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.

A space for healing and growth

With our vast experience managing youth programs coupled with our network of experts in childcare and mental health, AGBU founded Camp Nairi in Armenia as safe place for these vulnerable children to find self-expression. Launched in 2021 as an exclusive sleep-away camp offered free of charge, Camp Nairi is designed to foster the healing process with fun activities and therapeutic sessions with licensed professionals. 

To date, we have helped close to 250 children ages 7-13 through our summer sessions and continue to reach out to hundreds more during the year. With the continued security and safety threat by Azerbaijan, the psychological well-being of these children and their families remains fragile.  With your support, we can keep AGBU Camp Nairi open to this vulnerable community. 

Read about our inaugural session as featured in AGBU Magazine.

Your donation at work

Supporting AGBU Camp Nairi allows us to expand our programming in many ways:

• Increasing our summer session capacity
• Adding new sessions throughout the year 
• Growing our network of mental health professionals
• Providing 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.