Hidden Road Initiative

SUMMER CAMPS

Every summer, the Hidden Road Initiative leads a diverse group of volunteer camp leaders to remote or hidden villages in Armenia to host educational summer camps. The goal of the summer camps is to empower the village students, develop new relationships, and teach 21st century skills. Classes vary depending on the skills our camp leaders bring! In the past classes have included English, Health and Hygiene, Environmental Science, Arts, Computer Literacy, Photography, Social Issues, Sewing, Outdoors Ed, Sports, Yoga, and more! 

The summer camps serve as a bridge between the Armenian youth and volunteers from all over the world. Over the years, HRI has hosted camps in the villages of Aghpradzor, Shvanidzor and Ditavan, Armenia, as well as in Poghosagomer and Shushi, Artsakh. Volunteer camp leaders come from all walks of life, ranging from 18 to 82 years old, and from different places in the world! Summer camps are an unforgettable experience both for the young participants and our volunteers.
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Applications for Summer Camp 2023 are now open - tinyurl.com/HRISummerCamp2023 (Due May 30th, 2023)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of our camp?
  • Summer camp usually takes place in July and August. Dates are finalized every spring depending on volunteer availability.

What is the purpose of the summer camp?
  • To empower the village students, develop new relationships, and teach 21st century skills.

What classes will be offered to the village students?
  • Classes will vary depending on the skills our camp leaders bring! In the past classes have included English, First Aid, Arts, Computer, Armenian History, Historical Excursions, Outdoors Ed, Sports, Yoga, etc...

Where will the camp take place?
  • Camps occur in different border villages in Armenia and Artsakh. 
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How much will it cost?​
Staying and eating in the village will be free and taken care of by HRI! The only costs you will be responsible for are:
  1. Airplane Ticket to Yerevan (varies)
  2. $25/week participation fee to HRI (usually covers transportation costs)
  3. $100-150 for the cost of weekend activities (varies)
  4. Personal lodging costs of staying in Yerevan prior to and after the camp (varies)

Where will we stay?
  • During the week, we will be staying in the village school. You will need to bring sleeping bags and floor mats. Food will be provided by the villagers and HRI.
  • During the weekends, we explore different regions in Armenia. 

What will our schedule look like?
  • Prior to starting the camp we will have an orientation meeting in Yerevan!
  • The camps usuallly occur Monday-Friday 10am-3pm. 
  • After 3 pm, we will have team-bonding activities (Activities include hiking, swimming in Lake Sevan, cow/goat milking, farming, learning the art of bee-keeping and sheep grazing, doing yoga on the mountain, Armenian dancing, visiting the villagers' homes, etc.)
  • During the weekends, we go on excursions to visit touristic sites.
  • We will end the camp with a final Kef (party) night!

How can I prepare for the summer camp?
  • Begin fundraising for your ticket!
  • Upon filling the online application, we will contact you and send more information. 
  • We will have 2-3 volunteer orientation meetings on Zoom where we will go over the schedule, classes, and other details. Stay tuned for more information!

Summer Camp 2023 application will be posted in the coming months! 
  • Don't stress if you aren't 100% sure about your availability. Details will be finalized in spring. The application does not bind you to go on the trip but moreso gives us a chance to learn about you and your interest in our program. After the application deadline has closed, you will have an opportunity to speak with former participants to learn more about the program. 
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Check out past camps!