Camp News

A2 - Thursday

A2 - Wednesday

Today was the greatest day yet at SVC. We finally got our camp shirts � usually we get them on the first day of camp, but this year the counselors surprised us by giving out the shirts during arts & crafts and letting us tie dye them. The shirts came out great, and we can�t wait to wear them in the camp photo! In the afternoon, our traditional CIT hunt took place, when all the CITs hide and the campers follow clues to find them and douse them with shaving cream and water. We had a cook out for dinner, and just when we thought things couldn�t get any better, the oldest teens organized capture the flag for the evening activity. They really showed the leadership skills they will use next year as CITs, and the rest of the camp had tons of fun during the game. Tomorrow is another busy day, so goodnight for now, we need to get our beauty sleep!

A2 - Tuesday

Yesterday was first day of July brought a little rain but a lot of good times here at SVC. A lot of us took tennis lessons today with Patty, a visiting tennis instructor (and Jenni�s mom!). In the evening, we had a campwide scavenger hunt. We worked in our counselors groups to find one object for each letter of the alphabet that no other team had. After all the points were added up, the youngest teen girls had the most unique items and were the winners, followed up by a tie between the youngest junior girls and oldest junior boys for second place. We are looking forward to the fun activities today holds in store.

A2 - Monday

What a beautiful day! The sun was shining all day, and we enjoyed swimming in the pool. In our classes today we learned the meaning of the Armenian national anthem, Mer Hayrenik. The annual campers & CIT vs. staff dogdeball game was this afternoon, and for the first time in the history of dodgeball, the campers defeated the staff in a stunning upset!! We celebrated our victory with cake for dessert. After guessing what the surprise evening activity was, the staff lead us in a campwide game of Clue. It was so exciting running around the different stations, trying to get clues and figure out whodunit! We ended our day like we end all of our days here at SVC, winding down with evening vespers, thanking God for another great day and looking forward to all the fun things in store for us tomorrow!

A1-A2 Weekend

What an exciting weekend! On Saturday we said goodbye to our A1 campers with a closing program in the morning. After some delicious hamburgers at the cook-out, we had camp-wide Olympics, with events in swimming, sports, and trivia. They were so exciting, but by the end we were exhausted! Der Stepanos Doudoukjian, director of youth and vocations at St. Nersess, celebrated Badarak here. In the afternoon, we welcomed our new campers and had electives like dancing and doumbeg. Tonight we are watching a movie to unwind and prepare for another fun week at SVC!

A1 - Friday

We can't believe a whole week is almost over at SVC - time really does fly when we are having fun! Last night's talent show was amazing. All of the counselor groups had great skits, and our talented campers wowed us with singing, dancing, acrobats, and our personal favorite: stupid human tricks! And was really exciting when counselors Talene and Jon had a watermelon eating contest. The funniest part of the whole show was the video of our sports counselor, Ara, trying to roller skate - maybe if the parents are lucky they will see it at the closing programs. Today's a hot day, so we are going swimming - bye for now!

A1 - Mon-Thurs

Another year at SVC has started with a bang! We got here on Sunday and have been so busy with fun and exciting activities that we almost forgot about the blog!* But don�t worry Mom and Dad, we will be keeping up with photos and stories from now until the end of the summer.

This week has been jammed packed with swimming, sports, evening activities like Scattergories, Olympics, and campfires. Of course, we also have our classes in Armenian language, religion, heritage and arts & crafts. We�ve been lucky to have some great visitors as well. Maestro Khoren was with us all week for music and singing. The staff from the Department of Youth and Education, and Dr. Tom Samuelian , who is here all the way from Armenia, showed how to use the new computers donated to St. Vartan Camp to learn Armenian language and use the new Church and Home materials online.

Okay, we have to go now � it�s time to practice our talent show skits for tonight. Stay tuned for pictures and more great stories!!

*Blog was delayed due to technical difficulties that are now resolved.

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!!!

Hye Camp - Day 6

Friday was our last full day of Hye Camp 2007. For Hye Camp Fridays, we always change our normal daily schedule to accommodate some unique activities and to initiate the camp clean-up process. The day began a little differently. Instead of Morning Prayer services, Fr. Paren Galustyan celebrated Soorp Badarak in our chapel and all the campers and staff received Holy Communion.

