Camp Nairi

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.

In 2023, 120,000 Armenians woke up to another Azeri attack, this time with a warning to either leave their ancestral lands immediately or face certain retribution. Again, the children were exposed to the indignities of ethnic cleansing, losing their belief in humanity. Today, they join other families suffering tragedy and loss at AGBU Camp Nairi, located in the pastoral Hankavan region of Armenia.

A growing need for healing and growth

With the mass displacement of Artsakhstis to Armenia, the need to support our youth has grown exponentially. Starting in January 2024, AGBU has doubled down on our efforts to launch weekend support retreats for families providing for access to mental health professionals, activities like art and music therapy, and more. Since 2021, Camp Nairi has helped 1,200 children and nearly 700 mothers find a safe space for healing. 

Families return year after year showing marked improvement, proving the efficacy of early intervention for post-traumatic stress. 

With your support, we can continue to expand our AGBU Camp Nairi offering to our most vulnerable community. 

Your donation at work

Recovery is a process not a destination. That’s why we need your support in sustainable ways:

• Adding a new family retreat format for off-season months
• Increasing our summer session capacity
• Ensuring the hiring of well-trained mental health professionals
• Providing ongoing aid and assistance to campers and their families throughout the year

Developing a true support network

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.