Who's Got Talent?

Greetings to everyone here from Hye Camp! 

We know you're all anxiously awaiting to hear about our day, and wishing you could be here yourselves, because we're having so much fun! 

We started the day off with a morning devotional, where each cabin selected a meaningful, quiet place around camp to reflect on their thoughts, and have some special time together as a cabin. Next up was a five star breakfast where campers had french toast, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream with sausages on the side. It was a camper favorite by far! Campers headed up the hill to clean up their cabins in hopes of winning the prize of frozen yogurt, which we hope remains a new camp tradition, as everyone loves it!

They went to classes today to learn how to Armenian Dance (and let us just say, we've got some serious talent here on the property), as well as to classes on the Armenian Church and a bible study. They also got a lesson in historical Armenian music, and got to sing different hymns from visiting priest Der Arshag, who accompanied our campers on his violin. After the singing, they got to play a camp favorite, Moog Moog Vazeh Moog! 

We were treated to burritos for lunch, and then headed down to play different games, take canoe and paddle boat rides, shoot balloons at archery, and make some scarves at arts and crafts amongst other activities. Campers headed up the hill in the afternoon to clean off, and to start preparing for the evening's talent show. After chapel, they came up to the mess hall, but instead of having dinner right away, we decided to try something new, and had a little mezze out on the deck. Everyone loved it! 

The talent show this evening is sure to be amazing. We can't wait to watch our campers and staff dance, sing, perform improv skits, and even jumprope! We'll be sure to take some pictures to follow up, and just as a note, all pictures from this week (and there are hundreds) will be posted to the website after our week is over. We know it's something you're all looking forward to. 

The Day of the Dance

Hello Everyone!

What a day of camp we had in front of us here. To give you all a little insight, here's what we had for yesterday's schedule. We started off the morning with a wonderful sermon by Der Datev on the salt of the earth and how to be good Christians, not only amongst family and friends, but in the community. We had delicious breakfast burritos to start off the day, and then the campers headed off to clean their cabins in hopes of getting a chance to have some delicious soft serve. 

Then the campers headed off for some cultural classes to learn about Armenian music, traditions and customs, and even got some practice on valuable lessons during our hands on Armenian cooking class. We also had a visit from a local park ranger to teach our campers about the surrounding wildlife. 

After lunch, the campers headed up the hill to get ready for the big Capture the Counselor event. Their counselors went and hid their final clues, and then everyone went down to the flagpole to receive their first clue with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters. And then we were off! Campers went from the mess hall to the basketball court to the lakeside, the office and back several times, scouring the camp for clues about where their counselors might be hiding. After much running, chasing and herding, all the counselors were caught, and taken down by the lake to get a pie in the face from their campers, which the campers all throughly enjoyed. 

Everyone headed up the hill to clean off and rest up for the big "Armenian Pride" dance. The campers headed down the hill for the evening chapel service. We all got to enjoy the boreg made from the cooking class for dinner, as well as the lahmajoon and Armenian salad. And then it was time to get ready for the dance! Camper Hill was a buzz as campers were putting on their costumes, doing their hair and getting on their best dancing shoes. 

There were special appearances by David of Sassoun, Ararat and Massis and even a sarma! Everyone had a blast dancing to hits of today, days of yester year and some traditional Armenian music as well. Needless to say, after much running and around and dancing, everyone slept wonderfully!

The second day of Hye Camp

The second day of Hye Camp started off nice and sweet! Der Sarkis explained today's sermon with the help of an ice cream sundae. Der Sarkis said it's important to eat the ice cream sundae that was made for you, just as it is important to appreciate what Jesus has done for us by being kind and courteous to others at camp. The campers enjoyed today's chapel, excited to start the day. 

The camp and staff ate a delicious breakfast of sausage, pancakes, and cantaloupe, fueling everyone so that they can be fully awake and attentive for the classes. Breakfast was followed by very cultural and educational morning classes. Campers engaged in bible study class and learned more about Armenian history, music, and dance. Similar to yesterday, many campers received "Vatche Bucks" from their impressive participation.

For lunch today, campers made their own deli sandwiches, creating special masterpieces. Cabins 10 and 4 won cabin clean up and the jenDEAN awards. They are very excited for their frozen yogurt prize!

After lunch, campers prepared for their afternoon activities at volleyball, the field, the lake, and archery. 

Now, Anthony Saroyan, Avo Avetyan, Shahnour Hovsepian, and Hovnan Avetyan are barbecuing tri tip for dinner. We can't wait!

Afterwards, the entire camp will go on the traditional night hike, taking in the beautiful view and appreciating Hye Camp. Next, campers and staff will end the long and wonderful day with a relaxing night of stargazing on the basketball courts.