About St. Vartan Camp

Click here to see this year's web blog.

As demand for our program continues to grow, so do we! In 2009, we are again offering three sessions. St. Vartan Camp, sponsored by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), is led by an experienced administration and staff.

The camp provides a physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy environment in which young Armenian-American Christians can grow and flourish as they learn about and develop a deeper understanding of their Armenian faith and culture.

Housed at the 65 acres of the Diocesan Ararat Center overlooking the scenic Catskill Mountains, this idyllic location offers an on-site pool, tennis court, basketball court, soccer field, and contemporary dining and recreational facilitie. It is a superior center for both indoor and outdoor activities. The new pavillion provides much more space for classes and group activities. Click here for more on our facilities at the Ararat Center.

In achieving its goal to offer all youth a fulfilling experience, the program focuses on a well-rounded blend of Armenian religion, culture, language, history, dance, music, arts, and fellowship, together with a full sports program including soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming. Special activities include dances, talent shows, camp Olympics, theme days, nature hikes, and campfires. St. Vartan Camp invites all children to experience a place where Armenian faith and culture is nurtured and nourished, a place every child can call "home."

The campers are under the constant supervision and care of qualified counselors from throughout the Diocese who are specially chosen for their concern and devotion to our Armenian youth. Our instructors and staff strive to help each child reach his/her potential through success-oriented experiences. A full-time nursing staff provides quality healthcare with safety as a major priority. The cafeteria provides three nourishing meals each day, including authentic Armenian cuisine. Accommodations offer community living, with lounges and recreational areas.

Sessions and Costs

St. Vartan Camp offers three sessions.

Campers MUST arrive the day their designated session begins.

Session A

• Two-week session: June 28-July 11
• Tuition: $900 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $930 after March 17(Mon)

Session A1

• One-week session: June 28-July 4
• Tuition: $500 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $530 after March 17

Session A2

• One-week session: July 5-11
• Tuition: $500 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $530 after March 17

Session B

• Two-week session: July 12-25
• Tuition: $950 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $980 after March 17

Session B1

• One-week session: July 12-18
• Tuition: $550 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $580 after March 17

Session B2

• One-week session: July 19-25
• Tuition: $550 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $580 after March 17

Session C

• Two-week session: July 26-August 8
• Tuition: $850 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $880 after March 17

Session C1

• One-week session: July 26-August 1
• Tuition: $450 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $480 after March 17

Session C2

• One-week session: August 1-8
• Tuition: $450 if postmarked or paid by March 17*; $480 after March 17

Camp is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

Note: There will be a $100 administrative charge for cancellations after June 1.

For those who wish to attend both St. Vartan Camp and St. Nersess Seminary Summer Conferences, please avoid any scheduling conflicts by visiting www.stnersess.edu for conference dates. Remember: Campers must arrive and participate in St. Vartan Camp orientation program the day their session begins.

Camperships and Family Discounts

A limited number of "camperships," or partial tuition reimbursements, are available to children in need of financial assistance. We ask that only those in serious need apply for the funds. For more information, contact your pastor about a parish "campership."

A family discount is available for St. Vartan Camp's two-week sessions only: $50 reduction for each additional child registered from the same family.

Camp Registration

In order to register, complete and send an application along with a 50% deposit, payable to St. Vartan Camp, and mail to:

St. Vartan Camp
C/O Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)
630 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10016

If you have questions, e-mail Jennifer Morris, the youth outreach coordinator, or the camp office coordinator. Or starting February 15 you can register and pay by credit card at our secure website. After we receive your deposit, you will be sent an acceptance packet, with a medical form and additional details.

All campers, CITs, and staff are encouraged to arrange their doctor's appointments now, so all paperwork can be completed by your physician prior to the deadlines

The balance of your payment, together with the completed medical form, is due postmarked by April 15, 2009. Be advised that doctor appointments might need to be made in advance to meet the deadline. NOTE: Campers will not be registered until full payment has been received.

Balances must be received by the April 15 deadline in order to reserve a place for your child. Please note: there will be a $100 administrative charge for cancellation after June 1.

For more information, please contact the Jennifer Morris, coordinator of youth outreach, by phone at (212) 686-0710, or via e-mail, or e-mail.

Counselor-in-Training Program at St. Vartan Camp

The Counselor-in-Training program is open to qualified young people 16 and 17 years old.

CITs will participate in a Leadership Training program that includes both "on-the-job" training by working with staff and campers, along with daily leadership and team building classes. CITs must apply for the program and may NOT register on-line. To request an application packet or more information contact Jennifer Morris, coordinator of youth outreach, by phone (212) 686-0710 or e-mail at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org.

Please note: CITs may only apply for one session and must arrive at camp a day before the campers to undergo a special orientation with directors, staff, and counselors.

Session A: June 27-July 11

Session B: July 11-25

Session C: July 25-August 8

Tuition: $500

Applications are due by March 17.

Seeking Qualified Staff

The St. Vartan Camp staff is an integral part of the quality, integrity, and success of the program. They are expected to serve as mentors and Christian role models, and as such, not only have a positive and lasting impact on campers, but also bear a tremendous responsibility. Accordingly, we are seeking fun-loving, dedicated, and faithful individuals who welcome the opportunity to spend the summer mentoring young Armenian Christians and strengthening their own faith in the process. We also provide a modest stipend in appreciation of their efforts. Click here for a staff stipend schedule, including brief job descriptions.

Please note: St. Vartan Camp prefers staff available for all three Sessions A, B and C, but will accept staff who can only attend one session, if available.

All staff application materials must be received postmarked by April 1, 2009; therefore, please act quickly if you are interested in this opportunity. Staff will be notified of acceptance by April 15.

If you are accepted as a staff member, you must arrive at camp on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, for participation in mandatory training and pre-camp preparations, as required by New York State regulations. This training session is for all staff, regardless of the number of weeks on staff. An alternate training session for non full-summer staff may be scheduled if the need arises. However, until such alternate training session is determined, all staff must plan on attending the pre-camp on-site training, from June 24-27.