What Happens When Armenian Youth Come Together? A Week at Camp Ararat 2026
- tomsak.ca
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
What happens when you put a bunch of Armenian teens in one place for a week? Well, for one, a lot of chaos, a lot of memories, and somehow, a stronger connection to our Armenian identity.
That is Camp Ararat, the Armenian summer camp that runs for one week every August at Cedar Ridge Camp in McArthurs Mills, Ontario. This year it ran from August 15 to 22, and the two of us were there.
What is Camp Ararat?
Camp Ararat is more than just a basic camp during the summer, it is a place where Armenian youth can come together and further enrich their understanding of their identity through shared spaces, activities, and experiences.
Campers are anywhere from 8 to 25 years old, and they come from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and across Canada.
Throughout the week, campers get a chance to experience new sports, music, games, and dances, but most importantly, get a chance to spend their time with people that share the same culture as them. Whether it is singing Armenian songs, trying out new cuisine, making new cuisine, or just simply enjoying the moment, each second at Camp Ararat is beneficial to enrich your understanding of what it means to have an Armenian identity in today's day and age.
What makes Camp Ararat so special is that you don't just leave with memories from a fun week, you leave with lifelong friendships and bonds that will help you pave your way in life.
Our Experiences at Camp Ararat 2026
Angelina
My experience at this camp was very difficult the first few days. All the new people, schedules, and experiences were very overwhelming and stressful. But once everything settled down and I got used to the schedule, I suddenly started enjoying everything that this camp had to offer. I bonded closer to the people around me and started looking forward to bedtime in the cabins, because that meant I could spend more time with my friends. I achieved things that I never thought I would be able to do. For example, I've always had a terrible fear of heights. I hated anything and everything that included getting off the ground. So, imagine my surprise to find myself on a platform thirty feet into the air, held by nothing but a harness, a few friends, and some rope. This camp has forced me out of my comfort zone even when I thought I couldn't do something.
Ernest
My experience at Camp ARARAT was a really positive one. I got used to the schedule pretty quickly and settled into the routine. Since I had already been to Cedar Ridge Camp before with my school, ARS, I already knew my way around the campsite, which made things easier and helped me feel comfortable. One of my favourite activities was the Polar Plunge, where everyone woke up early in the morning and went to the lake in the centre of the camp to jump into the water. It was definitely something I will remember from the trip. I also really enjoyed the food because the meals were always good and often left me wanting seconds. As the week went on, I became closer with the people around me, made new memories, and had the chance to participate in activities that I normally would not experience.
The Armenian Side of Camp
The way that Camp Ararat encourages learning about your Armenian identity differs from other sources. Camp Ararat clearly makes it a priority to feel pride in your nation and your history. The way that they teach it encourages engagement, focus, and makes it feel like entertainment not a lecture. Every day, there was a new cuisine, dance, song, or fact we learned.
This camp went as far as to introduce us to important figures in Armenia, such as the ambassador of Armenia, Anahit Harutyunyan, and Armenian organizations and initiatives that raised money in order to renovate schools, build drinking fountains, and protect historical landmarks. All of these examples encourage these new generations to think for themselves and feel pride of where their roots come from. Camp Ararat differs from others because of the authenticity they hold for their organization.
The People at Camp Ararat
The people at Camp ARARAT were kind, respectful, and welcoming throughout the camp. They treated everyone fairly, made sure campers felt included, and were always willing to listen and help when someone had a problem. The leaders were approachable, patient, and supportive during activities, which made it easier for everyone to participate and try new things. Their positive attitudes helped create a friendly and comfortable environment where campers could make friends and enjoy their experience.
What We Took Home With Us
As the week came to an end, we realized we left with much more than we came in with. Of course, we left with countless memories to reminisce about, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. We left with lifelong friendships we can cherish for the years to come.
We met many new people from different backgrounds, with different perspectives. The people around us helped shape how we view the world and how we solve different situations. Everyone had so many perspectives and opinions to offer. And I'm not just talking about the campers. The CITs (counselors in training), and the counselors themselves made an effort to engage with the campers too. They made it feel like that place was not just a "some camp I went to during the summer", but a genuine place where we left with more than we came in with.
Written by Angelina and Ernest for Tomsak.ca. Tomsak brings Armenian events across Canada into one place. Browse what is coming up in our Armenian events in Ontario guide or the national guide to Armenian events in Canada.
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