Imagine a place where...
· Children feel safe
· Families feel they are “coming home”
· Generations of Armenian faithful can be spiritually nourished
· Armenian culture and heritage can be celebrated in a variety of ways
· Memories are created, shared, and cherished

Imagine a place with limitless potential.

That vision, which started several years ago, has since become a proud reality.

In January of 2004, after a groundswell of support and years of work by a committee of laity and clergy, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) purchased the Ararat Center.

Formerly known as Balsam Shade, this resort facility is nestled in the scenic Catskill Mountains just 30 miles south of Albany, NY. With its beautiful mountainous view in mind, and to embrace the historic symbolism of Armenia, the facility was named the Ararat Center… a place where the spirit soars.

The site now serves as the permanent home for St. Vartan Summer Camp program. This long-standing, faith and cultural-filled program is attended by hundreds of youth throughout the Eastern Diocese. Campers now pride themselves knowing that this property belongs to the Armenian Church.

“I encourage all families and parishes to visit the Ararat Center to see in person the many benefits of this facility. I assure you that once you see the Ararat Center, you too will be filled with pride envisioning the potential of this beautiful property,” says Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

The Ararat Center is available for rental to churches, temples, and other religious organizations and youth groups, as well as corporations, social and civic groups. Families may also rent the facility for year-round vacation getaways and reunions.