions of Armenia, including orphans, children from low-income families, Artsakh displaced kids, and Syrian Armenian children, enjoyed a two-week vacation filled with ethnographic and modern dances, patriotic songs, traditional games, and learning about customs from various regions. Each day ended with a summary of the day's events, joyful songs, dances, and a beloved disco night.
The children engaged in sports competitions, exhibitions of paintings and handicrafts, and expeditions. They found the visits and conversations with scientists from ANSEF and ASOF foundations about world perception, developments, and scientific facts particularly fascinating and educational. The camp provided them with fun, nutritious food, improved health, new friendships, and lasting memories filled with warmth and joy.
To help more children experience the joys of childhood, please consider donating to FAR today!
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