For the second year, the Diocesan Summer Camps program went forward as a virtual event, with campers participating interactively over the Internet. Virtual Camp ran from Sunday, July 18 through Saturday, July 24, with more than 160 total registrants and some 75 participants on any given day tuning in to join in the activities.
Campers began each day in a Morning Service led by the camp directors and their fellow clergy from across the Eastern Diocese. Classes in the morning included Religion, Armenian Hymns, Armenian Icons, and Armenian Language, while afternoons were devoted to activities like Armenian Cooking, Arts and Crafts, and Armenian Dance.
A special camp session allowed the campers to talk with Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan, who told them how delighted he felt to spend time among the young faithful of the church.
To meet and bond with other children in their respective age groups, campers were able to socialize online by joining “Cabin Group Hangouts.” Evenings were devoted to the camp’s beloved evening programs—which went forward on the Zoom video platform. Campers enjoyed Disney Night, a Dutch Auction, a Pictionary tournament, Family Trivia Night, a Talent Show, and a Campfire and Dance.
“We treasure any opportunity for our child to be exposed to her Armenian heritage,” said one camper parent at the end of the week. “My daughter enjoyed every moment, and wished it could’ve gone on longer!”
Camp directors Fr. Aren Jebejian, Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, and Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian led the young campers throughout the week with pastoral encouragement, warmth, and laughter.
The Eastern Diocese’s Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp extend gratitude to the Dadourian Foundation, for granting permission to re-allocate the 2021 camp scholarships to operate this summer’s Virtual Camp season. Their generosity supported the creation and mailing to each camper of a “care package,” consisting of a camp t-shirt, sticker, morning service booklet, icon prayer card, camper handbook, and canteen candy.
Click the link to view photos of this summer’s Virtual Camp.