Following services, everyone enjoyed a nice brunch together, followed by some free time for the campers to begin packing their belongings, cleaning their cabins and working on their Hye Camp Olympics team flags. Except for the Capture the Flag event that took place on Tuesday night, all the remaining Olympic events were held Friday afternoon. The events included a basketball tournament, a volleyball tournament, a closest to the pin golf competition, a soccer accuracy kicking contest, and the very popular shoe distance kicking contest. In addition, the Olympic team flags competition was judged in the evening. Team 10, �The Family Hye�, led by jr. staff captains Krikor Paylan and Paul Oganyan, won the basketball tournament and Team 7, �Hye Ballers�, led by jr. staff captains Sako Manavdjian and Anna Sagatelova, lived up to their name by winning the volleyball tournament. In the individual competitions; Hunter Muckel of Team 9, �Hye Stakes� won the shoe distance kicking contest for the second year in a row; Hugh Rabjohns of Team 6 �Hye-formers� as well as Arthur Nigoghossian and Sterling Minasian of Team 5 �Hye Lights�, tied for first in the soccer accuracy kicking contest; and Michael Boyajian of Team 4 �We Stay Hye� won the closest to the pin contest by placing a shot within 2� of the target. After the athletic competitions had completed, there were three teams with a shot at an overall championship depending on how good their Olympics flags were. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to cooling off in the pool and a little more free time to wrap up work on the Olympic flags and the cabin cleaning. We were surprised to find steaks waiting for us when we arrived at the mess hall for dinner. There weren�t many complaints about camp food on this occasion. After dinner, a little more free time to get cleaned up for our Friday Night Dance allowed the excitement and anticipation of a fun night to grow to a peak. The John Paklaian Ensemble finally kicked off the party and everyone got to show off the new Armenian dance steps they learned during their Heritage classes.

Not only was our dance celebrating another successful year of Hye Camp, we also had the privilege of seeing the very first live performance, playing clarinet with the band, of our very own senior staff member from Detroit, �Uncle Harry� Kezelian.

During the dance, we held our Olympic flag competition and, based on the judges scores, we were able to announce the winner of the 2007 Hye Camp Olympics - Team 10, �The Family Hye�. Congratulations to Krikor and Paul and their whole team!

As the saying goes, time flies when you�re having fun. Sure enough, bed time seemed to come way too early for the campers. The last morning of Hye Camp is always busy, between moving luggage to correct loading areas, final cabin check-out, and saying goodbye to friends, and everyone needed their rest.

Hye Camp - Day 5

Thursday at Hye Camp started off a little slow as we waited for the well water pump to be fixed. Getting ready in the morning took a little longer than usual and classes started later than normal. It was a chance to feel like we were all really at camp and all the campers did a great job working through the delays. It was early afternoon when we got word that the pump was running again and everyone rejoiced in hot, pressurized water. Surpazan led our morning service and Fr. Tavit offered his thoughts to the campers.

He related to everyone that the love for God in all of us would be shown in the work we do to serve God and our faith. He told a story of two brothers who�s father had asked them to plant seeds in the field. While one brother diligently worked as his father wished, the other chose to relax and satisfy his own desires. In the evening, when the father met with his boys, he could only see dirt on one brother and he knew what each had done. As with the brothers, the signs of our work following the word of God are evident in the way we live our lives.

After classes, in the afternoon, we held our annual cabin skit show. A variety of interesting and amusing skits were practiced ahead of time, and the show turned out great.

Matt Derbabian and Uncle Harry Kezelian, two of the longest tenured Hye Campers on staff, served as emcee of the event and kept the campers amused between skits. In the end, the judges gave first place to the 10 yr old girls cabin, with counselors Kristin Hovsepian and Lindsey Deirmenjian, for their unique ode to life at Hye Camp.

The evening concluded with a rotating schedule of free time and organized activities. Friday�s at Hye Camp are always different, always exciting, and always a lot of fun. Campers begin to organize and pack their cabins, and most of Hye Camp Olympics will take place. Another great session of Hye Camp is beginning to wind down, but not without a final flurry of activity.

C2 - Tues - Thurs

July 31 - August 2
The past few days have flown by! On Tuesday we had a giant campwide Relay Race in our Olympics groups, and on Wednesday we broke up into teams and played a camp-wide detective game of Clue! Wednesday�s sunny and hot weather was perfect for the CIT hunt. After following clues hidden all over the Ararat Center, each counselor group was led to the hiding spot of their CITs. Once captured, each CIT was brought to the field and doused with water and shaving . An outdoor barbeque followed. Thursday was the talent show, and acts ranged from a guitar performance to Celebrity Jeopardy to a rap about the life of Jesus Christ. We can�t believe that tomorrow is Friday already!

Hye Camp - Day 4

Hye Camp tends to attract many visitors and today we had plenty. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, the director of St. Vartan Camp in New York, was already here visiting.

In addition, we were honored to receive Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at Hye Camp. An already busy day, plus the added attention of our very special guests, made for a lot of excitement. Fr. Krikor opened the day by leading our morning prayer services.

He spoke about Christians and the sacred confession one must make in accepting Christ as the Son of God. Further, he related an indian tale of two wolves. The two wolves were in a man�s head, one wolf was good and one was bad. The question was which wolf would be the one to grow. In the mind, as with the Christian faith, it is the wolf that is fed that will grow. The rest of the morning consisted of the normal class schedule, including Maestro Khoren, another guest at Hye Camp, teaching some new songs during Armenian Heritage class, and all the campers receiving their 2007 Hye Camp shirt during Arts & Crafts.

Following lunch, the rest of the afternoon flew, aided by perfect weather for swimming, and all the campers and staff came early to dinner so we could take our Hye Camp group photo.

At this time, more special guests were arriving, led by Haig Pedian and the Knights of Vartan Avarayr Lodge, bring with them hundreds of skewers of marinated shish kabobs.

