The Eastern Diocese’s “Virtual Camp 2020” took place July 26 through August 1, 2020, with 312 registered participants, including 100 first-time campers. The daily online gathering organized by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries department was the Diocese’s creative response to the cancellation of its usual, long-running Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp programs, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The online format allowed campers from the two programs, usually separated by hundreds of miles, to “come together” for the first time in an engaging, interactive forum using the Zoom video conferencing platform. In creating the camp schedule, the camp administration felt it was most important to have interactive classes, with lessons in real-time in order to give kids the opportunity to see each other and feel connected.
“We were extremely pleased with the sense of camaraderie that developed among all the kids throughout the Virtual Camp,” said camp administrator Kathryn Ashbahian. “It was a different experience for everyone compared to ‘normal’ summers. But even so, Virtual Camp Week was filled with energy and enthusiasm from all the campers.”
A Favorite Time of Year
Each day of the week was planned in detail, with activities running from morning to night. Campers gathered online for a daily morning service and message from the day’s camp director, followed by classes on religion, Armenian culture and heritage. Afternoons were occupied with activities like Armenian cooking, arts and crafts, “bootcamp fitness,” and Armenian dance. Clergy and volunteers from across the Diocese led the class sessions.
Along with activities geared towards campers and their families, the camp week also held daily meetings for the CIT and staff age participants. These meetings were a great opportunity for young adults to come together for the chance to grow as leaders through discussions and fellowship. Seda and Talin Propes, long-time St. Vartan Camp participants joined the daily CIT and Staff meetings.
They noted, “Camp is one of our favorite times of the year and not getting to go to St. Vartan Camp was so sad, but Virtual camp made the week feel like we were all actually at camp! It was so great to be able to participate in Armenian church events, especially since we don’t have an Armenian Church in Oklahoma. We can’t wait to all be together again at the Ararat Center!”
Evenings involved familiar camp activities adapted to the virtual format: a family fashion show, a bingo night, and two talent showcases. A Friday night dance and “campfire chat” allowed participants to socialize. Saturday brought Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel among the campers and their families for a poignant and prayerful closing ceremony.
“Our camp directors, clergy, and volunteers made this special summer camp successful, in spite of the restrictions we’re all living under,” said camp administrator Jennifer Morris. “It was especially memorable to bring our two Diocesan camp programs together. It all meant a lot to our campers.”
Unique, Armenian, and Spiritual
This aspect was important to staff member Alaina Kamalian, from St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine, WI, who said, “What I enjoyed about this year’s Virtual Camp was combining both St. Vartan Camp and Hye Camp as a whole. I met a lot of new people in the sessions. As a long time Hye Camp participant, I am hoping to attend St. Vartan Camp next year, and I know that my participation in Virtual Camp will make the transition easier for me to ease into a new camp with all of the people that I met virtually this summer.”
The camp directors were pleased with the success of the camp week. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY said, “It was a joy to see so many bright, smiling, energetic youngsters eager and ready to enjoy a day of camp through the blessings of Zoom technology. Short of being together at camp, one cannot replicate a unique, Armenian, spiritual camp experience, but using Zoom during a pandemic year provided an unforgettable experience for all.
He added: “My favorite part was at the end of each activity when we would all say good-bye; it brought a smile to my face to see all our campers waving to each other, looking forward to the next session or the next morning. I felt a void the following week after virtual camp ended, wishing I could see those beautiful, hopeful, cheerful faces once again through those zoom squares.”
Click here to view photos from the Virtual Camp week.