Hye Camp - Wrap up

With fond memories of good friends and Christian fellowship, Hye Camp draws to a close. In an otherwise unusual Saturday morning of loading cars and saying goodbyes, we were all shocked to find the boys side of camp had finished cleaning their cabins and passed inspection before the girls side of camp. Good job guys, hopefully you can keep the ball rolling next year!!!

By 9:30, both the Detroit bus and the vans headed for Cleveland had left camp and the parking area slowly emptied as Chicago and Racine parents came to pick up their children and hear all their camp stories. Eventually, the last campers went home and Hye Camp 2007 was officially over.

Hye Camp continues to grow by leaps and bounds, with another record of 168 campers in attendance this year.

The quality of leadership and education at Hye Camp couldn’t happen without the time, efforts and generosity of a number of people. We would like to take a moment to recognize everyone for their invaluable contributions to this successful Hye Camp season. Year after year, our counselors and junior counselors continue to impress with their leadership, their dedication to Hye Camp and the Armenian Church, and their commitment to sharing their faith in God with our youth. During staff training Fr. Aren asked two questions of the staff; how can you transform yourself and how can you help transform someone else? The staff took this inspiration to heart and each one left a better person and made a positive impact on each camper.

Working alongside the staff were our Godparents, who have the responsibility of being a guiding voice for their assigned cabin. Our Godparents for our girls cabins were Kenarr Chiodo, Yn. Patty Dagley, Debbie DerAsadourian, Sue Mardoian, Rena Megrdichian, Emily Rabjohns, Cindy Russell, and Jill Soghomonian. On the boys side of camp, we had Dikran Callan, John Kashian, and John Nercessian. Our Godparents are an invaluable resource to both campers and staff during the week and heartfelt thanks and appreciate is well deserved.

Every year we’re blessed by the company of dedicated clergy from around the Midwest who devote their time to Hye Camp. In attendance this year were Fr. Tavit Boyajian, Fr. Paren Galustyan, and Dn. Levon Kirakosyan. Our thoughts and prayers all week long were with Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, a Hye Camp regular who’s uplifting presence was dearly missed, on the passing of his mother. Fr. Yeprem did visit camp for an afternoon and we were all glad to see him.

During the week, we received two special guest clergy at camp; Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, the director of St. Vartan Camp, and Abp. Khajag Barsamian.

Our teaching staff this year did an excellent job enriching our campers and helping them transform into more cultured and educated Armenian Christians. Sisters Sue Mardoian and Jill Soghomonian headed the Arts & Crafts class, Fr. Tavit Boyajian led the Religion curriculum, Sr. Staff Talin Hitik provided instruction in Armenian Language, and Yn. Patty Dagley and Debbie DerAsadourian led Armenian Dance during Heritage and Culture classes.

This year we were very grateful to have three excellent men devote their time to work security at night. Haig Pedian, John Kashian, and John Gregorian worked the thankless night shift making sure our campers and the campus was safe.

Adam Abajian once again offered his time and waterfront expertise to Hye Camp, heading our staff of certified lifeguards and keeping our pool safe.

Our kebab cookout would not have been possible without the time and donations of the Knights of Vartan Avarayr Lodge, who marinated and grilled all the kebab, and the St. James Women’s Guild, who cooked up all the pilaf. We also are grateful for the donation of choreg from the St. Gregory’s Women’s Guild, which we enjoyed for breakfast and Aram Hintlian was kind enough to donate snacks for our campers and staff.

Our staff night out on the night of staff training was hosted by the Korogluyan family, who provided a bountiful Armenian feast and opened their home to us. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciate for a wonderful evening and a great kick-off to Hye Camp. We would also like to thank the John Paklaian Ensemble, who provided a great conclusion to Hye Camp by playing at the Friday night dance. John Paklaian, Kraig Kuchukian, Shant Paklaian, John Soghomonian, and Greg Toutoonian were joined by special guest Rudy Minasian and our very own Sr. Staff “Uncle Harry” Kezelian.

Camp Hickory, led by new director Phil Long his entire staff, were an excellent partner to work with and we look forward to building our relationship. Finally, we must recognize our Hye Camp Board, led by co-chairs Kenarr Chiodo and Emily Rabjohns, and the tireless contributions of our Staff Director Lisa Mardigian, our Programming Director Jenni Morris, and our Hye Camp Director Fr. Aren Jebejian.

See you all next summer!!!