A great Armenian cookout, including salad and pilaf, provided the perfect meal to cap a fun and exciting day at Hye Camp.

Unfortunately, this would not be the end of our excitement. Later at night, the well pump that supplies water for the camp broke. This additional excitement and worry was offset by our plentiful supply of purified bottled water that we have on campus for the campers. The children went to bed feeling little effects from the water situation and the Hye Camp staff did an admirable job helping the campers accommodate with the adversity.

Hye Camp - Day 3

The third day of Hye Camp 2007 offered the children a chance to live our faith while learning about the origins of our beliefs. During the Arts & Crafts class period, campers made crosses using felt and decorative sequins.

Then, before dinner, Fr. Aren blessed every single cross.

The campers have been wearing their new crosses all day and have been very excited about their hands-on witness to our faith.
In their Religion class, campers were taught the origin and meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Tavit discussed being reborn in God�s world and living in praise of him and led the reading and discussion of Bible scripture. Rounding out the class schedule, Talin Hitik continued her excellent Armenian Language class, teaching new words and phrases, and Maestro Khoren aroused the beautiful voices of our campers with his energetic teaching and singing.

Hye Camp received a special guest this afternoon, Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, the Director of St. Vartan Camp in New York. Fr. Krikor will be with us for a couple days to share ideas with Fr. Aren and work to make all our camps more fun and spiritual. Fr. Krikor arrived just in time for dinner, where Maestro Khoren was surprised with a special birthday cake to celebrate his 70th birthday. Maestro found himself at a loss for words, so he did what he does best; he led the entire mess hall in song.

Today marked the first competition of Hye Camp Olympics. The 10 olympic teams combined into two groups for a camp-wide game of capture the flag. The Blue Team, consisting of Teams 6-10, managed to outlast the coordinated attacks of the Red Team long enough to secure victory. After all the running and strategizing, the campers were ready to take it easy for a bit. The teen-age cabins spent time with Fr. Aren, Fr. Krikor, and Dn. Levon in a question and answer session we like to call �Hot Topics�. At the same time, the pre-teen cabins were treated to a roaring camp-fire where they made s�mores and sang camp songs.

The multi-talented senior staff members, Harry Kezelian & Jermiah Newman, along with Fr. Tavit Boyajian, collaborated to form the Hye Camp Folk Band. The pre-teens were eventually replaced by the teen-age group and soon after all the campers had their lights off and rested up in preparation of Day 4 of Hye Camp.

Hye Camp - Day 2

Hye Camp 2007 enjoyed the first full day of classes and activities, as our exuberant staff guided our eager campers through the daily schedule. A typical day at Hye Camp starts with a hot breakfast served by the great kitchen crew of Camp Hickory, followed by morning prayer services in the chapel. After taking a couple minutes to wash-up and tidy the cabins, the campers start the first of six class rotation periods.

The campers split up by age for the class rotation. Each class period lasts half an hour, with a five minute break in between, and each age group will rotate through four class periods before lunch and two more after lunch. The classes include; Arts & Crafts; Heritage & Culture, with Armenian dance instruction and singing with Maestro Khoren Mekanejian; Armenian Language, led by Talin Hitik; and Religion, led by Yn. Tirouhe Boyajian from the Sts. Joachim & Anne parish in Palos Heights. Also included in the class rotation are two free time periods, allowing campers a chance to spend time together, clean their cabins, and work on projects.

Following the 6 classes, the campers are split into two large groups, teens and pre-teens, and each group spends an hour at the pool and playing organized sports.

This morning, campers made lanyards during their Arts & Crafts period,

and they received Armenian dance instruction from Yn. Patty Dagley, from St. Gregory�s in Cleveland, during Culture & Heritage class.

Talin Hitik, from St. Gregory�s in Chicago, introduced campers to basic Armenian phrases during Language class and Yn. Tirouhe began to discuss our central theme of Transfiguration during the Religion period. Hye Camp Olympics teams were introduced after dinner and then everyone got to spend the evening singing along with Maestro Khoren.

We wrapped up our day with evening prayer services in the chapel.

Finally, after a long, hot, and busy day, all the campers made their way to their cabins to spend some time together before going to bed. Each cabin has a Godparent and a Priest that visits with the campers every night to discuss the day with them and talk about the spiritual and emotional learning experienced during the day. The Godparents will usually be the ones to turn off the lights and put an end to a day at Hye Camp. Every camper falls asleep knowing that no matter how fun and exciting their day was, the next day will be even better!!!

C1 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday

July 27 - 28
Friday was the day we have been waiting for all week: RODEO DAY! After another great day of sports, swim, and classes, we all dressed up in cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas for the Rodeo Dance! DJ Impossible was spinning the hottest beats, and the Sabounjian Band provided authentic Armenian music. We could also hang out in the game room and play ping pong, pool, and board games. Der Khatchadour challenged some of the campers in ping pong; he is so good! We had so much fun!

Saturday was sad because we said goodbye to our C1 campers, but five new awesome campers came in on Sunday for Session C2! This weekend was filled with worship, elective classes, swimming, movie night, and of course dodgeball. We are all so tired but can�t wait to start our regular schedule again tomorrow!