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Counselors arrived a day early on Saturday to begin the preparations for Hye Camp 2003 under the leadership of Dn. Aren Jebejian, deacon-in-charge at St. Gregory Church of Chicago, IL, and director of Hye Camp.
This is the second year Hye Camp is located at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL. After the work was done for the night, the counselors enjoyed a nice dinner out to celebrate the birthday of Martha Mekaelian. On Sunday morning, the counselors began their day with a worship service to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration.
Eager campers began to arrive by the carload in the afternoon. This year, families enjoyed spending a fun-filled day at Hye Camp's first "Open House", which welcomed past, present, and future campers. Once the 125 campers and 40 counselors and staff arrived, everyone gathered for a Hokehankiest service to honor the memory of longtime camp leader Fr. Haroutiun Dagley. During the service Dn. Aren dedicated the chapel in his memory by naming it the Haroutiun Chapel. Campers were so moved they stood and shared their heartfelt moments with their former camp director.
After the service, everyone was invited for a barbecue and welcoming ceremony to introduce board and staff members. Then the time came to for families to say their goodbyes. After bacheegs and patooks, families drove away and camp began. Campers then had an opportunity to get settled in their cabins and meet their roommates and counselors.
The fun followed with a magic show for the campers while the staff met to discuss the happenings of the upcoming week. The night winded down after a successful opening day.
Posted by Jake at July 27, 2003 03:19 PM
