LOS ANGELES—Camp Kessab will offer a week of arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and campfires, and Armenian cooking, music and dance this summer from July 25 to August 1.
At a very reasonable cost of $250 for the week, Camp Kessab will hold a one-week session at the scenic Camp Tecuya in Frazier Park. The camp is located about one hour from Los Angeles, just east of the 5 freeway in the Sierra Madre Mountains.
The camp is for children and young teens ages 7 through 15. Applications are being accepted for campers, counselors (who must be over 18 years of age) and staff members.
Camp Kessab has always provided comfortable accommodations and a safe environment for campers and will include delicious meals prepared by a loving kitchen staff. The director is Sophia Yazaryan, a former camper and counselor during Camp Kessab’s heyday in the 1970s and 80s. She will be assisted by Danielle Tognozzi, a former camper herself who is studying early childhood education, and they will be supported with knowledgeable and friendly counselors with years of past experience.
One of the favorite activities in the past year has been the recreation of an Armenian wedding. “We teach campers Armenian dances, how to prepare the food, how to dress, and then create a small Armenian wedding ceremony. It’s a great way for kids to learn about the Armenian culture,” says Yazaryan. “By teaching the children about our past then we can help them create a stronger future.”
Camp Kessab is run by the Kessab Youth Organization, which is part of the Kessab Educational Association, founded in 1957 to promote the culture of Kessab, a village in Syria that has retained a distinct Armenian heritage for many centuries. Camp Kessab programs have always presented traditional Armenian culture through interesting educationals, cooking delicious Armenian recipes and teaching fun Armenian dances.
Registration for the one week session is $250, which includes the camp fee and meals. Applications may be obtained by going online at www.campkessab.org or by calling 818-704-9334 or e-mail to kyo@kessabyouth.com.