Back to Nature: A Summer the Children Will Remember
Yeghnajur Was Once Again Filled with Children’s Laughter, Games, and New Discoveries
On July 18, the doors of the children’s charity camp reopened in Yeghnajur as part of the “Back to Nature” project. Until July 30, 60 children from different communities in Shirak Province spent their summer days surrounded by nature. They learned new things, discovered new places, took part in competitions, made things with their own hands, and, most of all, enjoyed the carefree days of childhood.
The main goal of the “Back to Nature” summer camp is to give children from disadvantaged families in Shirak Province a safe, happy, and meaningful summer. The program takes place in Yeghnajur, with support from Chene France and the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The idea behind the camp is simple: to bring children closer to nature, village life, Armenian culture, and each other. At the same time, the camp gives children a chance to learn new skills and try new things.
This year, children from Akhuryan, Bandivan, Azatan, Maralik, Amasia, Dzitankov, Keti, Kaps, and other communities in Shirak Province joined the camp.
The participation of 40 children was made possible through the financial support of Chene France. Food for the other 20 children was supported by Ola Simon Osttveit, a Norwegian donor of the Shirak Diocese, who has continued his support for the children.
Learning by Doing, Discovering by Taking Part
There was never a dull day at the camp. The children took part in many lessons and activities. They learned new things and had a chance to use their new skills in practice.
During the first-aid lessons, the children learned what to do in an emergency and how to give basic first aid. Horse-riding was also one of the activities they enjoyed most.
Sewing and drawing classes gave the children a chance to be creative, work with their hands, and turn their ideas into something they could see and share with others.
When Art Becomes a Symbol of Home
One of the special activities this year was making large posters with symbols from the Armenian national coat of arms.
Children from both camp groups worked together during their drawing lessons. They created large posters showing symbols of Armenia and Armenian identity. The colorful posters also showed how the children see their country and what their homeland means to them.
Getting Closer to Nature
Learning about nature and caring for it is an important part of the “Back to Nature” project. That is why outdoor activities and trips are an important part of camp life.
This year, the campers visited Lake Arpi National Park. They had the chance to see the beautiful nature of Shirak Province, learn more about their surroundings, and spend a day outside the camp.
The days spent in nature also reminded the children of something simple: nature can be one of our best teachers. We can learn by watching, walking, asking questions, and exploring.
Time for Prayer at Saint Sargis Chapel
Spiritual life was also an important part of the children’s daily routine.
Every day, the children read the 24-hour prayer of Saint Nerses Shnorhali at Saint Sargis Chapel in Yeghnajur village. These quiet moments gave the children time to pause and reflect during their busy camp days. They also helped them learn more about Armenia’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Games, Competitions, and New Friendships
Games and friendly competitions were another big part of camp life.
The children took part in chess and checkers tournaments. They tested their skills, improved their logical thinking, and competed for the top places. The winners received certificates and medals.
There were also quick quizzes, relay races, and other team games. In the evenings, the children watched movies, had fun together, and spent time talking with their new friends.
At the camp, winning was not only about coming first. It was also about making a new friend, riding a horse for the first time, trying something new, or simply having a good laugh together at the end of the day.
And Finally, the Campfire
Every camp has a special moment. In Yeghnajur, that moment is the campfire.
On July 30, the closing ceremony brought everyone together for one last evening. Around the campfire, the children shared the warmest memories of their summer: the games, competitions, trips, lessons, and new friendships.
The fire went out, and the campers returned to their communities. But the days they spent in Yeghnajur will stay with them.
The “Back to Nature” summer camp once again showed that a summer can be much more than a holiday. It can be a time to learn, explore, make friends, enjoy nature, and discover new things.
Most importantly, it can be a place where every child feels welcome, cared for, and important.
Until next summer in Yeghnajur - with new friends, new discoveries, new stories, and, of course, another campfire.
“Back to Nature”: a return to the place where childhood feels most alive.
