Camp Haiastan announces largest ever capital improvement project

Published: Thursday May 31, 2012

Camp Haiastan's new bath facility as depicted by the architects, SMMA viewed from the above with roof removed.

Franklin, Mass. - The Board of Directors of Camp Haiastan announces the commencement of the largest capital improvement project since the creation of the camp more than 60 years ago. It is triggered by increasing camper population over the past ten years and the opening of Bunk 3-4 during the 2011 season. Camp Haiastan can now accommodate as many as 136 campers per session.

The project, entitled "Expand & Renew" is a multi-year project consisting of a new lavatory and shower building, re-purposing of the old bathrooms, wash-stands and shower buildings and continued creation of an "Outer Cabin Circle". The total project cost is estimated to be just under $500,000 and will occur in five phases with completion during the 2014 camp season. Vice Chair Michael Shamlian notes, "Our parents and alumni have spoken and the Board has listened. The most prevalent issue heard about Camp Haiastan, and confirmed in our survey last year, is about the condition of the bathroom facilities. In light of this, the Camp is embarking on its most significant fundraising effort since it was started so that a new lavatory and shower facility will be ready for the 2013 camping season."

Phase 1 of the five phases was completed in 2010. It was a concept design study conducted by architects at Symmes, Maini, McKee & Associates (SMMA) of Cambridge, MA. The result of this study was the Camp Board selecting a three building structure for the new facilities. This will house new male/female lavatories, shower facilities, handicap bathrooms and a mechanical space. The study also determined that the structure would need to be located between the infirmary and pool due to space requirements and ground conditions.

Phase 2 is proceeding with SMMA architects continuing to prepare more detailed design drawings and specifications to address total camp population of 200 people (staff and campers), as well as detailed building siting to address hydrology and other issues. SMMA will also assist with contractor selection during the summer of 2012.

Phase 3 is the actual construction of the new building, which is intended to start as soon as the 2012 camping season is completed. It is the Board's intention to have the new facility ready for the 2013 camping season.

Phase 1 funding of the project ($10,000) was a joint effort of Camp Haiastan ($5,000) and four related camp families from New Jersey with a collective donation of $5,000 from Steven and Elise Kline, Stephen and Lisa Dadourian, Greg and Karmen Dadourian and Dikran and Lynn Barsamian. The children of these families are all current campers and, of course, cousins.

The funding of Phases 2 and 3 was kicked off by a major donation from a long-time Camp Haiastan family. Nancy Guzelian (Brookline, MA), Astor and Lucy Guzelian (Dedham, MA), Michael and Susan Guzelian (Needham, MA), Gail Guzelian (Needham, MA) and Eric and Amy Guzelian (Dedham, MA) have collectively contributed $50,000 to this phase of the project. Sister and brother, Nancy and Astor Guzelian, contributed their time to the camp's construction in the 1940's. Michael Guzelian is a former Chairman of the Board and longtime contributor to Camp needs. Five Guzelian grandchildren are currently attending camp. According to Astor Guzelian, "we need this project to sustain the future of the camp".

The Camp is currently reaching out to other families and foundations for at least four more donors at this level. Camp Haiastan Executive Director Roy Callan notes, "Although this is financially the largest single building project undertaken by the camp, the Board and I believe that it is prudent to undertake this project now, as we believe that the tremendous insight and generous support of the Guzelian family will encourage other major donors among the broad based camp family to follow their lead. We know that success breeds success, and everyone wants to invest with a proven winner."

Phase 4 is to develop a "re-purposing" plan for the three replaced buildings. These are the existing bathrooms, wash-stands, and showers. This phase will develop the new "Outer Cabin Circle" by tying the new facility into the Inner Cabin Circle and other facilities. Potential locations for another camper cabin will be identified. Lastly, Phase 5 of the project will be executing the re-purposing plan which will take place in the off-season of the following year. The Board is pleased to announce that beneficial new uses have been identified for the three existing buildings including a changing area for the pool, expanded laundry facilities, and additional storage.

If you would like more information about Camp Haiastan, please visit the camp's website (www.camphaiastan.org) or plan to visit Camp Haiastan during this upcoming summer season. The camp will host five summer Sunday picnics to be announced soon. If you are interested in becoming part of this exciting project and would like to discuss your interests in detail, please feel free to contact Roy Callan, Camp Haiastan Executive Director at the camp office phone ( 508 520-1312 ) or by email at haicamp@verizon.net.

As the plaque at the front of the stairs leading to the cabin circle states: THREE GENERATIONS OF CAMPERS THANK THE FOUNDERS FOR THEIR FORESIGHT AND UNSELFISH EFFORT IN BUILDING THIS CHERISHED TREASURE KNOWN AS CAMP HAIASTAN

It is now our turn to expand and renew our beloved Camp for future generations to enjoy.