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Hye Camp 2004 began to follow the normal schedule Monday, and by normal I am referring to a general plan with constant adjustments and tweaking. For those of you who remember our 2003 schedule, you will find many similarities, and many differences. With our record number of campers (144 to be exact), our class schedules had to be changed to accommodate the limited hours in the day.
In the morning, there are four class periods that each of the seven age groups will rotate through every day of the week. There are seven possible classes, attended by one age group per class period. The seven classes are: two arts and crafts classes, taught by Mark Akgulian and Lisa Mardigian; two culture classes, taught by Maestro Khoren Mekhanejian and Anahit Toumajian; a religion class, taught by a number of our resident priests (most of whom are visiting from The Holy See of Etchmiadzin) led by Fr. Tavit Boyajian from Palos Heights, IL.
Following lunch, there are two class periods where the campers participate in sports and swimming. The younger age groups are separated from the older age groups. Each group participates in either sports or swimming for the first period, and then they switch for the second period. Preceding dinner, all the campers get a stretch of supervised free time, which leads up to dinner. The evening schedule various from night to night. Sometimes all the campers will be together, other times it is more appropriate for younger and older campers to have their own agenda. Bed time processions begin at 9:30 and by 11:30, all lights are off.
Aside from the regular growing pains of adjusting to a new daily schedule, the morning events fell into place as planned. Pancake breakfast was followed by the morning church service. Fr. Tavit led the campers in prayer, and offered a message based on the parable of the master and his three servants (Matthew 25:14-29). Fr. Tavit stressed the importance of using the talents that we all possess in the name of God and the Armenian Church. Campers left the morning service feeling mentally charged and ready to absorb a full class schedule of Christian learning. Maestro Khoren's singing instruction was as welcomed and anticipated as it ever has been. Mrs. Toumajian, after a short absence from the Hye Camp staff, has returned to the delight of the campers who dearly missed her, and Hye Camp alumnus Mr. Akgulian is providing a fresh new face to the camp staff.
Returning for his second year as sports director, John Chiodo initiated his daily athletic competition with the Garo Yepremian Longest Kick Contest. John's afternoon athletic counterpart in the pool, Adam Abajian, presided over the swimmers with his trained staff of assistants. Preceding dinner, this year's Olympics competition was introduced. Ten Olympic teams, each with for or five counselors and 15 or 16 campers for a total of 20 athletes per team, were introduced. Following dinner, the first Olympic competition, the money hunt, took place. Results after day one of competition are not in yet, however check back for daily updates.
Evening activities included more singing with Maestro Khoren, as well as a question and answer period with V. Rev. Fr. Zohrab Kostanyan, V. Rev. Fr. Hayrig Hovanessian, and Dn. Artur and Dn. Ardag from Etchmiadzin, who have been studying in America. Campers were given the opportunity to talk to the deacons about life in Armenia and all sorts of questions. The evening snack was highlighted by a slide show presenting all of the pictures taken during the first days of Hye Camp 2004. After a little more free time in the cafeteria and game room, the cabins began to shuffle off to bed, youngest first, till the oldest boys and girls, our 15 year old group, turned out the lights. Another busy day begins tomorrow, highlights including a second day of Olympic competition, an evening bonfire, and movie night.
