In June of 2009 Green Tavush NGO launched the 2009 Green Camps  Program with an ambitious new type of camp, which drew active campers and counselors from diverse rural communities to participate in Green Camps learning in the beautiful natural setting of Ijevan. The 2009 Green Camps Program was again generously funded by the US Embassy Democracy Grants Program, and supported as always by the efforts of Peace Corps Volunteers. For the first Green Camp, participants traveled from villages Voskevan, Kirants, Azatamut, Agnaghbiur, Khashtarak, Lusadzor, Khaghartsin (Tavush Marz), Getk (Shirak Marz), and from the cities of Ijevan and Gyumri. These active youth, many drawn from Green Tavush NGO’s eco-clubs, strengthened inter-community ties, formed lasting friendships, and planned conservation projects in their respective communities. For the second Ijevan camp, Green Tavush NGO was pleased to welcome active youth to Ijevan from six different Marzes. Participants came from villages Lejan (Lori Marz), Urtsadzor (Ararat Marz), Azatamut, Lusadzor, Khashtarak, Gandzakar (Tavush Marz), Aygut (Gegharkunik Marz) and Goght (Kotayk Marz), as well as from the towns of Vayk and Yeghegnadzor (Vayots Dzor Marz). A powerful spirit and friendship has developed among these diverse participants, and these active youth will keep in touch and implement conservation projects in their respective communities. Three more Green Camps will be implemented in July and August, including one in Ijevan as well as two local camps in villages Bagratashen (Tavush Marz) and Artik (Shirak Marz).