2004 Annual Report of Midwest Regional Hye Camp

Midwest Regional Hye Camp was once again held at Camp Hickory located in Ingleside, IL (35 miles northeast of Chicago), over the following dates:  staff training—Jul. 31; duration of Hye Camp—Aug. 1-7, 2004.

In 2004, Hye Camp saw a record 144 campers (a 17% increase over 2003) and continuing improvement in the overall camp program.  The breakdown of campers by home state was as follows:  Michigan—53; Illinois—0; Wisconsin—17; Ohio—12; Florida—5; Indiana—2; Texas—2; New York—2; Missouri—1.

The single, one-week session began with an open house, where the local Armenian community along with campers and parents were invited to share a meal, tour the campsite, and meet the staff.  Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, and Dr. Sam Mikaelian were in attendance.  In the chapel, the Primate offered prayers and then spoke to the campers, staff, and parents.

Fr. Aren Jebejian served as Hye Camp director for his second year.  The 79 staff members, coordinated by Lisa Mardigian, were composed of clergy, camp committee members, professionals (doctors, lifeguards), parents, college students, and teenagers.

One area of improvement this year concerned the camp program: under the leadership of Jennifer Morris, a new nightly program was initiated, with younger campers (ages 9-11) separated from older ones (12-15).  Programming included singing with Maestro Khoren Mekhanejian, various competitions, games, movie night, and an Armenian dance.  Jason Demirjian, the Diocese’s College Ministry facilitator, spoke to the college-aged staff.

Miss Morris’ computer skills allowed us disseminate information each day.  Schedules were posted daily on the doors of each cabin.  The 2004 Hye Camp Directory was published while camp was in session, with a copy given to each camper and staff member upon their departure—allowing campers to communicate with each other after leaving Hye Camp.

The camp “godparents” program continued this year, with each cabin assigned an adult who would interact with the campers on a one-on-one basis.  This was a new experience for our visiting clergy from Armenia: Fr. Zohrab, Fr. Hayrik, Dn. Artak, and Dn. Artur.

Fr. Tavit Boyajian coordinated Hye Camp’s religious instruction, following the Diocesan theme of stewardship.  Fr. Aren Jebejian celebrated the Divine Liturgy.  In general, the participation of many clergy this year made camp even more memorable.

Camp staff continued to focus on relating religious messages, which permeated camp throughout the day; increasing the amount of Armenian language instruction; increasing the amount organized sports; improving the overall discipline of the counselors; and improving the general care and safety of the campers.  New features for 2004 included the addition of online registration and payment; updated camp forms; and information on the Diocesan website.  Again, this year, digital photos and daily summaries were up-loaded to the Diocesan website each night.

Due to increased costs from Camp Hickory, camper fees were raised from $200 to $225 for the six-night stay, which included lodging, three meals per day, snacks, and a Hye Camp tee-shirt.  The Hye Camp committee has a policy of not turning away any child who wishes to attend Hye Camp, and 2004 saw a record number of “scholarships” given to needy campers.

Personnel: The Hye Camp committee is composed of two representatives from each of the Midwest parishes, plus parish clergy.  It is led by the Hye Camp Board, which in 2004 included the following: Deborah DerAsadourian—chair; Alice Patena—vice chair; Meline Grigorian—secretary; Dr. Susan Mardoian, Assistant Secretary; Diane Abezetian and Rudy Minasian—treasurers.  The director of Hye Camp for 2004 was Fr. Aren Jebejian.