A safe haven for our children
In the fall of 2020, the lives of thousands of Innocent children in Artsakh and Armenia were forever changed by a merciless 44-day war. With Azerbaijan’s brutal attack on Artsakh, Armenian fathers, sons, and brothers were called up to defend their lands and protect their families. Sadly, far too many did not return while others sustained permanent injuries. As a result, children with fallen or severely injured family members were left with deep anxieties.
AGBU launched Camp Nairi in 2021 as an exclusive sleep-away camp offered free of charge for youth who had survived loss in 2020. Camp Nairi fosters the healing process with fun activities and therapeutic sessions with licensed professionals. From 2021 through 2023, over 600 children ages 7-13 participated in our summer sessions, including a brief program offered during the Azeri blockade of Artsakh in August of 2023.
With the mass displacement of Artsakhstis to Armenia, the need to support our youth has grown exponentially. AGBU has doubled down on our efforts to launch weekend support retreats for families starting in January 2024. Each session provides for access to mental health professionals, activities like art and music therapy, and more. Then, this summer, we are pleased to announce our goal to welcome 300-400 children from Artsakh to Camp Nairi for our overnight camp experience.
With your support, we can continue to expand our AGBU Camp Nairi offering to our most vulnerable community.
Supporting AGBU Camp Nairi allows us to expand our programming in many ways:
Working to change the negative perceptions of therapy and mental health care, our program connects experts in the diaspora and homeland to work together to develop meaningful curriculums. The time spent with parents in advance of a child's stay at Camp Nairi is critical to ensure trust and partnership between our work and the family environment. It is our belief that only together, can we work through this challenging time.
While the Camp Nairi children share similar experiences, their individual traumas feel unique and isolating. Bringing them together and encouraging open dialogue and expression creates a network of supportive friendships that will last a lifetime. To see these young faces smiling and enjoying each others' company opens the hearts of all around them and gives a hope for the future.
With the support and generosity of our donors, AGBU is able to provide the community with innovative and engaging programming while investing in the next generation of global leaders. The strength and future of this organization relies on donors who embrace AGBU and invest in our global programs.
To learn more about the areas in which you can direct your meaningful gift and the many ways of supporting AGBU, please contact our Director of Development and Outreach:
Karen Papazian
Kpapazian@agbu.org
212-319-6383