Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click here to view the full 2024 St. Vartan Camp Fact Sheet!

What do the daily activities and classes look like?

Every day, the campers have a full daily schedule packed with fun and learning! On weekdays, they have classes in Armenian Language & Heritage, Arts & Crafts, and Religion, which are taught by our talented staff and visiting clergy. They also have a daily sports program run by the Athletics Director and a daily swim time supervised by the Aquatics Team of certified lifeguards. Our Programming Coordinator organizes an evening program every day. Our evening programs include game shows, scavenger hunts, talent shows, dances, campfires, Capture the Flag, outdoor movies, and so much more!

What is your staff supervision like?

At all times, we have a 1:8 staff to camper ratio. All staff members are 18 years old or older. Counselor groups are assigned based on the age and gender of the campers. Each counselor group is assigned with both staff and CITs, who are always present with their campers at all activities and events throughout the day. In addition to our amazing staff members, who are often raised through the camp program themselves, we have incredible adult alumni and volunteers who come to camp to lend a helping hand to the program in many capacities.

What type of training does your staff receive?

Our staff arrive the week before camp commences and experience a mandatory 4-day training. During the training, our staff undergo sessions covering a wide array of topics, such as policies and procedures, emergency plans, bully prevention, physical and mental health and safety, behavior and discipline, daily programs schedules, Bible Studies, team building, and so much more! The staff also spend time preparing the campus for the arrival of campers and CITs. Through this comprehensive training, our faithful young adults become better equipped to meet the needs of our campers and CITs. Many of our staff are CPR certified, and at least three of our staff members on campus are trained in Responding To Emergencies (RTE) through the American Red Cross.

What spiritual formation will my child receive at camp?

Every morning, the entire camp attends Matins after breakfast. Every night, the entire camp attends Vespers after the evening program and snack. On the mid-session Sunday, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and all participants receive Holy Communion. St. Vartan Camp is blessed to have many clergy visitors who come and teach some of our classes. Our Primate, V. Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, visits the camp every session and has time to interact and speak with the campers, CITs, and Staff.

What is Olympics?

During the mid-session weekend, the Athletics Director organizes a camp-wide Olympic competition, with various sports activities and games. Campers and CITs are split up into two teams, Red and Blue, and staff members act as referees. The teams compete in a number of fun (and often hilarious) activities/races so that one team may be crowned the victors!

What Medical care is available on site?

St. Vartan Camp has a healthcare professional on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the entire camp season. We are blessed with loving volunteers who serve as nurses, nurse practitioners, or doctors during each session. The camp nurse responds to all health-related needs of the camp. To ensure your child is given the best care possible, please be sure to fill out the Medical Packet properly and completely. In the event of an emergency, EmUrgent Care is 14 miles away and Albany Medical Center is 24 miles away. In addition, the Ararat Center is in a 911 zone.

What does the nurse look for during the healthcare check-in?

As part of the registration process, each participant will check-in with a healthcare professional. During this time, a head-to-toe health evaluation will be performed. The participant’s head, throat, skin, and feet will be checked for communicable diseases. The healthcare professional must give clearance to each participant prior to admittance to the camp program. If a communicable disease is identified (e.g., lice, strep throat, pink eye, etc.), then the participant may be asked to go home to be treated prior to admittance.

How many meals a day are offered?

St. Vartan Camp offers three nutritious meals a day, plus an evening snack. There is also an opportunity for campers to purchase snacks from the canteen once a day. On Sundays, we offer a big brunch after Divine Liturgy, along with dinner and an evening snack. Our food service is run by a professional chef and a very experienced staff.

What is Canteen?

Campers may purchase things like snacks, ice pops, drinks, stamps, replacement water bottles, and laundry service at our little canteen shop. $10 – $20 per week for canteen is collected as you register your camper. At registration, you will be asked if you would like the balance returned or donated. Any money unclaimed on the closing day of the session will be considered a donation.

Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

You may contact the camp office at 518-966-8380 or contact Lerna Lacinian, camp administrator, at 215-452-8322.